Fantasy Football News

2nd Best Overall 2007 Fantasy Football Player

07/13/2007

Why Larry Johnson should be the #2 Overall Pick in Every Fantasy Draft this year:

   Many people seem to be jumping off the Larry Johnson bandwagon this off season. These are probably the same people who were quick to jump on after he put up gaudy numbers in 2005, his first full season. As far as I've seen there are three major arguments that are presented by those who no longer see Larry Johnson as the second best running back in the NFL.

The first argument revolves around Johnson's request for a new contract which has prompted fears that Johnson will be a training camp no-show. Quite frankly after rushing 416 times last season, it wouldn't be the end of the world if Johnson showed up to camp a little late. Let's get one thing straight, Larry Johnson is a baller'. Even if Johnson does hold out for a new contract, it shouldn't affect his performance once the season starts. Furthermore, he will play. Contract holdouts have become the norm in the NFL, a brilliant tactical maneuver engineered by the likes of Drew Rosenhaus to put the fear of God into NFL teams. Yet that's all they are, a big bluff. No intelligent NFL player, Johnson included would allow a contract holdout to keep them off the field come the start of the season.

The second argument against Johnson is that he won't be able to repeat his previous performance due to changes on the Chief's offensive line. This kind of idle speculation has been proven wrong in the past, and will be proven wrong yet again. Its true that the retirement of Pro Bowl guard Will Shields will hurt the Chief's offense, its impact on Johnson is less certain. Many in KC feared the worst for the Chief's running game last year when veteran left tackle Willie Roaf retired. Yet, Larry Johnson carried for an NFL record 416 times for a career best 1,789 yards. Look for Johnson to put up similar numbers again this year, even without Will Shields.

The final argument against Johnson is that his ability to run will be hampered by the presence of second year quarterback Brodie Croyle behind center. This argument suggests that opposing defenses will stuff the box with eight man fronts until Brodie Croyle can prove that he can beat them in the air. There were similar concerns in San Diego last year with the inexperienced Philip Rivers taking over for Drew Brees. Yet despite the change at Quarterback, LaDainian Tomlinson put up career bests across the board. If anything opposing team's efforts to stuff the run against the Chiefs this year will result in increased receiving stats for Johnson, with no appreciable decline in his rushing statistics.

Having refuted all the arguments against Larry Johnson, his previous numbers speak for themselves, he is clearly the #2 overall player of any fantasy draft.

Larry Johnson is:

•   27 years old and hitting his prime years as a running back
•   Going to run for 1,700 Yards in a 16 game season
•   Going to have at least 400 receiving yards, with more likely as a result of Brodie Croyle's inexperience.
•   Going to have at least 20 combined touchdowns
•   The primary engine of the Chief's offense, meaning he's going to get a lot of touches.

About the Author:
Asita is a senior staff writer for fflcommish.com , a flexible online fantasy football league management service providing features for the discerning fantasy football league manager.