1.18 RB Marion Barber III, Dallas

[Nittany Dodgers]

This is the guy I really wanted to trade up from 1.18 to get, but fortunately it appears no one else was really interested.

Having seem him play for a few years in MN, I'm not 100% sold that he's significantly better than any of the other former Gophers who have gone on to be huge busts, but at least this one isn't a high pick and he can develop for a while. This is basically a need pick to handcuff to JJones.

[Preds]

Hmm, I figured you'd wait till your 2nd pck in round 2 to grab him.

A bit early, especially in light of the A-Train signing.

[Nittany Dodgers]

Originally Posted by Preds

Hmm, I figured you'd wait till your 2nd pck in round 2 to grab him.

A bit early, especially in light of the A-Train signing.

I'm not too intimidated by A-Train's signing. I think A-Train gives Parcell's a veteran presence among the RBs, after losing Richie Anderson and Eddie George, but is nothing more than someone he can rely on in a pinch. This is more of a long term insurance, if something happened to Julius, than it is a pick for Julius' current backup in case he gets dinged. Say Julius goes down long term, or career ending, I think Barber would be the long term solution, not A-Train. Hence the pick here.

Also, Barber was the 19th offensive player selected in SAC'D. I didn't want to gamble that he would be there for 9 more picks, when at least three RB's have been drafted ahead of Barber in no better current RB situations.