Survivor I - Clinton Portis Commentary

NOTE: this draft was completed on 7/24

Recent Stats

YR	RSH	RSHYD	RSHTD	REC	RECYD	RECTD	FPT	RANK
2002	273	1508	15	33	364	2	289.2	4
2003	290	1591	14	38	314	0	274.5	5
2004	343	1315	5	40	235	2	201.8	11

Positives - Clinton Portis had the worst season of his career last year and still finished as the 11th overall running back. He had 383 touches for over 1500 yards. He will be force fed the ball and has no competition or worries of a RBBC. He is a capable receiver out of the backfield and will be the focal point of the offense. With Laveranues Coles and Rod Gardner leaving town, I expect big things out of Clinton, especially early in the season. The last 3 seasons he finished the season as the 4th, 5th, and 11th ranked running back. Consistency and a healthy offensive line should lead to another top 5 finish.

Negatives - YPC and TDs dropped dramatically last season compared with the previous two seasons in Denver. A 5.5 ypc dropped to 3.8 as injuries to the offensive line and confusion at QB allowed defenses to stack the box against the run. 31 touchdowns in his 1st 29 games dropped to only a combined 7 scores last season. He is not a huge man, 5’11”, 205 lbs, and some concerns exist over the amount of hits he takes.

Draft Strategy - I entered the draft wanting 3 RBs in the 1st 4 rounds. Portis is a safe pick in that he will get his touches. With the best ball scoring, I’m looking for homerun hitters and not worried as much about the strikeouts. If Portis can give me multiple 25+ point games, I’ll be fine with some under 10pt outings as well. He was my highest rated RB at this point.