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With former LSU star Jeremy Hill thrown into the mix with the rushing attack of the Cincinnati Bengals, the value for Giovani Bernard must be re-evaluated.
Where Bernard makes his fantasy football owners happy is with his dual-threat ability, and that is something the Bengals will continue to feature in the 2014 NFL season. The rushing attack was split between Bernard’s 170 attempts and bruiser BenJarvus Green-Ellis‘ 220 attempts, but Bernard was much more active in the passing attack with the second-most receptions and the third-most receiving yards on the team. Hill isn’t know for his pass-catching ability, but could his playmaking skills cut into the fantasy production of Bernard?
The Bengals had recently indicated that it would like to use Bernard more in the receiving game, and he could have the opportunity to become the second-favorite target on the team. Logic indicates that if the 22-year-old running back is lining up as a receiver more, he will have less opportunity to rush the ball. Bernard did score five rushing touchdowns compared to his three receptions for touchdowns in 2013, but a decrease in carries should not hurt him if he is making up for it with his reception totals.
With Hill joining the rushing attack, Green-Ellis has more to worry about than his dual-threat teammate. Hill is a little taller than the 28-year old veteran, but each player has a similar build that helps them slam the ball into the end zone. The one thing to watch out for with Hill is the fact that his legs never seem to stop moving, and he can easily shake defenders if they try to use weak tackling on the rookie.
The Bengals will continue to feature one back as the primary rusher, and Cincinnati will find ways to get Bernard onto the field in different ways. Hill is more of a threat to the value of Green-Ellis than Bernard, and for right now, there shouldn’t be any reason to be scared away from drafting Gio. He won’t be a top-10 player, but Bernard could find himself as a top-15 running back this season.
Hill may eventually overthrow Green-Ellis, but Bernard is still a must draft player in 2014.
Jack Delaney is a fantasy football writer for www.Rantsports.com. You can follow him on Twitter @jackbmore13, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google
