Maroney's number predict a decent year. The guys who think he is the next Ladanian Tomlinson or Larry Johnson are homers, obviously. He's a good back, but does not show signs of greatness (yet.) He's also no Antowain-Smith, Troy Hambrick level slouch. He'll get the job done. I also love the Morris pickup, because we have another guy who can carry the load if Maroney is injured.
You want a predictive futures market for running backs? Look at the fantasy world. You'll see Maroney drafted in the second round, as a "sleeper." And spare me the bullcrap about fantasy football; it is what it is. It's not always accurate (Lamont Jordan was a fantasy football darling, f'rinstance, last offseason.) But by and large, it reflects all the expertise of sportswriters, analysts, and the guys-without-a-life who read them.
But, if you think these guys whose living depends on crunching numbers and noticing changes in blocking schemes, etc., don't do enough homework, just do said homework yourself. The guy averaged 4.3 yards per carry -- and that's with a tendency to dance behind the line of scrimmage. There's a lot of talk about the Pats adopting a zone blocking scheme, which would suit LoMo much better. But even if they don't, I think you can correct indecisiveness behind the line, to a degree.
Think about that: 4.3, with high upside (if he makes that technique correction.) This is a solid NFL running back, possibly -- just possibly -- among the future elite at the position.
PFnV
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