I've got C.J. Anderson in my dynasty league, and I'm feeling pretty good about his prospects this season. I'm also thinking he'll be underrated in fantasy drafts, because not everyone agrees with me.
Granted, Denver oddly tendered him at the lowest level as a restricted free agent, nearly losing him to Miami or Chicago. A mere $800,000 more would have ensured he returned, unless a team was willing to part with a second-round pick.
But they matched that offer, which will pay him in the neighborhood of $4 million per year. He's expected to start for them this year. They brought back Ronnie Hillman, which some interpreted as a challenge to Anderson. Why? Hillman drew little to no interest in free agency and signed a small money one-year deal. Teams need multiple running backs. Hillman shouldn't have much of a role unless Anderson gets hurt.
Then the Broncos used a fourth-round pick on Devontae Booker, and Booker clearly isn't lacking for confidence. Last week he said, "I'm not there to carry pads, I'm there to take someone's job." Nice! Way to endear yourself to your new teammates in the film room.
Anderson says no big deal, but I suspect the brash talk will motivate him. And I think Booker, who isn't able to practice after tearing his MCL last season, has a lot to prove before anyone sees him taking Anderson's job.
Booker should be a factor as a passing downs back, having caught 80 balls the last two seasons at Utah. But I don't think he looks like a special runner; not clearly more talented than Anderson.
In early drafts, Anderson will probably be available at a modest price tag, while teams try to grab Booker. And that's fine, and maybe they'll be right. But I'm not sold on Booker, this year or long-term. Let's see who ends up being the better running back.
Anderson was a large part of why the Broncos won the Super Bowl last year, their best offensive player down the stretch. Booker's a rookie fourth-rounder coming in off knee surgery. Little soon, I think, for him to be proclaiming he's going to take somebody's job.