Blount Forced Drama?

Ken Kelly Posted On March 30, 2014

Former Tampa Bay and New England running back LeGarrette Blount has finally found a new home, signing a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The amazing thing to me is the panic being shown by some owners of Le’Veon Bell, who emerged late last season as the bell cow running back for Pittsburgh. With such widespread opinion going on in dynasty circles, let’s take a look at the impact this signing has on some players out there in fantasy land. In short, we need to calm some folks down!

LeGarrette Blount, RB PIT

Blount was a bit of a revelation for the Patriots last year as he rushed for 772 yards on 153 carries (good for a healthy 5.0 yards per carry) after taking lead back duties from Stevan Ridley after Bill Belichick soured on Ridley’s ball security skills.

Blount’s season hit a high note in the playoffs as he rushed for 166 yards and four touchdowns in the New England victory over the Indianapolis Colts in the Divisional Round. Unfortunately, he was only able to muster six yards on five carries the week after in the loss against the Broncos in the AFC Championship Game. Those two lines really uncover the word used most with Blount – inconsistent.

Throughout his career, Blount has had his fair share of great games, but also low points that have included a strange inability to gain first downs or touchdowns in short yardage situations, despite his massive size.

In Pittsburgh, Blount should be used as a change of pace back for Le’Veon Bell and is no real threat to take meaningful carries away. The Steelers didn’t quality depth at the position after losing Jonathan Dwyer and Blount should fit the bill. He’s a good handcuff candidate for Bell owners, but if you have someone in your league thinking he’s more than that, take advantage by either acquiring Bell or trading away Blount.

Le’Veon Bell, RB PIT

Mike Munchak has been brought in to be the offensive line coach and the Steelers are looking to add more zone blocking concepts on offense – this should help Bell who had a breakout campaign as he rushed for 860 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 games. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has repeatedly said he was looking for depth, but also saying it wasn’t a necessity. Adding Blount helps achieve their backup problem, but Bell is clearly in position to post his first 1,000 yard season and rise to RB1 status.

Bell is a dynasty asset to covet and his average ADP of 14 this month shouldn’t be affected at all with the addition of Blount.

Stevan Ridley, RB NE

If there’s a perceived beneficiary to the move of Blount to Pittsburgh, it’s likely Stevan Ridley. A year after becoming the key to the rushing offense in New England and posting 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns, Ridley had a nightmare campaign in 2013 that featured just 773 rushing yards, seven touchdowns and a lot work being given up to Shane Vereen and LeGarrette Blount due to his fumbling problems.

We’ll see soon enough if the Pats truly trust Ridley again as the 2014 NFL Draft comes and goes. If New England opts against drafting a running back in a similar mold, Ridley should be able to reclaim lead back duties. He’ll always lose passing down work to Vereen, but this move could be a big plus for Ridley in his quest to be a major bounce back player next year.

Brandon Bolden, RB NE

Keep an eye on Bolden, as he’s been productive when given the chance. If the Pats don’t further address the position and Ridley falters early, Bolden could emerge quickly as a dynasty league asset.

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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