Earnest Graham

Graham finishes up with just 14 carries for 66 yards and 14 catches for 109 yards in 2009 after being the starter at RB for most of 2007 and 2008. Graham saw use at both RB and FB in 2009 and may wind up as the starting FB/third RB for the team in 2010.

Graham was in the midst of a pedestrian season before a high ankle sprain ended things Week 11. He’s active in the passing game, but Warrick Dunn severely hampered his value. In 2009, he’ll have even more competition for touches, as free-agent signee Derrick Ward is now likely to have a large role – not only was Ward fantastic last year, he was given starter’s money. Moreover, Graham was still feeling the effects of the ankle injury in March, four months after suffering ligament damage. The injury should be fully healed come training camp, but Graham lost most of his value when Ward was signed.

A complete unknown at the time, Graham emerged from Tampa Bay's backfield last year after a series of injuries pressed him into duty. The result was 1,222 total yards with 10 touchdowns in just 10 starts. During an eight-game stretch over the middle of the season, (after becoming the team's starter and before he sat out the final two games when the Buccaneers' locked up their playoff seed), he totaled 962 yards with seven touchdowns and 37 receptions. Even so, that was all accompanied by an unspectacular 4.0 YPC season mark. While Graham's starting status isn't set in stone the way LaDainian Tomlinson's is, he's still the team's best option at running back. Carnell Williams' career is in doubt and journeyman Michael Bennett is of little threat to steal touches, but the Buccaneers did also bring in Warrick Dunn, who is a favorite of coach Jon Gruden. Dunn is 33 and averaged just 3.2 YPC last year, but he's still an effective pass blocker, and it wouldn't be shocking to see Gruden play him more than he should. Graham figures to get the majority of carries either way, and because he's also the main option at the goal line and in the passing game, he could be undervalued.

Graham has had some great games in August for the Bucs over the past few seasons, and if he ever gets to fill in for Cadillac Williams as the feature back, he'd be a great high-upside sleeper. However, barring the injuries to both Williams and Micheal Pittman that would give Graham that chance, he'll be used again as a blocking back and special teamer again this year.

Graham enters camp as the leading candidate for the third halfback job; he'll also help out on kickoff returns as well.

Graham has a chance to make the Bucs' roster as their fourth halfback. He may have a bit more fantasy impact as a return man in leagues that use that category.

Jon Gruden liked him in training camp in 2003 before he got hurt; he'll compete for a backup running back job in camp this year.

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