Can Selvin Really Rush For 2,000?

May 30, 2008 at 7:10 am | Article by Paul Hickey |

Broncos second year RB Selvin Young recently raised eyebrows in the fantasy community by stating that his rushing goal for 2008 is 2,000 yards. We all know that 1,000 would be a solid accomplishment for him, but after recent comments by head coach Mike Shanahan, I found myself wondering - can Selvin do it? The answer may surprise you.

Look. If Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell can combine for 2,000 yards in Denver, and Andre Hall can come out of nowhere to put up nearly 300 total yards and two TDs in a two week window, it’s absolutely possible for one back to think that he can rush for 2,000 yards in Denver. Not to mention, we’ve seen guys like Reuben Droughns and Olandis freaking Gary rush for more than 1,000 yards in this scheme.

We all know that in the back of our minds, if Mike Shanahan actually commits to one guy, that it’s extremely possible. Not only that, but Young was pretty darn impressive in 2007, rushing for 729 yards on only 140 carries. He averaged 106 yards in games with 15 or more carries. The kid is talented, and apparently confident as well.

Rather than roll his eyes at the idea, or bring his young RB back to Earth with a typical comment, Shanny stated that he’d actually like to see Selvin prove it to him. Wow. So, if Young plays well, he’ll stay in the game?

Imagine that - Shanny could actually stick with one guy this year. It won’t be 30 year old Travis Henry, who is already battling injury problems, and it probably won’t be Hall or rookie Ryan Torain.

We’re starting to get really excited about the possibilities of Selvin Young being a fantasy stud - and a value at that. Young has lasted until the late, late rounds of many mocks I’ve been in recently. Owners need to start taking this guy way more seriously. He’s young, intelligent, hard-working, and hasn’t had any injury problems.

Can Selvin Young rush for 2,000 yards in 2008? Absolutely.