With news of Fred Taylor's release, how high will you be willing to draft Maurice Jones-Drew next year? With the assumption of Taylor's inevitable release, MJD was already No. 2 on my board, and this news only solidifies my position. Very few running backs play all three downs while also excelling at pass catching and at the goal line, something Jones-Drew does. His YPC dropped to 4.2 last season, but this is a back who has totaled 38 touchdowns over his first three years in the league. And he's never even reached 200 carries!
There could be some concerns about his durability since he's never carried a full workload, but he's got fresh legs and has only missed one game throughout his career. Jones-Drew is short, but he's not small, and the fact he catches so many passes actually gives him even more upside than Adrian Peterson. I'd still take AP first overall because he's a unique talent with a better offensive line, but David Garrard is clearly a superior quarterback than any on Minnesota's roster. While averaging just 16.2 touches per game last season, Jones-Drew still managed 1,389 yards from scrimmage.
So, when are you targeting him next year? Do you have the audacity to select DeAngelo Williams, Michael Turner or Matt Forte ahead of him? Someone else?