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Sleeper Backup Running Backs (submitted by Andrew Martinez)

Posted Jun. 19 at 11:56 AM

When it comes to running backs, it’s never a bad idea to draft a backup with potential. Here are a few running backs you might not be thinking about who could see some time or even start in the 2007 season.

Green Bay - Brandon Jackson (Starter - Vernand Morency)
Morency projects as the No. 1 starter, but Jackson is the back of the future. Jackson, the second-round pick out of Nebraska, has the pass blocking ability that Morency lacks. As much as Brett Favre likes to pass, this might be the edge that Jackson uses to slip into the starting gig and never look back.

Tennessee - Chris Henry (LenDale White)
LenDale White shows no signs of taking the starting job and making it his own. Tack on a lackadaisical work effort and a fiery attitude and Henry could see a good chunk of playing time this year, if he plays his cards right. But if he’s slow to catch on or the Titans sign a veteran like Chris Brown, his stock could take a big hit. Either way, Henry is someone to keep your eye on, now and in your draft.

Houston – Samkon Gado/Ron Dayne (Ahman Green)
Gary Kubiak likes to use lots of different running backs. In the off-season the Texans signed Green with the hopes that he’ll be their every down back. Cutting into his carries could be Gado, with his youth and speed, and Dayne, with his short-yardage carrying ability. Should Green get injured or start to run out of gas, it wouldn’t shock me to see Gado and/or Dayne producing.

Buffalo – Anthony Thomas (Marshawn Lynch)
The Bills want Lynch, their first-round pick out of California, to be the No. 1 running back. This is great except for the fact that Lynch has never played a single down before in the NFL. The last two rookie running backs that started their rookie years were Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams and both tired, down the stretch. Thomas is a seasoned veteran who knows the system and with whom J.P. Losman feels comfortable. At worst, Thomas is a must-have handcuff pick for all Lynch owners.

Andrew Martinez
Houston

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