best value -- RB

Even though running back is the most scarce of the fantasy positions, there are still good value buys late in drafts. Several of the big name RB have missed time due to injury, and their backups have won games for studious fantasy owners. While some choose to draft the second string back to their starter, others select young reserves waiting for a chance. Here are the best buys at RB, regardless of status.

1. LenDale White -- Tennessee Titans -- People have knocked his work ethic, his weight, his drive... but nobody questions his talent. At the worst, he'll be the short-yardage back, and he might take the starting job if Chris Brown is injured or ineffective. With Vince Young and White, the Titans offense should have two stud performers for several years. White will fall 40+ backs into a traditional draft, but in keeper leagues you should draft him no later than the 30-35 range, and in the top-100 overall.

2. Kevin Jones -- Detroit Lions -- After rushing for more than 900 yards in his last eight games of 2004, many people had Jones pegged as the next franchise fantasy back. Wow, was that a mistake. Jones flopped terribly, finishing '05 with only 664 yards and never reaching 100 in a single week. He converted only one out of seven carries from the 1-yard line, and he's not a good receiver. So why is he on this list? The Lions have a new offensive guru in Mike Martz and have upgraded the QB situation. Jones should finally be healthy, and he won't be pushed by rookie Brian Calhoun just yet. You'll be able to pick up Jones about 20 backs into the draft, and that's a great gamble.

3. Chris Perry -- Cincinnati Bengals -- Rudi Johnson doesn't miss much time, but Perry has already carved his niche as the third down receiving back. Perry caught 51 passes last year in limited time. He's not as big as Johnson, but he's quicker and can take it to the house every time he touches the ball. If Johnson gets injured, Perry would step in as a top-15 RB. That's unlikely to happen, so pick Perry as one of the first reserves and hope that he gets a chance.

4. Cedric Benson -- Chicago Bears -- The Bears gave Benson a large contract and expected him to give large contributions in 2005. The problem? Thomas Jones was busy having a career year, compiling almost 1500 total yards and nine touchdowns. Benson might not start the season as the #1 guy, but by midseason he'll be a fantasy stud. The Bears have no passing offense to speak of, but that didn't stop Jones last year. Benson will fall at least 30 RB into the draft, and anytime after that would be a great time to steal him.

5. The 3rd overall pick -- Whoever ends up with the 3rd pick in your draft automatically has the best value pick of the first round. Larry Johnson, LaDainian Tomlinson and Shaun Alexander are locks to fill the first three spots, but their position will be argued until draft night. Drafting any one of them makes your team a force to start the night, but the owner sitting on #3 is the winner of this situation. He has no pressure, as he'll draft whoever is left of the big three, and he'll get a player who would be drafted #1 in any other season. If you draw #3, you're in great shape.