It's Only Preseason, but ... Ahmad Bradshaw Undervalued

Preseason performance can often be misleading or misconstrued. We can, however, learn things from certain important players by simply paying attention. "It's only preseason, but ... " spins what we're seeing from an individual and how it impacts his fantasy value.

After a third preseason game that featured a majority of starters getting playing time, it's safe to say that Ahmad Bradshaw is still being undervalued in drafts. I'm checking out the ADP reports, and I see Bradshaw going in the same round as LeSean McCoy, Jamal Lewis, Julius Jones and Darren Sproles. That, my friends, is a travesty.

---

---

First, some history. In 2008, Giants RB1 Brandon Jacobs received 219 carries and 12 targets in the passing game, recording a total of 1,125 yards and 15 TDs. Giants RB2 Derrick Ward received 182 carries and 55 targets, recording a total of 1,409 yards and two TDs. Bradshaw, as the RB3, received 67 carries and six targets, gaining 397 yards and scoring two TDs.

As a unit, those three RBs gained 2,469 yards on the ground and 462 yards through the air. That goes to show you the dominance of the Giants offensive line.

As we know, Ward has moved on for more money in Tampa Bay. Bradshaw now gets promoted to the RB2 role, with Danny Ware taking over as the RB3. Worried by the lack of TDs? Well, in most leagues 300 yards equates to five scores. How would you feel about nabbing an 1,100-yard, seven-TD back as your No. 4 RB? That's generally how Bradshaw is being drafted, as he's still outside the Top 35 at the position.

Now, it's possible that the Giants play from behind more this year and don't approach 2,400 yards rushing again. But it's also possible that with Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer having departed, the Giants could focus on the running game more than ever.

And it's possible that the RB2 in the offense doesn't put up 1,400 total yards again. I also want to point you to the fact that Bradshaw scored the same number of times on 72 touches (twice) that Ward did on 223 touches. With Bradshaw taking on more of the workload, it's possible he displays more of a nose for the end zone. If that's the case, then we could be looking at a back with a 1,400-yard, six-TD upside. That's something I'd overdraft to have as my third RB, much less my RB4.

Let's come back to the present. Bradshaw saw a significant amount of time with the first team, about equal to Jacobs' work, before the second team came in and Danny Ware got his shot. Bradshaw rushed for 47 yards on eight carries, compared to Jacobs' 24 yards on six carries. It's only preseason, but it looks like this could be a pretty equal time share in 2009, one that features one of the best run-blocking lines in all of football.

While other people are busy drafting RB2s like LenDale White, Jonathan Stewart and Donald Brown to be their flex back or primary backup, you would be wise to get your hands on Bradshaw. Don't be afraid to reach a little high for him and make him your RB3 -- all indications point to him being worth the price.