Jerious Norwood

Norwood missed six games last season with injuries and saw his yardage total drop for the the third consecutive season. If healthy, he'll regain his backup role behind Michael Turner and would provide value especially in PPR leagues.

Norwood has averaged a sparkling 5.8 YPC throughout his career, and he’s also a major weapon in the passing game. He’s received just three goal-line carries throughout his three-year career, so he’s not much of a short-yardage option, but Norwood is one of the fastest running backs in the NFL. Because of his running style, it’s unclear whether he could handle a full workload, but he’s certainly capable of at least doubling his typical 100-carry season were something to happen to Atlanta’s unquestioned workhorse, Michael Turner. Coming off a 394-carry season, Turner’s a candidate to break down, so Norwood has some upside.

Norwood's 6.0 YPC mark last season was the best in the NFL, but he still saw just 103 carries, 48th most in the league. Norwood's averaged 6.7 yards per touch during his two seasons in the NFL, but Atlanta's coaches believe he works better in a change-of-pace role, as he's not a very good blocker and has been given just two career carries at the goal line (no scores). It would be interesting to see what Norwood could do with 20 touches a game, but the Falcons signed free agent Michael Turner to a big deal this offseason, so it's going to take an injury for it to happen. Norwood's 2008 outlook looks similar to his 2007 one, only with a better starter in front of him.

Bobby Petrino is in at coach, and offensive line consultant Alex Gibbs is out, shifting the offense from a zone-blocking scheme to a power running game. While speculation had Atlanta drafting a bigger back, the Falcons failed to do so, leaving Norwood with the opportunity to start. Warrick Dunn is 32 and coming off shoulder surgery that sidelined him for several months over the offseason. Dunn should transition into a third-down role, while Norwood appears the favorite to start. Norwood might not be an ideal fit for Petrino’s power game, but he was quite impressive in 2006. He averaged an NFL-best 8.7 YPC in the 4th quarter, also leading the league in yards per touch (6.62) among players with at least 100 touches. Norwood only got one goal-line carry last year, but that figures to change this season, as Dunn (three TDs on 14 goal-line carries) was painfully miscast in that role. There will be safer choices in your draft, but gambling on Norwood’s upside could pay dividends.

Norwood has blazing speed for a running back, but is also big enough to pick up the tough yards inside. His strong camp caused the team to deal T.J. Duckett. Norwood will spell Warrick Dunn and would be next in line were Dunn to go down. Norwood should also get some goal line carries even while Dunn is healthy.