Ryan Grant...should I be concerned?

[quiveringnorm]

I kept him along with Frank Gore and Randy Moss in a keeper league. Couple of things bothering me about him long term as well as this year. Held out and got an incentive driven contract. Meaning the Packers really are not on the line that much if he doesn't produce. Second, he hasn't practiced much and already has a hamstring problem. Third Favre is gone which IMO means more 8 man fronts. Any thoughts as to if anyone truely thinks he's going to be a 1200+ yard 10-12 td back over the next 2-3 years?

[Fatman]

I'd add one other concern to your list...Brandon Jackson. The coaching staff is very high on him right now and the financial commitment to Grant isn't htat high. I don't think that he'll get the bulk of the carries by any means, but he will certainly get touches.

[Randall]

Grant has a light hamstring and is being kept out as a precaution. I wouldn't call it a problem. They don't want to risk making it a problem because he is head and shoulders above everyone on that roster.

 

Give it a week.

[MrTed46]

I wouldnt touch Grant this year...just a gut feeling.

 

Another RB I am avoiding is E Graham.

 

There is competition on those teams and they werent the clear cut #1 beg of last year. I guess I would want to see an entire season before making a decision on these 2.

 

B Jackson was getting some praise last year in pre-season as well.

[Savage Beatings]

He was holding out, meaning he was obviously not as well conditioned as the players who did not hold out. If they let the hammy heal properly (and I'm sure they will) then I would say that there's not too much to be worried about. Grant will be motivated to earn all of the performance based incentives that he can with his new contract.

[Hat Trick]

I wouldnt touch Grant this year...just a gut feeling.

 

Another RB I am avoiding is E Graham.

 

There is competition on those teams and they werent the clear cut #1 beg of last year. I guess I would want to see an entire season before making a decision on these 2.

 

B Jackson was getting some praise last year in pre-season as well.

 

I am avoiding these two as well, no matter how far they fall.

[MrTed46]

I am avoiding these two as well, no matter how far they fall.

 

 

Fortunately, they arent falling too far so I dont have to be tempted.

[Square]

I'd add one other concern to your list...Brandon Jackson. The coaching staff is very high on him right now and the financial commitment to Grant isn't htat high. I don't think that he'll get the bulk of the carries by any means, but he will certainly get touches.

I thought everyone looked at me crazy for saying B. Jackson is actually good enough to play in the NFL. I'm not saying he is an every down back, but I think he could be part of a productive RBBC (since there are so many). I question his intelligence and blocking sometimes, but the kid has some moves and can be explosive. I'm not sure whether he will really cut into Grant's production that much but it is one of the questions I have about that spot. That being said...there aren't a lot of sure things out there so I think Grant makes a reasonable #2RB (seems like he can be had early in the 2nd in the mocks I have done).

[piratesownninjas]

I kept him along with Frank Gore and Randy Moss in a keeper league. Couple of things bothering me about him long term as well as this year. Held out and got an incentive driven contract. Meaning the Packers really are not on the line that much if he doesn't produce. Second, he hasn't practiced much and already has a hamstring problem. Third Favre is gone which IMO means more 8 man fronts. Any thoughts as to if anyone truely thinks he's going to be a 1200+ yard 10-12 td back over the next 2-3 years?

His incentive driven contract is set up in a way that from his POV he's basically playing in a contract year for each of the next four years. I view it as he's going to be play like someone in a contract year, and if anything, I view it as a positive.

 

The hamstring problem isn't anything to be concerned with. He still has over three weeks before the season starts and should be good to go. I'd be much more worried if this happened two weeks from now.

 

Favre is gone, and there will be some growing pains with Rodgers, but you've got to look at the offense as a whole. A very stout athletic line in a ZBS, pretty decent TE's, a stacked WR corps and strong young fullbacks. The team is talented on offense from top to bottom. MM is still going to spread the ball out, and it will only take teams getting beat by Jennings to get out of that 8 man front. I see 1200 and 10-12 as very realistic. Then again, I have the utmost faith in Mike McCarthy and his scheme. He won't set Rodgers up to fail, and this will help Grant.

 

As far as Jackson goes, yes, he has looked good at times. The problem with I see with him cutting into Grant's time is Jackson's inability to pick up the blitz which was a big problem last year, and it certainly reared it's ugly head on Monday. Jackson will see a decent amount of touches, but nothing that would scare me away.

