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KEVIN FAULK
RB - Patriots
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Comments from Shawn Griffin - 7/10
The former LSU running back has been the consummate third-down back and back up for the New England Patriots throughout his seven-year career. At 5-8, 202 pounds, he’s undersized for a featured back evidenced by only 23 starts throughout his career and only 11 starts in the last four seasons. Faulk has made his money on third downs and has caught 233 passes for eight touchdowns during his career. Last season, despite missing eight games, Faulk had 405 yards from scrimmage including two receiving touchdowns.
FANTASY UPSIDE
Much like Bill Parcells, Patriot head coach Bill Belichick trusts his veterans and Faulk is one of “Bill’s guys.” Faulk is excellent at picking up the blitz in pass protection and has caught less than 25 passes just once in his career – his rookie season. Tom Brady’s passing yardage has increased each year as a starter from 2,843 yards in 2001 to 4,110 yards last season. If Faulk can stay healthy, it is possible for him to approach his career high in catches set in 2001 when he caught 51 passes.
FANTASY DOWNSIDE
The addition of rookie Minnesota Golden Gopher running back Laurence Maroney could put a big dent in the playing time of Faulk, especially early in the year. Belichick has been impressed by the collegiate standout and will try to get him on the field especially in favorable speed matchups in third-down situations. In only three of his seasons has Faulk averaged more than 4.0 yards per carry and was abysmal last season running the football averaging just 2.8 yards-per-carry.
MY BOTTOM LINE
While Faulk is the consummate veteran, the Patriot stalwart is a marginal fantasy league back at best. Faulk sits third on the Patriot depth chart behind Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney. From a fantasy perspective, he should be drafted only in the deepest of fantasy leagues.
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Comments from Dale Lolley - 7/10
FANTASY UPSIDE
In leagues that give 2+ points for receptions, Faulk can be a viable back to have stashed
away on your roster for bye weeks. And given Corey Dillon's age and recent injury history, he could still see significant playing time. As New England's third-down back, he has averaged nearly 37 receptions per season over the past six years despite missing eight
games to a broken foot last year.
FANTASY DOWNSIDE
The Patriots selected Laurence Maroney in the first round of this year's draft and will be itching to find a role for him. That role could initially be as a third-down back, taking away Faulk's value. He's also missed 13 games in the past two seasons because of injuries, so that is a concern as well, especially since he turned 30 in June.
MY BOTTOM LINE
Faulk's value took a serious hit when the Patriots selected Maroney in the first round of the draft. The speedy little back has many of the same talents as Maroney, with one notable exception - Maroney is a more powerful runner. If Dillon is injured once again, Faulk will obviously see more playing time and since quarterback Tom Brady likes to spread the ball around, Faulk will have some value. But taking him on draft day will likely be a waste of a roster spot early in the year. At this point, he's the No. 3 back in New England's rotation and not worth having on your roster unless you're in a particularly deep league. Look elsewhere for running back depth.
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What Next?
Be sure to check out the following...
a)
Full Impact Draft Simulator
b)
Full Impact Customized Cheat Sheets
c)
Ultimate Cheat Sheets
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