Assuming he finishes the season strong, is this guy going to be a top 5 pick in 2007 fantasy drafts?

I think that will depend on what San Fran does to keep improving. They need more help on the O-line, and another solid wr. If they are able to do that...I could see Gore in the top 10. Top three are locked with LT, LJ and Alexander. After that...assuming the loss of Tiki, you have Portis(who should be back), Addai(all alone next year not splitting), Edge(assuming improvements to O-line) and Gore, Rudi, and others.

I think you forgot #4....Steven Jackson.
Gore is already a "lock" as a top 10 pick next year, in a redraft. Dynasty will have him valued slightly higher considering his youth and the obviously improving 49er offense.

I knew I was missing someone..trying to pull names off the top of my head. I also think depending on what happens with players around them DeAngelo Williams and Lawrence Maroney will go high..if they are starters.

Yeah I think SJax may even push that top 3. Alexander will have another year on him, and Jackson is a bull!! Lock for a top 5 pick. Gore, top 10 yes, but i don't think he climbs to top 5.

Looking over these guys, assuming Gore finishes the season strong.

Unless Tomlinson gets hurt, he is already my #1 next season

As much as Edwards is running Larry Johnson, I may be a little scared of him. Tomlinson runs alot, but LJ always has the ball and takes alot more big hits. I might apply Nano's theory to this guy and try to avoid him. At least that is my thinking right now.

• Clinton Portis - I don't think I would consider Portis over Frank Gore.
• Edge - no way I am drafting this guy, even in the top 15
• Addai - Definitely a top 10 pick next year, very possibly a top 5 depending on how the season finishes out.
• Rudi - Not a chance in me taking this guy over Gore. Not sure I would consider him in the top 10.
• Shaun Alexander - Has to be in the top 10 I guess, need to see how he finishes the season.

Very interested in seeing how Steven Jackson finishes the season now that the offensive philosophy is what we thought it would be at the beginning of the season.

I could easily see it going in this order on average next season....

1. Ladainian Tomlinson
2. Shaun Alexander
3. Steven Jackson
4. Frank Gore
5. Joseph Addai

Where in the fock is Larry Johnson???? You may avoid him, but no way the masses don't, he will be top 3 in every draft.

crap, I meant to have him at #2. I knew I was missing somebody.

He raised his concern in the previous thread. He mentions the article that Nan wrote...on what happens to rbs that get lots of carries in a season. LJ is getting way too much usage. So the conern he stated was the chance it could hurt him next year.

No, you meant to miss him...per Nan's article...remember

Oh yeah, if I was ranking them for myself, he wouldnt be there. But as far as predicting an order for them to be picked, on average, he will surely be #2 at worst.

Give me the opportunity and if Tomlinson is gone, I will do just like this year and trade down to avoid him.

For the record...my top few at rb as of now for rb:
1) LT
2) LJ
3) Steven Jackson
4) Alexander
5) Gore
6) Rudi Johnson
7) Addai
8) Westbrook
9) Chester Taylor
10) Portis

Now, this is assuming in some cases no new players in, and some taking over. Portis still having same coaching staff.

I am also curious to see what happens next year with Williams in Carolina, Maroney in NE(he jumps to a top ten easy if Dillon goes away..probably top 5), and White in Tenn.

Avoiding him this year didn't turn out to be such a good move......

haha, i was just thinking when i read that, that his opponents are probably hoping he does it again next year too...