Survivor I - Jerome Bettis Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	RSH	RSHYD	RSHTD	REC	RECYD	RECTD	FPT	RANK
2002	187	666	9	7	57	0	126.3	31
2003	246	811	7	13	86	0	131.7	26
2004	250	941	13	6	46	0	181.2	18

Positives - The wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round, 'round and 'round… Most people felt the wheels on the Bus were worn thin entering the 2004 season. But when Staley got injured, Bettis transformed himself into a younger model and posted a career-high 13 touchdowns. With the run-oriented Steelers philosophy, Bettis will still see playing time, particularly at the goal line.

Negatives - Bettis may join Barry Sanders in the retirement home this summer. With rumors he may call it quits before the season starts, makes this a big gamble in a league where your team is locked after the draft. Even if Bettis plays again, Staley returns and reclaims his starting job, limiting the Bus to spot duty.

Draft Strategy - For once Nipsey didn't steal my targeted player. Instead, Wheelhouse did. I was going RB with this pick and was hoping for Marshall Faulk. With him going, I grabbed my next ranked RB, which was Bettis. This is a risky choice as Bettis could easily retire which would make this a wasted pick. But I'm banking on him sticking around for 1 more season. And another Staley injury could make this pick a steal. Yep, I need some stars to align…