Tier 1 : LaDainian Tomlinson, Steven Jackson, Adrian Peterson, Brian Westbrook

These running backs are the best-of-the-best in Fantasy Football.  These four guys will lead your team in Fantasy points once again this year, and will probably go one through four in your draft(s). LT and AP in recent mock drafts have been interchangeable, but don’t sleep on Jackson or Westy in Points Per Reception (PPR) leagues. No need for a quarterback here, these guys, barring any injuries, will the players you build your team(s) around.

Tier 2 : Joseph Addai, Frank Gore

Addai and Gore to me have a great chance to sneak into as one of the top four running backs by seasons end.  Addai will have to share some carries now with Dominic Rhodes, but don’t be scared off by the fact that Rhodes is back in town.  Gore on the other hand has Mike Martz as his new offensive coordinator, and Martz has already stated that he’ll build the offense around Gore.  Both running backs are first rounder’s and will be selected in the middle to the end of the round.

Tier 3 : Clinton Portis, Larry Johnson, Marion Barber, Willis McGahee, Ryan Grant

The second round will lead off with some powerful running backs.  In a snake draft, if you are at the end of the first round, you’ll be able to load up on some 1,000 yard rushers to complement your first rounder.  Johnson of course has plenty of questions marks surrounding him, but Portis, Barber, McGahee and Grant can lead your Fantasy Football team and make great RB1’s or a fantastic duo with your first selection.

Tier 4 : Edgerrin James, Jamal Lewis, Marshawn Lynch, Maurice Jones-Drew, Will Parker, Reggie Bush

The beginning and middle of the second round gives you running backs that will get you some great yards but few touchdowns.  James and Lewis are on the other sides of their careers, and questions about whether or not Lynch can duplicate his great rookie year need to be answered.  Drew, Parker and Bush will all share careers which means you’ll have to hand-cuff these running backs later in your draft.

Tier 5 : Brandon Jacobs, Laurence Maroney, Earnest Graham, Ronnie Brown

The two Super Bowl running backs can be had at the end of the third, beginning of the fourth round, which should tell you how deep the draft can be.  Jacobs and Maroney are two running backs that are goal-line gold mines.  Maroney may be a better Fantasy choice, only because I see the New England Patriots running more as they did at the end of last year.  Graham and Brown are coming off injuries and both will have to prove they are healthy before they get the bulk of the carries for their respective teams.  Both will have to be hand-cuffed later in the draft to protect you and your team if either falters.

Tier 6 : Michael Turner, DeAngelo Williams, Rudi Johnson

Most sites have Turner as their “BIG SLEEPER” this season.  Let’s be realistic for a second.  If the quarterback situation isn’t settled come September, Turner will see plenty of eight man fronts.  Unlike the offensive line of Minnesota, the Falcons front won’t stand a chance.  Williams is battling it out with rookie Jonathan Stewart, and if he can stay healthy, will show that he’s the Carolina Panthers full-time back.  Johnson has added back on the weight that made him a pounding running back in 2006, but can he survive the black and blue division. Another great example of how you can grab running backs late in the draft, these four guys can be had at the end of round four, beginning of round five.

Tier 7 : Thomas Jones, Darren McFadden

Jones rushed for over a 1,000 yards last season but only had two touchdowns.  He’ll drop in many of your Fantasy drafts, but don’t make the same mistake the other Fantasy owners will.  The New York Jets revamped offensive line should allow Jones to once again rush for over 1,000 yards, but look for him to have five or more rushing touchdowns.  McFadden could be this years AP.  He runs hard, and he plays for a team that is desperate for a super star.  In many mock drafts this year, these two running backs have been going in the middle of the fifth round or later.

Tier 8 : Selvin Young, Fred Taylor, Matt Forte

Say hello to Selvin Young and Matt Forte, two running backs that inherit the starting spot for their teams.  Young should have decent numbers as history has shown us that running backs that play in the Denver Broncos system have been very successful. Forte on the other hand will have to deal with eight man fronts, and face some of the toughest defenses in the NFC.  Taylor is in a system that works great for him, the two-back system.  With fresh legs, Taylor is a guy you want on your Fantasy team, especially if you own Maurice Jones-Drew.  These running backs are sixth round or later draft picks.