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Fantasy Football Preview 2013: Six rookie RBs every owner needs to know

By Zachary Thompson

Dec 9, 2012; Tampa FL, USA; An NFL logo is seen on the field after a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2012; Tampa FL, USA; An NFL logo is seen on the field after a game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Giovani Bernard-Cincinnati Bengals

May 10, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals second round draft pick running back Giovani Bernard (25) runs a drill during the Bengals rookie minicamp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals second round draft pick running back Giovani Bernard (25) runs a drill during the Bengals rookie minicamp at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports /

Upside: Bernard is a versatile weapon that can be used out of the backfield to help the Bengals this season. The Bengals made him the top running back off the board with the fifth pick in the second round  from North Carolina. I think he’ll see serious playing time behind BenJarvus Green-Ellis. He’s a great open field runner and can make people miss in the open field. If he can develop into a receiving threat, he’ll only further enhance his value and has been impressing coaches and fellow-players early in camp.

Downside: The Law Firm is still in town and expected to be the top option, and you could end up with a dynamic talent who gets just a few touches per game (think C.J. Spiller when he was behind Fred Jackson).

Verdict: Bernard would be the second rookie RB I’d take off the board on draft day. If you can get two solid backs ahead of him in 10-team leagues and fortify him with a solid fourth, he’s a great third RB to add to your roster. He has upside to be a high-RB2 in my mind. There will be some weeks this year where he makes a great start since I don’t see BenJarvus Green-Ellis holding up all season, and the Bengals are

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