May Update: Rookie RB Rankings

It has been almost a month since the conclusion of the 2010 NFL Draft and it is time to update our dynasty positional rankings for the rookie class.

Several teams have already held minicamps and the beat writers have been out in full force providing us with all the updates we need to further evaluate these prospects.

Here are the latest updates:

Ryan Mathews:

Ryan Mathews won’t have to wait long to replace the departed LaDainian Tomlinson.  The Chargers are already preparing Mathews to be their workhorse back, as he took the majority of the snaps in their rookie minicamp.  Darren Sproles will reprise his role as third-down back, but Mathews is still the rookie most likely to make a huge fantasy impact in 2010.

Jahvid Best:

The Lions had the explosive Jahvid Best ranked in the top-15 on their draft board and they made the aggressive move to trade up for him at the end of the first round.  Kevin Smith has already taken the rookie under his wing in offseason activities.  Best may be the best long-term dynasty option of all the available running backs in this draft class.  Once he adds more bulk to his frame, he could be a special running back in the Chris Johnson mold.

C.J. Spiller:

C.J. Spiller couldn’t have landed in a worse situation to begin his career.  Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson are still on the Bills depth chart and could take carries away from Spiller early in the season.  There is no question Spiller is already the most talented running back on the roster, but he will have to deal with a rebuilding offensive line, a shaky quarterback situation and the aforementioned crowed backfield.  Spiller should fall no further than fourth overall in your rookie draft, and if he does, take him without hesitation.

Ben Tate:

Ben Tate is the perfect example of how much team situation can improve draft stock.  Tate ranked 7^th in our pre-draft running back rankings and now is entrenched at No. 4 behind the big three.  Tate is not a lock to see significant playing time as a rookie, although he is being drafted like he will.  If Tate struggles with fumbles early, head coach Gary Kubiak will not hesitate to feature Steve Slaton or Arian Foster instead.

Montario Hardesty:

Montario Hardesty has already made a good impression on head coach Eric Mangini with his ability to pick up things quickly in rookie minicamp.  Hardesty will see plenty of action as a rookie, and could form a potent running back tandem with the undersized Jerome Harrison going forward.  The only concerns about Hardesty are his injury history and the recent struggles of the Browns’ offense.

The ranking score for each player is based on several factors:

• Pre-draft scouting reports
• College production
• Strength of team scouting department
• Draft selection
• Offensive scheme
• 2010 Team Schedule

Running Back Rankings (RB) – Previous Ranking in Parenthesis

1. Ryan Mathews – Chargers 9.13 (1)
2. Jahvid Best – Lions 8.72 (2)
3. C.J. Spiller – Bills 8.65 (3)
4. Ben Tate – Texans 8.44 (4)
5. Montario Hardesty – Browns 8.18 (6)
6. Toby Gerhart – Vikings 8.02 (5)
7. Jonathan Dwyer – Steelers 7.69 (8)
8. James Starks – Packers 7.39 (10)
9. Joe McKnight – Jets 7.31 (9)
10. Anthony Dixon – 49ers 7.17 (11)
11. Deji Karim – Jaguars 7.17 (12)
12. Charles Scott – Eagles 6.82 (13)
13. LeGarrette Blount – Titans 6.61 (UR)
14. Lonyae Miller – Cowboys 6.47 (UR)
15. Javarris James – Colts 6.19 (UR)
16. Dimitri Nance – Falcons 6.15 (UR)
17. Shawnbrey McNeal – Chargers 5.77 (UR)
18. Stafon Johnson – Titans 5.74 (UR)
19. Joique Bell – Bills 5.65 (UR)
20. Keiland Williams – Redskins 5.61 (UR)