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Drafted in the second round by the Denver Broncos, running back Montee Ball has fantasy players across the nation stirring. Standing behind one of the NFL’s greatest quarterbacks, Peyton Manning, Ball could be destined for greatness. Do you draft the rookie based on potential and sheer athletic ability? Where should you draft Ball in this year’s fantasy football draft? If you have your eye on the rookie, all of your questions will be answered here.
Entering his first season in the NFL, Ball has a terrific collegiate career with the Wisconsin Badgers, where he racked up 3,723 yards and 55 touchdowns in his final two seasons. After being in the running for the Heisman Trophy, Ball was targeted as a possible draft pick by many NFL teams. How his college success will transfer over to the pro game is to be determined, but all signs point to a positive outcome.
After selecting Ball, the Broncos released Willis McGahee, and Knowshon Moreno is returning from a knee scope to a backup role. The only competition Ball has at the starting role is Ronnie Hillman, who has struggled throughout the preseason.
Ball took the majority of the first-team reps in practice, and head coach John Fox appears to be set on his starting back. Hillman will most likely be a factor in Denver, especially in the passing game, but Ball has the definite upside for a fantasy running back on the team.
Having a starting quarterback like Manning is great news for Ball. Manning is one of the greatest NFL players in terms of football knowledge. Whether he’s on the field for week one or taking part in training camp, Manning is constantly teaching his players. By taking help and advice from Manning, Ball has an advantage over other rookie running backs.
Focusing in on the fantasy draft, Ball is falling into about the 25th best running back available, and 56th overall. This year’s fantasy draft will be primarily focused in on the running back position, with multiple disappearing from the board quickly, which is why his overall ranking is quite high.
Let’s set up the scenario in which you have already drafted two top running backs by the 6th round, which you should have by that point. Ball would be a fantastic flex player to add to your roster at this point, or a player to keep on the bench until you’re sure what kind of production he can bring to your team.
Is he really worth taking in the sixth round? I really don’t think so, as I would prefer to take the best available player at a position I still need for my starting lineup. Every fantasy league is different, however, and some players fall farther than others, but I see Ball falling into more of an 8th round pick. You can add a player to your roster who has NFL experience, and isn’t quite as big of a gamble as Ball is in the rounds before the 8th.
The potential for Ball to succeed for his fantasy owners appears favorable, and Manning at the helm only increases his value. With a starting position nearly carved in stone, Ball is a viable fantasy option. If you decide to gamble on Ball early in the draft, I pray you’re not disappointed; but if you are able to wait until the later rounds to grab him, Ball will be a worth while pick for the spot.
Tristen Challe is a Fantasy Writer for Rantsports. Follow him on Twitter @TristenChalle or on Google
