Dolphins’ Brown isn’t getting much respect

By Richard Diaz  |   Friday, June 20, 2008  |  Comments( 14 )

Miami Dolphins
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One thing that’s become apparent regarding preseason fantasy football rankings is a lack of respect for Miami Dolphins running back Ronnie Brown. According to the experts, he’s a worse fantasy option than Green Bay's Ryan Grant, Cleveland's Jamal Lewis, New England's Laurence Maroney and the Giants' Brandon Jacobs. Nothing against those guys, but Brett Favre's departure will probably negatively affect Grant, Cleveland and New England are pass-first teams, and Jacobs might lose a good amount of carries to backup Ahmad Bradshaw.

Prior to going down with a torn ACL in Week 7 of the 2007 season, Brown led the NFL in multipurpose yardage with 991. That included 39 catches for 389 yards, which led all running backs up to Week 7. In addition, Brown was averaging a robust 5.1 yards per carry and tied his career-high touchdowns total, accruing five. Suffice to say that before he suffered a knee injury, Brown was easily one of the best backs in the league.

For those worried about the condition of Brown's knee, he's looked healthy during offseason workouts, so there’s no reason to doubt his ability to pick up where he left off last year.

Miami's new regime is one that tends to favor a power running game with double-tight end formations. If you match that with the acquisition of first overall draft pick Jake Long, a tackle, and the team's improved offensive line, the end result could be a potentially lethal rushing attack with Brown leading the way.

Brown should also benefit from an improved passing game. That element of the Dolphins' offense was nonexistent for most of last season, yet Brown still rushed for 100-plus yards in four straight games. Each team that he shredded during that streak is on the 2008-09 schedule, so it’ll be interesting to see if he can match or exceed last season’s success.

In short, Brown’s a back who finally lived up to expectations last season, but that has gone for naught in the minds of some fantasy observers. Popular theory suggests Brown shouldn't be picked prior to the 30th selection in fantasy drafts this summer, but owners should take him earlier if he's available and they feel his knee won't be an issue.
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