Fantasy Football Preview: LeGarrette Blount
By Bo Martin
Our Fantasy Football Preview continues by looking at LeGarrette Blount and his worth going into the 2012 season.
The Analysis:
LeGarrette Blount ended his college career with one big memory burned into everyone’s mind, a punch in the face. Unfortunately, it might not be the negative thing that we will remember Blount for.. Last year Blount was considered a popular pick for redraft and dynasty leagues. He had displayed power, speed, and vision in a rookie season in which he amassed 1007 yards and 6 touchdowns.
However, his ticket may be punched for his career. After last season Blount was pegged as a player who had a poor work ethic and seemed as though he was entitled after just one season in the NFL. It has been highly documented that Coach Schiano runs a tighter ship than Coach Morris did and Schiano has already issued a warning to Blount: “Fumble and you sit.”
Blount saw his numbers dip all over the board last year and there isn’t much proof that you can expect those numbers to rebound. Blount lacks the durability, the work ethic, and personality to be an overly productive running back. It seems as though the Bucs are already looking into other options and Blount has already stated his disgust in the fact that another RB might be coming to town.
It’s hard to see Blount duplicating his rookie season stats again. With new weapons joining the offense Blount becomes a role player. This team belongs to Josh Freeman and Vincent Jackson and they’ll be money.
The Stats:
Career Rushing: 1,788 yards, 11 Touchdowns, 4.6 YPC
Career Receiving: 20 Receptions, 162 yards, 0 Touchdowns, 8.1 yard avg
The Projection:
I don’t think that the Bucs are going to land a high profile back in the draft. That gives Blount another year to try and prove that he can get the job done. I do however see a system that rotates backs and focuses more on getting the ball down field.
Position Rank: 25th (trending down)
2012 Season Projections:
Rushing: 748 yards, 5 Touchdowns
Receiving: 10 receptions, 70 yards, 0 Touchdowns
The Verdict:
Blount isn’t exactly a waste. He’s a big back that even if just placed in situational roles, will still produce somewhat. That being said, Blount isn’t a top tier back, especially in dynasty formats. If he slips to you in the middle rounds then he’s worth the pick but I’d stay away from him with early picks. There are intriguing prospects and I think the Bucs will eventually look in a different direction. Blount wont be breaking any records and might not even play all year. He’s a risk, who offers some reward, but the risk is much higher.
Note: If Trent Richardson falls to the Bucs, Blount becomes a late round pick with very little upside.
Overall Risk Score: 7/10