Flaximus

I think there is definitely a good chance. The Lions just signed him to a nice contract extension with decent guaranteed $ so he is definitely in their plans. He catches passes (53 compared to 54 for Bush) and will get most of the GL work (8 TD's on 166 overall attempts). I could see their overall touches evening out to more of a 50/50 split this year. Throw in the fact that Bush has only played 16 games in 2 of his 8 seasons and I see a lot of room for optimism.

I think there is a decent level of risk, but the potential upside is definitely there. My guess is that he won't be as good as his rookie year, but certainly a step or two up from his injury plagued year 2. A good RB2 who could play like a RB3 or RB1 depending on how the chips fall.

Both of these projections are right on point with what I mentioned. Those are RB2 #'s for sure and getting him in the 4th round would allow you to get a couple of top 12 WR's, Jimmy Graham, or a top QB if you wanted.

I am a little more optimistic than the rest of you it looks like. Obviously we will know much more when the preseason gets going. However, he looks to me like a great talent meets opportunity situation. They let go of Chris Johnson and drafted him highly (#1 RB taken I believe) for a reason. The rest of the depth chart stinks - Greene and McCluster. They improved their offensive line in the draft and have developing talent at the other skill positions. Last year they were #14 in rushing YPG. For me, I see no reason why he can't have a similar season to Johnson last year - 1400+ total yards, 40 catches, 8 TD's. Rookies are always a little risky but if I can get RB2 #'s with a 4th round pick I'll take it. Eddie Lacy in the 3rd round last year was another great rookie value for me.

Career stats 4.9 YPC 43 TD's on 1169 carries (9 TD's per 250 carries) 8.5 yards per catch

DWill has always been one of the most efficient RB's in the league. He produces high YPC and YPT #'s. His issue has been opportunity/lack of touches. If JStew misses the season or even a good portion of it that will mean a much higher and more consistent touch count. To me, that makes him a good RB3/RB4 option for your bench. If things go well it could mean low end RB2 production.

I'm interested to hear your reasoning behind these statements. Everything I have seen and heard seems to point to the Bears offense being similar in production to last year at the very least and likely better all around - improved OL (on paper), Jeffrey potentially emerging, adding Bennett, and better more creative play calling.

My thoughts as well. It opens up options after securing a solid #1 at both positions.

How does everyone's position change in a 12 team PPR league where you start 1 RB, 1 WR and 2 flex (RB/WR)?

Amendola is probably the most polarizing WR this year. There doesn't seem to be any middle ground. He is either going to catch 100+ balls and be Brady's security blanket, or he will be an injury waiting to happen with overrated skills anyway.

I agree with an earlier poster that taking 2 WR at the turn has the potential to really paint you into a corner when your picks come at the end of the 3rd. A decent couple of RB's MIGHT be waiting for you, but what if they aren't? Do you settle for a RB or 2 that isn't worth those draft slots? Do you wait a whole 2 rounds and try again? I think if you don't go RB/RB than a combo of one RB and a WR/Graham could definitely work. A RB/WR combo opens up all options with your next picks, allowing you to take BPA. As Mr Beernuts has stated so often, I am also open to the possibility of Graham in round 2.

I like this analysis. For me it boils down to taking the proverbial "best player available" with an early round bias towards RB's. After the first half dozen RB's there very likely will be multiple WR's that outscore the RB's around them, but if all you took were WR's at that point you'd be gripping for risky RB2, RB3, etc later. I think if things fall right you can get 2 quality RB's and an upper tier WR in rounds 1-3. From there you can take the best option at either position each succeeding round. And I am not against considering Graham in that mix if it is good value where you get him.

I have to agree that the RB's in that group are by no means sure things. If you have confidence that a couple of them can step in and give RB2 level production it can work well.

I think this is a potentially very viable strategy depending on your league scoring and roster requirements. My main league is a 12 team PPR where you start 1 RB, 1 WR and 2 flex. If I am drafting towards the end of the 1st round I will definitely debate the merits of taking 2 "pretty good" RB's in the 1st/2nd vs. 2 top flight WR's and/or Jimmy Graham. Would I feel better selecting a combo of Megatron, Dez (who I think will have a huge year), AJ Green, or Jimmy Graham instead of some combo of Morris, SJax and Forte? Quite possibly yes. However, if you use that strategy you have to nail a couple of high risk/high reward RB's in rd 3-6 Bell Ball Miller Wilson Bush etc.

Throw in another name if it suits you better. RB's that have historic seasons show moderate to major drop offs the next year. That would likely put AP in 1500/12 30/350 territory. Is that much different than projections for Martin, Charles or Spiller?