Edited August 13, 2008 by piratesownninjas

[Rushmore]

His incentive driven contract is set up in a way that from his POV he's basically playing in a contract year for each of the next four years. I view it as he's going to be play like someone in a contract year, and if anything, I view it as a positive.

 

The hamstring problem isn't anything to be concerned with. He still has over three weeks before the season starts and should be good to go. I'd be much more worried if this happened two weeks from now.

 

Favre is gone, and there will be some growing pains with Rodgers, but you've got to look at the offense as a whole. A very stout athletic line in a ZBS, pretty decent TE's, a stacked WR corps and strong young fullbacks. The team is talented on offense from top to bottom. MM is still going to spread the ball out, and it will only take teams getting beat by Jennings to get out of that 8 man front. I see 1200 and 10-12 as very realistic. Then again, I have the utmost faith in Mike McCarthy and his scheme. He won't set Rodgers up to fail, and this will help Grant.

 

As far as Jackson goes, yes, he has looked good at times. The problem with I see with him cutting into Grant's time is Jackson's inability to pick up the blitz which was a big problem last year, and it certainly reared it's ugly head on Monday. Jackson will see a decent amount of touches, but nothing that would scare me away.

 

Thanks to this post, I have absolutely nothing to add to the conversation.

[dirtdickens]

I see you comin around on my boy Grant, PON. This is the same thing I said a few months ago regarding the rest of his offense. You could take someone like Gore who has absolutley nothing around him or you could look at a guy like Grant that has big time WR threats and a dominating OLine. I get that Gore has more upside, but what are the chances he somejow overcomes his World League QB, crappy line and non existant WR help? Oh yeah, his coach doesn't run the ball either.

 

Grant had minor problems like this in college and never missed time because of them. Jackson got a lot of praise last season and did nothing in games. I think he will get some carries, but he is pretty soft when it comes to the inside running and blocking.

[piratesownninjas]

I see you comin around on my boy Grant, PON. This is the same thing I said a few months ago regarding the rest of his offense. You could take someone like Gore who has absolutley nothing around him or you could look at a guy like Grant that has big time WR threats and a dominating OLine. I get that Gore has more upside, but what are the chances he somejow overcomes his World League QB, crappy line and non existant WR help? Oh yeah, his coach doesn't run the ball either.

 

Grant had minor problems like this in college and never missed time because of them. Jackson got a lot of praise last season and did nothing in games. I think he will get some carries, but he is pretty soft when it comes to the inside running and blocking.

I'm a packer homer, so I'm not sure I'm coming around on your boy... I don't even think that makes sense. Gore is still the better fantasy back by a pretty nice margin, and Martz will only help that, you have to look at the receptions and yardage he'll rack up this year. If it's PPR you're talking about a mid 1st compared to a 2nd round pick.

I think Grant will see more touchdowns and rushing yards than Gore, but Gore is going to destroy him as far as total yards and receptions.

[Jackass]

I thought everyone looked at me crazy for saying B. Jackson is actually good enough to play in the NFL.

 

He was picked in the 2nd round so it's safe to say someone thought he was good enough to play in the NFL

[MTSuper7]

I'd be nearly as worried about Frank Gore as a keeper as Ryan Grant (maybe more). At least with Grant, there is some upside and he'll be motivated to play his butt off with that contract. The Packers have no reason not to put the ball in his hands to start this season. And I think they're likely to have a long leash, especially if running game problems stem from the lack of a threat in the passing game (i.e. Rodgers stinks up the joint). So yeah, there is some risk with Favre leaving, but they have a very good offense around Rodgers, and Grant earned the right to at least start the season as "the man".

 

And as for my comment on Frank Gore, I guess I'm just not buying Mike Martz' claim that the offense will run through him. Also, if J.T. O'Sullivan is really winning the current QB competition, I don't want to touch a single 49er offensive player this year. We just got through with Martz' "greatest show on turf" routine here in Detroit, and all it did was increase the value of slot receivers like Shaun McDonald and Mike Furrey. Oh yeah, it also got Kitna sacked more than any other QB in that time frame. Didn't mean to deviate from the topic, but I wanted to put Ryan Grant's keeper status in perspective, meaning that if you aren't worried about Frank Gore as a keeper, you shouldn't really worry about Ryan Grant (or maybe you should reassess your feeling on Gore).

[Men In Tights]

B Jackson was getting some praise last year in pre-season as well.

