RB Ray Rice, BAL

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2009 Outlook: Sleeper (undervalued)

It is almost hard to call Rice a "sleeper" considering he is getting picked as early as the fourth round in some mocks, but since the masses may not be there quite yet, we'll stick with that tag. As part of the Ravens' crowded backfield, Rice did not have the volume of touches that many of his fellow rookies enjoyed, but his time is coming. Rice rushed 107 times for 454 yards (including a monster 21-154 performance in Week nine), while hauling in 33 receptions. The Ravens are talking about using a split backfield, and Rice is getting the early nod as starter over the oft-injured Willis McGahee (who is coming off another surgery and likely is a cap casualty after this campaign). The second-year back is surprisingly effective running inside -- though LeRon McClain will likely get the goal line carries despite moving to fullback -- and Rice has plenty of speed to get to the outside. The presence of the other two backs will be an annoyance, but the more time Rice gets to show his wares with the first-team, the easier it will be for the Ravens' brass to envision the changing of the guard. Those in keeper leagues and PPR leagues should bump Rice up on their draft boards as he has a chance to be a solid RB3 this year.

Average Draft Position

2009 Mock Draft Results