Ahmad Bradshaw

Bradshaw is coming off season-ending neck surgery in October to remove a bulging disc, but the Colts re-signed the powerful, well-rounded runner to play a role in their backfield again this season. In the three games he did play before the injury knocked him out, Bradshaw proved quite productive, particularly in Weeks 2 and 3, when he rushed for a combined 160 yards on just 34 carries while adding six receptions. A two-time 1,000-yard rusher with the Giants, he's proven that he can be a fantasy producer when given the opportunity. Although the acquisition of Trent Richardson threw his playing time into question even before the injury, the Colts' backfield has no guaranteed roles right now, meaning a healthy Bradshaw could win a major role in training camp, particularly if Richardson's struggles continue. Even if he's not the starter, Bradshaw should factor into some goal-line work, as he has throughout his career, while offering some added usefulness in PPR formats.

With a mix of fearlessness and deceptive power, the 5-9, 198-pound Bradshaw has been one of the top goal-line backs the last four seasons – converting 19-of-31 attempts from in close – and has also consistently graded among the best pass blockers at the position. But chronic foot problems and the promising future of 2012-first-round pick David Wilson ended Bradshaw's six-year tenure with the Giants. Bradshaw underwent a third surgery on his right foot in February, but in early June he received medical clearance and signed with the Colts. He’ll share carries with Vick Ballard, but Bradshaw is likely to see the bulk of the goal-line and third-down work, given his skill set.

Thanks in part to four missed games in the middle of the season, Bradshaw ran for just 659 yards last year after rushing for 1,235 yards the year before. But he actually increased his TD production from eight to 11, corrected his fumbling problem and is among the best blocking backs in all of football. Bradshaw is a shifty runner who’s also more powerful than his size would suggest, as he’s converted a terrific 15-of-24 goal-line carries into touchdowns over the past three years, a remarkable 62.5 percent conversion rate that easily leads all backs over that span (minimum 12 attempts). Brandon Jacobs left via free agency, but the Giants spent their first-round pick on David Wilson. The rookie is a threat to steal touches, but he’s raw in pass protection. While he might not be a workhorse like other backs, Bradshaw should still lead his team in touches. He received a bone marrow injection in his troublesome foot during the offseason and reportedly feels better than he has in years.

Bradshaw switched roles with Brandon Jacobs last year, taking over as New York’s lead back. He made the most of it, totaling 1,549 yards and eight touchdowns. Bradshaw needs to improve his ball security, as his six lost fumbles were the most in the NFL, but his 13 carries for 20-plus yards were the second most in the league. Bradshaw was one of the best blockers among all backs in football last season, and his 42 broken tackles were the fifth-most in the NFL on a modest 276 rushing attempts. He even received as many goal-line carries (nine) as Jacobs, converting five. Bradshaw played the final six weeks with a broken left wrist and underwent an offseason ankle scope during, which marked the fourth procedure on his feet and ankles in the previous two years. He’s an injury risk, but he hasn’t missed many games throughout his career and has proven a willingness to play through pain.

Bradshaw got 985 yards from scrimmage last year despite getting fewer than 185 touches — all while playing on two bad feet. Offseason surgery is expected to correct the problem, and it’s exciting to think what a healthy Bradshaw could do with an increased workload. Despite his diminutive size, he’s one of the best blocking backs in the NFL and also converted five of eight attempts at the goal line for scores last season. Bradshaw is highly talented and in a terrific situation in New York, but he’ll again share carries with Brandon Jacobs. If the injury-prone Jacobs were to suffer a serious injury, Bradshaw could conceivably become a top-10 fantasy back.

Bradshaw took a backseat to Derrick Ward as Brandon Jacobs’ backfield mate last season, getting just 67 rushing attempts. Bradshaw has averaged an impressive 6.1 YPC during his two-year career, and he excels in the passing game as well. He fell all the way to the seventh round of the 2007 draft, but that was largely due to off-field concerns, as he had first-round talent. He’ll have to beat Danny Ware and newly drafted Andre Brown to replace Ward, who left for Tampa Bay, but Bradshaw has to be considered the heavy favorite. The Giants set an NFL-record last season, leading the league with a 5.0 YPC team mark. Running behind football’s best offensive line, and with Jacobs proving to be quite fragile (he’s missed eight games over the past two years), Bradshaw offers a ton of upside.

Bradshaw didn't record his first carry until Week 12 last season, but he ended up getting a remarkable 5.6 YPC on 71 attempts, including the postseason. He also caught at least one pass in five of his last six games, despite limited playing time. His 88-yard score during Week 16 was the longest run in the NFL last year. Bradshaw fell to the seventh round of the 2007 draft, but that was largely due to off-field concerns, as he had first-round talent. He hits the hole with authority, is extremely fast and surprisingly strong for his frame (5-9, 198). The Giants had the fourth-best rushing offense in football last year, something consistent with Tom Coughlin-coached teams. Bradshaw is going to get worked into the mix regardless, but starter Brandon Jacobs is injuryprone, and if he were to go down, Bradshaw would have top-15 upside.

A small, shifty, third-down type back, Bradshaw will try to carve out a role with the team behind Brandon Jacobs and Reuben Droughns.