Instant Analysis: Ahmad Bradshaw agrees with Giants

Ken Kelly Posted On August 2, 2011

Ahmad Bradshaw tested the free agent market and ultimately decided to return to the Giants on a four year deal. While he flirted with teams like Miami and Cincinnati, the Giants were always the best fit and have to be thrilled to retain him. His decision has an impact not only on his own value, but of many others as well. We take a look at the players most affected in the latest installment of “Insant Analysis.”

Ahmad Bradshaw, RB NYG
Bradshaw set a career high with 1,235 yards and 8 touchdowns on just 276 carries last season as he took over the lead back role from Brandon Jacobs. The Giants are always going to have some type of rotation at running back that will limit Bradshaw from being more than a highly productive RB2, but he’s the back to own in New York by a country mile.

If he can stay healthy throughout the season, Bradshaw could eclipse 1,300 yards and have double digit scores. There’s no doubting his explosiveness or big play ability. At just 25 years old, he’s a player to covet in dynasty circles.

Brandon Jacobs, RB NYG
Those who own Jacobs were hoping for a different decision from Bradshaw. If he left, it was possible that Jacobs could have been used as a lead back again. This decision takes a lot of his dynasty value away since he’s amazingly 29 years old already.

Jacobs can be useful in fantasy circles, but you just can’t expect him to eclipse the 823 yards and nine touchdowns he had last season. While it’s possible, you just can’t pencil in a 29 year old back to average 5.6 yards per carry like he had last season, especially if Bradshaw can stay healthy.

Jacobs can be rostered as a RB4 at best, but serves best as insurance for Bradshaw owners at this point.

Eli Manning, QB NYG
You can make the case that this signing is big for Manning, Nicks, Manningham and all the skill position players other than running backs. Fact is, Bradshaw is dynamic enough to keep defenses honest and open up lanes in the passing game.

Danny “D.J.” Ware, RB NYG
Ware was no doubt hoping to see Bradshaw leave town. He’ll have a really tough time seeing the field for meaningful snaps with both Bradshaw and Jacobs still in town.

Da’Rel Scott, RB NYG
Scott looks to be headed for the practice squad this season unless he can beat out Ware for the third running back job in New York. He’ll get his chances, but this looks like an uphill battle. As it is, he’s worth a late round flier in rookie drafts – the coaches do think highly of him.

Jason Snelling, RB FA
Snelling is going to be forced to look elsewhere for work, along with the likes of Ricky Williams, Ronnie Brown, Tiki Barber and countless other veteran backs. The jobs are going fast and they have to be feeling like this is a cruel game of musical chairs at this point.

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Ken Kelly

Co-Founder at DynastyLeagueFootball

Ken is a corporate trainer by day an a tireless editor of dynasty content by night. His passion for the World Champion Seattle Seahawks is second only to his love of fantasy football and the dynasty format.

Ken is on Twitter at DLF_KenK