RB Tim Hightower, ARI

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2009 Outlook: Bust (overvalued)

Fantasy owners that followed the Player Upgrades weekly articles last season know that I was driving the Tim Hightower bandwagon as early as the pre-season in 2008. Hightower was a wavier wire wonder for fantasy owners who picked up the rookie last year. Hightower, the Cardinals' 5th round selection from Richmond took over the starting role from Edgerrin James in Week 9 and rushed for 109 yards and 1 TD on 22 carries. Hightower faded down the stretch failing to rush for over 35 yards in a start over the final half of the season. While Hightower''s rushing yardage total of 399 yards wasn't great, he did score 10 TD's as a rookie in 2008.

Arizona's decision to draft Ohio State RB Chris Wells in the 1st Round of the 2009 NFL Draft will allow Hightower to excel in a complementary role as a receiver out of the backfield and a premier goal-line back for the Cardinals in 2009. Hightower won't put up impressive yardage totals, but double digit touchdowns will make Hightower worthy of a selection in the middle rounds as a #3 or #4 option for fantasy owners in 2009.

Update 8/21

Hightower received the start in place of the injured Chris Wells, and ran hard as he always does rushing for 24 yards on 6 carries. The reality is that Arizona isn't a very good running team, and that won't change with Tim Hightower carrying the ball. Chris Wells will likely be the Week 1 starter, and he has the opportunity to make a difference in the Cardinals' running game. Hightower will vulture a few goal-line touches, and is a quality receiver out of the backfield, but he isn't a starter and shouldn't be drafted as one in fantasy leagues.

Average Draft Position

2009 Mock Draft Results