Survivor I - Mike Anderson Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	RSH	RSHYD	RSHTD	REC	RECYD	RECTD	FPT	RANK
2002	84	386	2	18	167	2	79.3	43
2003	70	257	3	12	53	2	61.0	50

Positives - Although it is probable, there is no guarantee that Tatum Bell will be the starter. While Bell is the most talented of the Denver RBs, he has had some problems with “fumblitis”. Enter Mike Anderson. Anderson has proven in the past that he can handle the work load having had a stellar 2000 season with 297/1487/15 which most have forgotten about. He has been proclaimed (for now) the #1 RB entering training camp. Bell has shown to be prone to injury as well as Quentin Griffin, and with Clarett being somewhat undersized, Anderson is probably the most durable Denver RB at this point. Anderson could see goal line carries as well being the bigger RB.

Negatives - There is potential for Anderson not to be the starter and also the potential for a RBBC situation in Denver. Recent Acquisition Ron Dayne could end up getting some goal line carries as well. Bell and Griffin could get dinged up enough to still be able to contribute, but not be completely sidelined. And the most dangerous scenario of all – Bell stays healthy, stops fumbling, and becomes a fantasy stud.

Draft Strategy - Looking again to “shore up” the RB position and at this point there are only “backups” left so I would use the same strategy as I looked for a backup who was an established RB in his own right, had a good offensive line, and was backup to an injury prone starter. Anderson was one of the best backs left on the board at this point, and had the added advantage of being in a situation similar to that of Larry Johnson who met all three of my criteria. If Anderson does get to start at any point in the season, then the additional production is “gravy” since I am getting him at “backup” RB value. Now I would have two vulture backup RBs in the fold who would be waiting in the wings to capitalize if the #1RB went down.