Fantasy Football: Cardinals’ Andre Ellington could be Top 10 RB
By Matt Shetler
We are a long way away from fantasy football drafts, but there was some news out of Arizona today that should make fantasy football owners very excited, especially if you own Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington.
Sep 29, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back Andre Ellington (38) runs with the ball against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Arizona Cardinals defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
After a very nice rookie campaign, everyone knew Ellington would be much more of a fantasy factor in his sophomore season, but how much of a factor would be anyone’s guess.
However according to Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 in Phoenix, Cardinals’ head coach Bruce Arians said that Ellington will get 25-30 touches per game this year.
In the age where featured backs aren’t nearly as common as they were just a few years ago, that’s some big news.
Considering that the way Ellington makes an impact catching the rock, if the Cards stay true to their word of getting him that many touches, Ellington could touch the ball anywhere from 400 to 480 times this season.
That’s a staggering number and one that right now should make him one of the Top 10 backs off the board come draft day.
His stock could continue to grow as well with a good camp.
During his rookie campaign of 2013, Ellington had 118 rushing attempts and 38 receptions, for a total of 156 touches (combining to gain 1,023 yards) which makes you wonder if he can handle the increased workload.
In 2013, Ellington became the first rookie back since Ickey Woods in 1988 to lead the NFL in yards per carry, averaging 5.53 yards. He also became just the third rookie back since 1978 to average 5.0 yards per carry (minimum 100 carries) and 9.0 yards per reception (minimum 30 receptions).
However Ellington isn’t the biggest guy in the world, so the increased workload could be a concern.
I was very high on Ellington coming into the season and if he is getting almost 30 touches a game, I can’t wait to see what he can do in 2014.
Snatch him up early and you could be reaping the rewards by season’s end.