Correll Buckhalter

Buckhalter ran for just 642 yards with one touchdown last season, but he outplayed rookie Knowshon Moreno on a per play basis, getting an impressive 5.4 YPC. The Broncos seem fairly committed to at least a partial timeshare, so he should be in the mix once again in 2010. But Buckhalter has an extensive list of past injuries, has never reached 130 carries in a season and turns 32 in October. Add in that he cedes goalline carries, and there really isn’t much upside.

Buckhalter has averaged 5.0 and 4.9 YPC in each of the past two seasons acting as Philadelphia’s No. 2 back. He’s not explosive, but he’s a capable receiver with no glaring weakness. The Broncos signed Buckhalter during the offseason, but the team is loaded at the running back position, so he’ll have to fight for touches with rookie Knowshon Moreno, LaMont Jordan and possibly Peyton Hillis. Buckhalter is likely to be the No. 2 guy behind Moreno, but he’s 30 years old and locked into a committee, making him an uninspiring option.

Is the favorite to act as the team's backup running back but will have to beat out Lorenzo Booker first. Buckhalter seems to finally be over his numerous knee injuries and could have a major impact if Westbrook were injured.

Buckhalter will battle rookie Tony Hunt for the backup running back position. He was mildly effective returning to the field last season after missing the previous two years with knee injuries, but the fact he averaged just 4.2 YPC suggests he's lost some explosiveness. The Eagles selected Hunt in the third round in hopes of him becoming the No. 2 guy, so odds are Buckhalter ends up third on the depth chart this season.

Attempting to return from missing the last two seasons with major knee injuries. Will battle for a reserve running back spot behind Brian Westbrook.

Buckhalter, who tore a patella tendon in his right knee last August and missed the entire 2004 season, signed a two-year deal this offseason, expecting to be ready for training camp. At 6-0, 222 pounds, Buckhalter is a powerful between-the-tackles runner, who made good on 4-of-6 chances from inside the five in 2003. If healthy, and assuming the Eagles don’t deal for Travis Henry, look for Buckhalter to absorb a lot of Brian Westbrook’s workload, particularly in short-yardage and goal line situations. Buckhalter also tore his left ACL in spring minicamps in 2002 – so durability is a major concern.

The Eagles lopped off one of the heads on their hydra-like RB monster by saying goodbye to Duce Staley. When the owners of your league are zigging with the smallish Brian Westbrook based on his flukey TD outburst in ’03, you should zag with Buckhalter, who at 6-0, 222 pounds, is much more likely to carry the bulk of the Eagles’ rushing load.

Buckhalter missed all of 2002 after suffering a torn ACL. His 2003 minicamp performance received positive reviews from the coaching staff and at a minimum, we expect him to pick up the five to seven carries that were previously allocated to the departed Dorsey Levens. It would not surprise us if he picked up a more significant chunk of the carries as the season progresses.