Survivor I - Tiki Barber Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	RSH	RSHYD	RSHTD	REC	RECYD	RECTD	FPT	RANK
2002	303	1386	11	69	597	0	264.3	7
2003	278	1216	2	69	461	1	185.7	15
2004	322	1518	13	52	578	2	299.6	2

Positives - Well, you can’t ask for more out of your first round pick than the 1500+ rushing yards, 13 rushing TDs, 52 receptions for 550+ yards and two receiving TDs that Tiki exploded with last year. Sure, some say that he won’t repeat his great 2004 season, but with HC Tom Coughlin at the helm again this year, I expect Tiki to make another top five appearance. While some think that rookie Brandon Jacobs may vulture some rushing TDs, with 11 redzone TDs in 68 redzone carries, Tiki was one of the most effective RBs inside the 20 last year.

Negatives - Barber has had a fumbling problem throughout his career, but after changes to his technique last year, he only lost 2 fumbles the entire season. Also, Tiki is 30 years old and approaching the age where running backs tend to get dinged up. Can he repeat his spectacular 2004 season?

Draft Strategy - I knew I would go RB here, and pretty much knew who 1-5 would be this year, and I had narrowed it down between Barber, Dom Davis, and Westbrook in this spot. I knew none of them would be around at 2.7. My philosophy is that in the latter part of round one you have a bunch of guys who all have the potential to crack the top 5 if things go right. You just have to pick “your guy”. In the end, Tiki was my guy based on the fact that he is a proven veteran who catches a lot of balls for a RB who had a great 2004 season.