Hardcore fantasy football fanatics have been drafting teams for the upcoming football season since June. But it's preseason mock drafts that are truly in full swing conducted by your more astute owners testing the waters and waiting until preseason games are played to hold their drafts.
At this early stage the obvious running backs have topped the real drafts and mock drafts with LaDainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson and Brian Westbrook dominating the first three picks. But consider former San Diego running back Michael Turner as a No. 3 or even a No. 2 back for your team. Some fantasy experts are saying you should be cautious with this guy because he's playing with the lowly Atlanta Falcons now. And as a result Jerius Norwood is expected to take at least one-third of the carries away each game.
But after playing in the shadow of Tomlinson the past four seasons at San Diego, watch Turner to have a huge breakout season in 2008, pumped up to be away from Tomlinson with the opportunity to showcase his talent full time. Remember Larry Johnson in Kansas City two seasons ago? He finally got his chance and emerged from the shadow of Priest Holmes and was a monster on the field.
Turner has breakaway speed and averaged 5.5 yards a carry at San Diego. An example of what Turner brings to the table happened at Denver on Oct. 7 last season. He had 10 carries and ended up with 147 yards and a touchdown, including a 74-yard run. He can also catch the ball.
In mock drafts he has been averaging anywhere from the 27th pick to the 47th pick overall.
If Turner is available in the fourth round, and especially if he's available in the fifth round, take him.
By the way, Turner had minor shoulder surgery in the offseason. But according to the Falcons' Web site and the Atlanta Consititution newspaper, Turner is expected to be fine for spring training.