1. Ladanian Tomlinson. Far and away the best running back in the league. He's runs for big gains as well as short yardage and gets more TD's than anyone in the history of the league. The biggest plus for LT is his ability to see an opening in the field. He is the focal point of a high powered San Diego offense. Look for another big year in 2007.
2. Larry Johnson. Tough runner that will get 30 plus carries a game. Great in every aspect of the game. Basically one of only two weapons in the Kansas City offense. Anytime they get the ball inside the twenty they are calling Johnson's number. He's still improving and is already one of the leagues best backs.
3. Frank Gore. Standout in the 2006 season and very vocal about his determination to improve. Breaks big runs and also led the 49ers in receptions. He's an every down back with great conditioning. He had some knee injuries in college but seems to have completely recovered from that. If San Fransisco does anything at all to improve their offense before next year Gore is going to have an incredible year both rushing and receiving.
4. Stephen Jackson. Great all around back that nearly got a thousand yards rushing and receiving. Also had 16 total TD in 2006. The only reason he's not higher is because St. Louis has a lot of other offensive weapons that will take away from Jackson. The best thing about Jackson is that he is constantly a threat when the offense is on the feild.
5. Shawn Alexander. Injuries plagued him in 2006 but is still a great fantasy running back. Look for a much better year in 2007. He missed half the year and was still in the top twenty of fantasy scoring. This is a make or break type of year for Alexander because if he doesn't bounce back this late in his career he will most likely be looking toward the end of his star stature.
6. Willie Parker. While Willie puts up huge games he also has dismal outings. He's a risk but when he's hot he's hot. He had two games with over 200 hards rushing and is always a threat to score. This year he also proved that he can be the goal line bruiser that Pittsburgh lost with the Bus. His speed allows him to hit the outside nearly every play.
7. Maurice Jones-Drew. Look for Jacksonville to deal Fred Taylor and if that does happen that may boost Drew up even higher. Drew proved himself time and time again in his rookie season. He's an incredibly versatile back who has a lot of speed and suprising power for someone as small as he is.
8. Brian Westbrook. Phily's "ultimate weapon." Great receiving out of the backfield and dependable every down back as long as he's healthy. Has great speed to break big plays and rarely makes mistakes.
9. Reggie Bush. Really came out towards the end of the season with big games and big plays. Look for much improvement in 2007, especially if McCallister gets moved. Bush has amazing speed and the same type of vision as Tomlinson. He combines everything that the good backs in the league have with speed, power, and knowledge.
10. Rudi Johnson. Consistent back who thrives off of Palmers arm more than anything else. Great for goal line work and is an every down back in Cinci. The plus and negative about Rudi is that he is a consistent back. He never really has huge games but will constantly put up slightly above average numbers.
11. Joseph Addai. Every down back in the best offense in the NFL. Benefits highly from Mannings presence as QB but is still a good back. Look for improvement in 2007.
12. Chester Taylor. Only good player in a poor Minnesota offense. Look for bigger numbers in 2007.
13. Willis McGahee. There are many questions about his health but when he is healthy he's a quick and strong back with great presence on the field.
14. Marion Barber. Ranking will increase with release of Julius Jones. Would be great every down back with speed and power
15. Edgerin James. Had an average season in 2006 but will look to improve in 2007, especially if Arizona does work on its offensive line
Others to look for.
Clinton Portis/Ladell Betts. In 2006 Betts picked up for Portis and performed very well in the few games that he played. These players will most likely share carries now which is terrible because they are both great backs. If one gets hurt, the other will emerge as a stud.
Norwood/Dunn. Atlanta is the best rush offense in the NFL and will most likely deal one of these players. The player left has a lot of potential.
Dillon/Moroney. Two good backs sharing carries. Dillon has retirement rumors and that will boost Moroney up quite a bit.
Adrian Peterson. I know that he hasn't even been drafted yet, but this guy is going to be a monster in the NFL. Anyone remember Christain Oyoke?