RB Laurence Maroney, New England Patriots

2006 Stats: 745 rushing yards, 194 receiving yards, 7 total TDs
Projected 2007 Stats: 1095 rushing yards, 310 receiving yards, 11 total TDs
Projected Fantasy Round: 2nd Round
Running backs to be Picked ahead of Laurence Maroney: LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson, Steven Jackson, etc.

Fantasy Outlook:

Why should you draft Laurence Maroney: Laurence Maroney is a hard nosed runner that fights for extra yards, which with more touches should translate into him rushing for more yards and denting the scoreboard more often.  Maroney finished with just six rushing touchdowns in 2006, but he reached the end zone three of his last four games that he played.

Why you may want to stay away from drafting Laurence Maroney: Last season, Maroney only had one game where he had over 100 rushing yards, and he had nine games where he failed to score a rushing touchdown. Maroney has also been banged up quite a bit in his only season in the NFL, which means he could be someone to watch as a potential candidate for being an injury prone player.   

Bottom Line: Maroney is certainly talented enough to be a solid running back for years to come in the NFL, and his touches will increase significantly in 2007 with the apparent departure of Corey Dillon.  Therefore, Maroney should be viewed as a legitimate No.1 Running back in fantasy, and he would be a nice value at the end of the second round.

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