Chester Taylor

Taylor remained in a backup role behind Adrian Peterson last season, and his YPC dropped to a career-low 3.6. He’ll turn 31 this year, but that YPC mark jumped to 4.4 over the second half of 2009, so he’s not necessarily done. He’s now in Chicago, and the Bears are paying him $7 million in 2010, so while Taylor enters as a backup to Matt Forte, he’s expected to have a pretty big role. Taylor’s ability to pass protect and his skills as a receiver fit new offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s scheme well, and since Forte has struggled mightily at the goal line his two years in the league, Taylor could take over short-yardage work. At minimum, he’s a good handcuff for Forte owners.

Taylor took a backseat to Adrian Peterson last year, receiving just 101 carries. His YPC dropped from 5.4 in 2007 to 4.0 last season, though the offensive line play had something to do with that. With Peterson emerging as the NFL’s best running back, Taylor is strictly a backup in Minnesota. He would have plenty of value if Peterson were to get hurt, something Peterson’s been known to do throughout his career, making Taylor a must-have for Peterson owners.

Taylor's 2007 season was overshadowed by rookie sensation Adrian Peterson, but Taylor was more than solid himself, averaging 5.4 YPC. A decisive runner not typically known for big plays, Taylor had an 84-yard TD run during Week 14 and recorded eight rushes for 20-plus yards on just 157 carries. Thanks in part to a dominant offensive line, the Vikings' team YPC of 5.3 and 164.6 rushing yards per game were both best in the NFL by a wide margin. Since Minnesota runs the ball so frequently, Taylor will see plenty of work anyway, but if Adrian Peterson's past issues with health crop up, Taylor's stock would fly through the roof; he totaled 291 yards with four touchdowns during the two games Peterson missed in 2007. Peterson owners should reach a round or two to make sure they secure Taylor as insurance.

Taylor put up solid numbers last year, but that had more to do with opportunity than skill. An average running back, Taylor was given 303 carries in 2006, the 10th most in the league. He accumulated 345 touches, so his durability was an asset. He also had the longest run in the NFL last season, with a 95-yard scamper in Week 7. Still, Taylor averaged just 4.0 YPC with six touchdowns, despite getting the 10th-most goal-line carries in the NFL (15). He also ran out of gas in the final month of the season, gaining just 118 yards on 38 carries (3.1 YPC), though some of his struggles could be attributed to having a rookie quarterback at the helm. But the biggest hit to Taylor’s 2007 fantasy value comes in the form of seventh-overall draft pick Adrian Peterson. While Taylor enters the season as the team’s “starter,” Peterson didn’t get selected that high to sit. He’s also much more talented than Taylor, who should be the minority in a backfield timeshare by midseason at the latest.

The Vikings revamped their backfield this offseason, signing ex-Chief Tony Richardson as a lead blocker and bringing in Taylor to compete for the starting running back position. The only other likely candidate is Mewelde Moore, however and the new regime in Minnesota will likely want “their” guy in place rather than the holdover. More quick than fast, but able to find and get through the hole, Taylor put up reasonable YPCs for three straight seasons as Jamal Lewis’ backup (4.4, 4.5 and 4.2, ’03-’05). Taylor can also catch the ball out of the backfield – 41 grabs a year ago – and considering that former Eagles’ offensive coordinator Brad Childress is coaching the team, expect Taylor’s receiving numbers to increase. Taylor isn’t a powerful runner, however, and it remains to be seen what the Vikings are going to do in short yardage. There’s a possibility that Ciatrick Fason could vulture some of the goal line carries.

Taylor is the clear #2 running back in Baltimore, with the Ravens taking the effort to match the Browns' offer this offseason. Watch Jamal Lewis' ankle carefully - you might end up seeing Taylor get a number of carries.

Taylor will enter the season as the Ravens' second running back behind Jamal Lewis. He will compete with second year back Musa Smith for playing time. While Smith has a similar style to Lewis, Taylor is a back who relies more on his quickness.

As Lewis' backup in 2002, Taylor carried the ball only 33 times. If Lewis is healthy this season, it will be more of the same. But, if Taylor holds off rookie Musa Smith, he still holds value if you have Lewis on your roster.