Chargers burning fantasy question:Is LaDainian Tomlinson still worth a first-round pick in fantasy drafts?
Tomlinson is no longer a first-round fantasy running back -- if you are playing in a four-team league. Or maybe if you are a in a league that doesn't reward points for touchdowns or rushing yards. Then yes, Tomlinson might not be worth a first-round pick in fantasy drafts.
Chargers' top 5 fantasy players
- LaDainian Tomlinson
Sleeper: Sproles
- Michael Fabiano
Yes, I've heard all of the arguments. Tomlinson has been dinged up in recent years. Tomlinson will turn 30 in June. Yes, continue to fling yourselves off the cliffs fantasy lemmings. This is LT we are talking about here. Not some mid-card running back who had one great season. Like Frank Gore.
Tomlinson has fallen out of the top six of fantasy running backs. Adrian Peterson, Matt Forte, Michael Turner, Chris Johnson, Maurice Jones-Drew and DeAngelo Williams have as much star-power as the opening credits of Cannonball Run.
But it's laughable to think that Tomlinson isn't a top 10 running back. NFL.com's own rankings has Tomlinson at No. 13. Really? Who is ranked ahead of Tomlinson?
Steven Jackson is the oldest 25-year old running back in NFL history thanks to the St. Louis offensive line. And Marc Bulger won't make teams respect the pass like Philip Rivers.
Brian Westbrook will be 30 when the season starts and hobbles around like Gregory House, MD.
Gore, fool me once.
Marion Barber isn't the best running back on his own team.
Steve Slaton was nice during his rookie season and he might be underrated.
Clinton Portis. As my teenage niece would say in a text message, LOL. Portis went on a touchdown strike from Week 8 until Week 16 last season, when he gallantly refused to cross the goal line.
Good luck taking any of these backs (other than Slaton). And if you are one of those guys who likes to take a QB or WR (like Nick Bakay) in the first round, you are just merely donating your entrance fee to somebody who is willing to think boldly.
And remember this, the Chargers didn't draft a running back until they picked Gartrell Johnson in the fourth round.
That means the Chargers are confident in Tomlinson, and you should be too.