For all those secretly coveting and projecting Derrick Ward as the 2009 version of Michael Turner (you know the capable back-up who signs with a new team to be the man) you just might wanna pay attention. Ward just signed with the Tampa Bay Bucs with aspirations of finally being the man. If another season plagued by knee injuries wasn't the signal of the end for Carnell Williams, this should be. Ward had other suitors in the fold, but chose the re-vamped Tampa Bay offense that is beginning to take on a new shape in the early going of this new regime. You may recall Ward was quite the steady contributor the past few seasons in New York and he caught the eye of many in the fantasy football world after he blistered the Carolina Panthers for 215 yards on National TV. So who else is impacted?
Stock Rises
Brandon Jacobs -- Full steam ahead. Not that Jacobs was technically in a timeshare with Ward, but if anything this along with his new contract solidify him as the soul of the Giants monstrous running game. If he can stay healthy (a big if) he shouldn't slip past the 2nd round.
Whoever plays QB for the Bucs -- It's never hurts a QB's situation to have a solid and reliable running game. You know it's much easier to hand the ball off to a stud then be forced to carry a new offense. Just ask Matt Ryan. The Bucs lost out on he Matt Cassel sweepstakes and most likely Jay Cutler. So, we can assume the Bucs are still in the QB hunt at this hour and even if they turn to Luke McCown...it ain't all that bad.
Antonio Bryant & Michael Clayton -- Again, a lot of this stems on the QB situation, but the notion of a solid running game to open up the passing game seems to be the direction the Bucs are heading. Bryant had a breakout season and lord knows, but the Bucs must have been watching game tape from 2004 and fell in love with Michael Clayton all over again. Regardless, Clayton benefits from a defined role in the offense and the chance to fly under the radar in a new Bucs system.
Ahmad Bradshaw -- Assuming his legal troubles don't get in the way, Bradshaw should see an increased workload in the Giants running game. The void left by Ward gives the Giants a return to the more traditional "Thunder and Lightning" RB tandem.
Stock Falls:
Earnest Graham -- Injuries derailed the once famous "waiver wire wonder" last season. And now, he's clearly looking at a demotion. Of course, no mention has been as such, but you have to consider the facts. Graham will be a nice change of pace and perhaps, goal-line RB, but he's looking at a diminished role in this offense.
Kellen Winslow -- You throw him on this list simply for the fact that he's joining a new offense that could feature a heavy dose of running. That usually means the TE stays back to block and help clear up the lanes. Plus, it's just never been safe to trust Winslow...yet.
Eli Manning -- Look, it may not be a huge impact, but the more weapons you pull away from the guy - the more ordinary and/or average he will appear.
Cadillac Williams -- Um, yeah...no explanation needed.
