Both Giovani Bernard and David Wilson can generate eye-popping numbers in the return game.
Question is, can they produce in fantasy football categories from the running back position?
Bernard enters the NFL as a dynamic- all-around weapon from North Carolina. The Bengals second-round pick played just two years at the NCAA level before making the jump. Wilson, on the other hand, has a year of pro action under his belt. He was the No. 1 return man but No. 3 RB for the New York Giants last season.
These multi-talented backs will both fill high-end roles for their respective teams in 2013.
Let’s find out if it will translate into worthwhile fantasy statistics.
Giovani Bernard, Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals received next to zero production from their running backs in the passing game. BenJarvus Green-Ellis led the team with all of 22 receptions for 104 yards. Mr. Law Firm just wasn’t the man for the job when it comes to catching passes underneath. Cincinnati desperately needed a player for that role.
Well, ask and you shall receive. Bernard amassed an impressive 92 catches for 852 yards and six touchdowns over two years at UNC. He possesses tremendous hands and proved himself a very good route runner. He certainly made sure that NFL teams acknowledged him as the top pass-catching RB in this year’s NFL draft.
With wideout A.J. Green stretching the field and tight ends Jermaine Gresham and Tyler Eifert hauling in passes all over the gridiron, Bernard will serve as the perfect underneath man and target out of the backfield for Andy Dalton. He’ll also operate as the consummate change of pace back behind the bruising Green-Ellis.
Bernard isn’t your RB1 fantasy option, but he may find a niche as your flex guy.
Projected Statistics: 300 rushing yards, 35 receptions, 320 yards, four total touchdowns
David Wilson, New York Giants
Once a lower depth-chart option, Wilson will now compete for the role of No. 1 RB. The Giants retain the blazing Andre Brown, but let top back Ahmad Bradshaw walk in free agency. That leaves a battle between the remaining two for that vacant position.
Brown and Wilson compiled similar rushing numbers in 2012. The former totaled 73 attempts for 385 yards (5.3-yard average) and eight touchdowns. Wilson accumulated 71 carries for 358 yards (5.1-yard average) and four touchdowns. The Giants clearly utilized Brown as the bigger back (6’0’’, 227 pounds) in goal-line scenarios, which would account for his higher TD total. Wilson was more of the change of pace guy (5’9’’, 205 pounds), in addition to his primary role as kick returner (1,533 yards, 26.9 average, one TD).
Neither has proven themselves as viable options in the passing game.
So, will any of that change in 2013?
It sure will. Wilson will assume the reigns as the No. 1 RB, while Brown serves as the power option. The Giants will still run a two-back system, though, thus reducing the difference in number of carries from one back to the next.
But don’t expect many fantasy-friendly stats from Wilson out of the Eli Manning-led passing attack. He simply favors his receivers in this offense, not to mention tight end Brandon Myers entering the fold.
If Wilson continues to improve his work in pass protection, he might just surpass the 1,000-yard plateau. We’ll err on the side of caution for now—as should you in the 2013 fantasy season.
Projected Statistics: 820 rushing yards, 10 receptions, 80 yards, seven total touchdowns
The Verdict
Cincinnati’s new backfield addition will fill one heck of a need in 2013. But in the fantasy world, Wilson is the better option. He’s not quite yet worthy of top-flight status, so make him your pick as a late-round No. 2 or No. 3 RB.
Giovani Bernard: 100 fantasy points
David Wilson: 130 fantasy points
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