NFL draft analysis -- RB

The Houston Texans shocked the world by drafting DE Mario Williams and passing on Reggie Bush. Other than that, there weren't many surprises, as several teams filled holes and others strengthened an already good backfield. Let's look at the running rookies:

Reggie Bush -- #2 pick to New Orleans -- The Saints didn't really need a RB, but the hype and talent that Bush brings was too much to pass up for a city in need of an adrenaline shot. Bush has been called the best college running back in the last 15 years, but it will be interesting to see what the Saints do with Deuce McAllister. Reggie might find himself used more as a slot receiver his rookie year. Either way, he's the prize of this draft, and will become a top fantasy RB in time.

Laurence Maroney -- #21 pick to New England -- This is a great pick for the Patriots, who feature aging back Corey Dillon, and a trio of backups who aren't impressive. Maroney will have time to learn the system and will only be pushed into action if Dillon gets injured. He should take over the starting job in 2007 and become a top-15 fantasy back immediately. Draft him this year and hold on for the future.

DeAngelo Williams -- #27 pick to Carolina -- I suppose I'm confused; the Panthers resigned DeShaun Foster to a two year contract and spent a high pick last season on Eric Shelton. They had other holes that needed filling, but they chose to take a tailback. It remains to be seen what their plans are for Williams, but he'd need Foster out of the way to make an impact in 2006. He should be a good NFL back, but not a fantasy stud anytime soon.

Joseph Addai -- #30 pick to Indianapolis -- I liked Addai in college. I liked him more after the combine. I love him as a Colt. Addai will have a chance to start right now, with only Dominic Rhodes in his way. He's a nice fit for their system, and he will allow Peyton Manning to stretch the defense by running inside if necessary. Addai will be a fantasy stud in the second half of 2006, if not sooner. He won't be the first rookie drafted in your league, but he should be.

LenDale White -- #45 pick to Tennessee -- The Titans took chances with both of their first two picks, selecting Vince Young in the first round and White in the second. He didn't perform at the combine due to a hamstring injury, which probably cost him a chance at the first round. White is a bruising back who has yet to prove he can play every down. He'll compete with Chris Brown for the job, but look for Brown to win and White to get some goal line and short yardage carries in 2006.

Maurice Drew -- #60 pick to Jacksonville -- Drew joins a crowded backfield with the Jaguars, but should contribute as a third down back this season. He's small and injury prone, meaning he'll fit well in Jacksonville. He doesn't figure to have a starting role soon, but he could be the backup for many years. Drew was drafted higher than I expected, and he shouldn't be one of your top three fantasy backs this year.

Brian Calhoun -- #74 pick to Detroit -- This could turn out to be a good value pick for the Lions. Calhoun will probably emerge as the backup to Kevin Jones, but in an offense featuring three first round picks at receiver and two quarterbacks with good arms, Calhoun could be a major contributor if Jones is injured or ineffective. That being said, don't draft him too high, as he is the #2 man behind a young running back that the Lions have a lot invested in.

Jerious Norwood -- #79 pick to Atlanta -- This is a wasted pick for the Falcons. Norwood doesn't do anything especially well, and Atlanta has Warrick Dunn giving them great numbers every season. I know that Dunn has passed 30 years old, but T.J. Duckett should become the full time back. I'd be surprised if Norwood has any impact at all this year, and may be the RB from this draft that will be out of the league after three years without doing anything.

Others who were drafted:

Leon Washington -- #117 pick to the New York Jets -- Washington might find a place on special teams, but he won't have any fantasy impact in 2006.

P.J. Daniels -- #132 pick to Baltimore -- I like this pick because Jamal Lewis is always a question mark. Stash Daniels on your bench in deep leagues and hope he gets a chance.

Jerome Harrison -- #145 pick to Cleveland -- The Browns don't have a stud back, so anyone could step up to produce. With Droughns and Suggs in front of him, anything could happen.

Wali Lundy -- #170 pick to Houston -- Lundy had a nice college career, but he won't do much as a pro. Houston might keep him as their third RB.

Cedric Humes -- #240 pick to Pittsburgh -- The Steelers might convert Humes into a backup fullback and keep him on the team. You don't need to get to know him.

Quinton Ganther -- #246 pick to Tennessee -- If he makes the team, it will be as a special teams player, which doesn't do anything for you.