McFadden to the Front of Crowded Backfield - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

Fantasy FanHouse will be chiming in throughout the NFL draft with fantasy analysis of each fantasy relevant pick.

So the Raiders made sure that just because they have other viable options they were not going to make the same mistake six teams made last year in passing on a franchise/game-breaking running back. While I'm not suggesting Darren McFadden is Adrian Peterson reincarnate, I am suggesting that it would have been stupid to let McFadden slide all the way down to seven this year after seeing the impact Peterson had as a rook.

So what is the fantasy fallout? Well, first things first ... there is no way the Raiders carry all these running backs. They have trading chips, but the question now becomes if they can trade any of the dudes for something they want before having to simply cut a couple.

-Justin Fargas has agreed to a new contract, but his value will likely never be higher for teams searching for a running back.

-Dominic Rhodes was a costly free agent signing last off-season and did not do anything to come close to expectations of the contract. He did restructure, though, and figured to play as Fargas' backup before this draft pick.

-Lamont Jordan was likely on his way to receiving his walking papers anyway, and now that McFadden is on board he's definitely going to be out of work.

-Michael Bush was a monster in college, but hasn't played in the NFL -- he was recovering from injury last year and proclaims himself 100% currently.

The only real thing we know for now is that McFadden shoots to the top of the depth chart. It's likely that the Raiders follow the Vikings blueprint of bringing McFadden along like Peterson while using Fargas in Chester Taylor's role. Jordan is gone, and at this point I'll speculate that they find a trading partner for Rhodes, making Michael Bush the third string back.

Really, really early predictions on value?

-McFadden goes too early in most drafts, as people will expect Peterson. He'll end up in the 12-14 range of fantasy running backs with several explosive touchdowns. He'll be solid, but best suited as your #2 back.

- Fargas goes too late in most drafts, as people will expect McFadden to completely take over right away. He'll end up in the low 20s of running backs. That's a low-end two or high-end three in most leagues.

- In this scenario, Bush is a definite handcuff to either of these guys. He'd be able to step in with very little pressure should there be an injury. The Raiders did run the ball well last season, and they should continue to improve with this stable of backs.

- Rhodes will be a backup running back somewhere (perhaps back in Indy, since they don't tolerate off-field indiscretions and Kenton Keith was recently arrested). His value is totally dependent upon where he lands. In Indy, for example, he'd have good value as a fourth fantasy RB.

- Jordan could be a backup for a mediocre team, and he's only worth owning if he's behind an injury prone back. I wouldn't even bother with him if he ended up in San Diego, for example.

The Raiders were sixth in the NFL in rushing yards last season, and they are only getting better. The addition of Javon Walker to the receiving corps teamed with the expected growth from last year's top pick JaMarcus Russell means the passing game should step up and take pressure off the runners.

Remember, you can love the McFadden pick. Just maintain your wits before fantasy draft day and stay realistic.

He's not Adrian Peterson.

Yet.