Someone remind me exactly what Mr. Jackson did when he was given the opportunity to start? That is right he made it possible for Mr. Grant to start and perform behind a very good Packer OL. Do I really need to say more?

[Randall]

That Whomper grabbed Grant right before me in AOTAOP. Last I heard he is getting very attached to him. He said something about him becoming an appendage.

 

When a Cowboys fan says something like this you know the guy has skills. If he does go down there is no single player that will take his place.

 

Watch them all play. He is head and shoulders above everyone on the team.

[LayLow]

I wouldnt touch Grant this year...just a gut feeling.

 

Another RB I am avoiding is E Graham.

 

There is competition on those teams and they werent the clear cut #1 beg of last year. I guess I would want to see an entire season before making a decision on these 2.

 

B Jackson was getting some praise last year in pre-season as well.

+2 on both. I just can't rationalize taking Grant or Graham over some more sure players at their respective draft slots.

[LayLow]

I'd be nearly as worried about Frank Gore as a keeper as Ryan Grant (maybe more). At least with Grant, there is some upside and he'll be motivated to play his butt off with that contract. The Packers have no reason not to put the ball in his hands to start this season. And I think they're likely to have a long leash, especially if running game problems stem from the lack of a threat in the passing game (i.e. Rodgers stinks up the joint). So yeah, there is some risk with Favre leaving, but they have a very good offense around Rodgers, and Grant earned the right to at least start the season as "the man".

 

And as for my comment on Frank Gore, I guess I'm just not buying Mike Martz' claim that the offense will run through him. Also, if J.T. O'Sullivan is really winning the current QB competition, I don't want to touch a single 49er offensive player this year. We just got through with Martz' "greatest show on turf" routine here in Detroit, and all it did was increase the value of slot receivers like Shaun McDonald and Mike Furrey. Oh yeah, it also got Kitna sacked more than any other QB in that time frame. Didn't mean to deviate from the topic, but I wanted to put Ryan Grant's keeper status in perspective, meaning that if you aren't worried about Frank Gore as a keeper, you shouldn't really worry about Ryan Grant (or maybe you should reassess your feeling on Gore).

I also agree on Gore. Consider portis over gore on draft day.

[piratesownninjas]

And as for my comment on Frank Gore, I guess I'm just not buying Mike Martz' claim that the offense will run through him. Also, if J.T. O'Sullivan is really winning the current QB competition, I don't want to touch a single 49er offensive player this year. We just got through with Martz' "greatest show on turf" routine here in Detroit, and all it did was increase the value of slot receivers like Shaun McDonald and Mike Furrey. Oh yeah, it also got Kitna sacked more than any other QB in that time frame. Didn't mean to deviate from the topic, but I wanted to put Ryan Grant's keeper status in perspective, meaning that if you aren't worried about Frank Gore as a keeper, you shouldn't really worry about Ryan Grant (or maybe you should reassess your feeling on Gore).

I think you're missing the point on Gore. Most leagues are ppr at this point and do count receiving yardage. Look at what a spare like Kevin Jones can do in the season that he had the lisfranc injury... He was a top 8 rb in ppg. Frank Gore has way more talent than Jones and is going to get a crap ton of receptions... Who cares if he only has 800 rushing yards, he's going to have 800 receiving yards as well, plus the reception points.

I don't know what you're talking about with my need to reassess my feeling on Gore, as he is going to be a top 6 back, and I also like Grant, just not ahead of Gore. Just look at my first post.

This is awesome though, people telling me about Ryan Grant...

Edited August 13, 2008 by piratesownninjas

[MTSuper7]

I'm a packer homer, so I'm not sure I'm coming around on your boy... I don't even think that makes sense. Gore is still the better fantasy back by a pretty nice margin, and Martz will only help that, you have to look at the receptions and yardage he'll rack up this year. If it's PPR you're talking about a mid 1st compared to a 2nd round pick.

I think Grant will see more touchdowns and rushing yards than Gore, but Gore is going to destroy him as far as total yards and receptions.

 

Wow... Did you not see the impact of Martz' offense on the Lions? And they actually have a serviceable QB and good WRs. I respectfully disagree with you about Frank Gore. Despite the injury risk (and not necessarily missing games, though that's possible, but being less effective playing hurt all the time), Gore is playing on an offense that was pretty much in the cellar of most offensive categories last year, and the only things changing are Bryant Johnson coming in, a joke of a QB competition, and a team learning a new, more complicated offense. I will be absolutely shocked if the 49ers show any real improvement on offense this year.

