Jamaal Charles: To Draft Or Not To Draft

Added on Aug 19, 2010 by Scott in

NFL

At the end of 2009, Chiefs second-year running back Jamaal Charles was a fantasy stud. Over his last four games, Charles totaled 658 rushing yards, caught 13 passes and scored four touchdowns. Based on those stats, he became a lock to be picked in the first-round of drafts this summer.

Then the Chiefs went out in the spring and signed ageless wonder Thomas Jones away from the Jets. A collective thud could be heard emanating from the offices of fantasy pundits. Suddenly, Kansas City’s backfield picture became very cloudy.

Jones might be 32, but he’s coming off five consecutive 1000-yard seasons and scored 29 total touchdowns in the last two years. On the flipside, Charles is younger, quicker and possesses an explosive skill-set few backs in the league share. It’s old dog versus new pup. Something’s gotta give.

Despite Charles’ playmaking abilities, Chiefs head coach Todd Haley is still listing Jones number one on the depth chart, which further complicates this conundrum. Haley could be playing head games with his young runner or he might be firmly behind Jones being the main ball carrier. Tough to tell.

Haley’s backfield shuffling is reminiscent of Mike Shanahan’s shenanigans in Denver. Shanny would move the pieces around for a few games before eventually deciding on one guy. I expect Haley will do the same. Jones will likely steal some goal line looks from Charles, but look for #25 to get the bulk of the work.

I’d call Charles a low-end number one back with top five potential. Grab him in the second-round and feel comfortable doing so. If you’re still worried he could bust then handcuff him with Jones later in the draft. Charles is a risk, but his upside is simply too good to pass up.