Survivor I - Michael Bennett Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	RSH	RSHYD	RSHTD	REC	RECYD	RECTD	FPT	RANK
2002	255	1296	5	37	351	1	200.7	17
2003	90	447	1	12	132	0	63.9	48
2004	70	276	1	21	207	1	60.3	54

Positives - Two words – contract year. Not only is it a contract year for Michael Bennett, but he’s finally healthy and poised to make an impact as the starting running back for a great offensive team. It also helps to have your coach in your corner. Mike Tice on Bennett this year: “I think Michael Bennett could be a player that could have a great year for us. He's had another exceptional off-season, and I anticipate that he could have the biggest year of his career.” Vikings RB coach Dean Dalton on Bennett’s blazing speed – “Bennett was clocked in 9.91 seconds and 10.0 seconds in 100-meter track races this spring. The 9.91 would have been a fifth-place finish in the last Olympics in Athens, Greece," "He's smoking." Bennett is healthy for the first time in two years after recovering from major ankle and knee surgeries. "He's better now than he has ever been, and he has matured.” One more positive – The Vikings new offensive coordinator is former offensive line coach, Steve Loney. With Loney coordinating the offense, I suspect the Vikings will put more of an emphasis on the running game, which would surely benefit Bennett.

Negatives - While Michael Bennett may be the starting running back as of right now, Mike Tice has been known to shift things around and change his mind. Although it’s a positive response from Tice on Bennett’s chances this season, we’ve learned long ago to take whatever Mike Tice says with a grain of salt. Another concern for Bennett owners is that he is an injury risk. He was healthy this time last season too, but then the injury bug struck him in the preseason. The Vikings running game looks to be solid once again this season, but if you happen to select Bennett, be sure to consider backup Mewelde Moore and possibly rookie Ciatrick Fason.

Draft Strategy - After shockingly not selecting a running back in either of my first two picks, I absolutely had to grab my starting backs before all of the talent was picked over. Luckily there were two backs still on the board that I considered securely locked in as the starting back. One was Buccaneers rookie, Carnell Williams (whom I selected two picks prior) and the other was Michael Bennett. Bennett does have competition in Mewelde Moore, Moe Williams and possibly rookie Ciatrick Fason, but it's his role to lose. That couldn't be said of the other backs still on the board. I was fortunate to have Bennett available. Passing on him with this pick, would've been draft suicide, considering I'd have to wait another 20 picks before my next selection. It was a no-brainer.