 

That being said, Gore will have value in PPR leagues if only because whatever QB is throwing the ball will probably check down to him a LOT.

[dirtdickens]

PON I was just going back to a conversation we had a few months ago when you werent as high on Grant as you are now. No big deal. I know Gore has more upside and I only mentioned him beacuse he was brought up also, but it was nice to see that some people around here are actually giving Grant a chance even without Favre. A few months ago he was dead to everyone beacause Favre was riding off into the sun set.

[piratesownninjas]

Wow... Did you not see the impact of Martz' offense on the Lions? And they actually have a serviceable QB and good WRs. I respectfully disagree with you about Frank Gore. Despite the injury risk (and not necessarily missing games, though that's possible, but being less effective playing hurt all the time), Gore is playing on an offense that was pretty much in the cellar of most offensive categories last year, and the only things changing are Bryant Johnson coming in, a joke of a QB competition, and a team learning a new, more complicated offense. I will be absolutely shocked if the 49ers show any real improvement on offense this year.

 

That being said, Gore will have value in PPR leagues if only because whatever QB is throwing the ball will probably check down to him a LOT.

What does it matter how he impacts the team? I'm talking runningback. Just look at what Kevin Jones was doing ppg in 2006. He sucks and was a top 8 rb in ppg. If you won't even at least admit that then there is no need to even discuss it. Frank Gore has played with trash in the past and looked pretty freaking good, so I don't know why you're talking about how horrible the players around him are. They've been that way for a while.

[piratesownninjas]

PON I was just going back to a conversation we had a few months ago when you werent as high on Grant as you are now. No big deal. I know Gore has more upside and I only mentioned him beacuse he was brought up also, but it was nice to see that some people around here are actually giving Grant a chance even without Favre. A few months ago he was dead to everyone beacause Favre was riding off into the sun set.

He's still around the 10-12 running back to me. If Favre would have never pulled any stunts and came back Grant would be around 6-7.

[MTSuper7]

I think you're missing the point on Gore. Most leagues are ppr at this point and do count receiving yardage. Look at what a spare like Kevin Jones can do in the season that he had the lisfranc injury... He was a top 8 rb in ppg. Frank Gore has way more talent than Jones and is going to get a crap ton of receptions... Who cares if he only has 800 rushing yards, he's going to have 800 receiving yards as well, plus the reception points.

I don't know what you're talking about with my need to reassess my feeling on Gore, as he is going to be a top 6 back, and I also like Grant, just not ahead of Gore. Just look at my first post.

This is awesome though, people telling me about Ryan Grant...

 

You are correct about Kevin Jones.. He did have a good year, but the Lions also have a better passing offense than SF. Actually, it's a lot better. I just think that some of the reason Jones had a good year is that defenses had to worry about Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson on the outside as well as McDonald who was a Martz guy and knew the offense well enough. Also, and this is key, can the existing set of QBs on the SF roster really execute this offense well?

 

A lot of question marks for the 49ers, man... a lot. And am I alone in thinking that Mike Martz coming in as OC for SF is about the weirdest coaching change this year?

 

ETA: PON, you make a good point about Gore producing on a pretty crappy SF offense in the past. And I do see value there in PPR leagues for him because he will be the safety valve a lot. But come on man.. J.T. O'Sullivan? New, complicated offense? Isn't there a bit of risk with Gore because of these things (and his injury history)?

Edited August 13, 2008 by MTSuper7

[piratesownninjas]

You are correct about Kevin Jones.. He did have a good year, but the Lions also have a better passing offense than SF. Actually, it's a lot better. I just think that some of the reason Jones had a good year is that defenses had to worry about Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson on the outside as well as McDonald who was a Martz guy and knew the offense well enough. Also, and this is key, can the existing set of QBs on the SF roster really execute this offense well?

 

A lot of question marks for the 49ers, man... a lot. And am I alone in thinking that Mike Martz coming in as OC for SF is about the weirdest coaching change this year?

The coaching staff is going to get the ball in Gore's hands a lot. Jones had a good year because Martz made an effort to get Jones involved in the passing game. I don't care for the niners players surrounding him, and I'm not sure if any qb on their roster can execute the offense, but they'll be able to throw it a few yards out to Gore in the flat.

 

And yes, I think Martz in SF is a horrible hire. I just think he's great for Gore, especially in PPR leagues.