DeAngelo Williams vs. Michael Turner

March 25, 2008 at 12:25 pm | Article by Paul Hickey |

DeAngelo Williams vs. Michael Turner. I’ve had several fantasy owners email me this offseason asking which of the two brand new NFL featured backs that I like better for 2008. Of course, I don’t just think about 2008 - I think about far beyond just this season. Still, it’s a tough, tough call.

You can tell I’m extremely high on the fantasy potential of both backs heading into this season, as I currently have Turner ranked 11th overall in the Dynasty RB Rankings, with Williams coming in just behind him at 12th overall. When it comes to keeper rankings though, I have Turner 12th overall among RBs, and Williams bumped down to 15th. To make matters even a bid cloudier, I have Williams ranked above Turner in our 2008 Seasonal RB Rankings. I promise there is a method to the madness here. The simplest way to put it is that, as it stands right now, Williams will have a better statistical season in 2008 than Turner will. The third year former first round draft choice from Memphis came on extremely strong last season, rushing for more than 300 yards and three TDs in the final five games of the season, phasing out former Panthers starter DeShaun Foster. Williams picked up blitzes extremely well, and excelled in pass protection - the only area that the coaching staff was unsure of with him. Williams has shown the ability to make huge plays in his first two seasons, and with the only other RB on the roster being LaBrandon Toefield, he’s primed to see the rock 25-30 times per ball game. I’ve said this before, but he really reminds me of Brian Westbrook, and I believe he’ll be the centerpiece of the Panthers offense. High praise, I know.

So, where does Turner stand in comparison? Well, the 26 year old former Ladainian Tomlinson back-up joins a new team that happens to be implementing an all new system, with an absolutely pitiful offensive line. Also, there is not one proven QB on the Falcons roster worth a freaking nickel. So, the fact that the 5′11″, 230 lb. Turner will face those types of challenges in year one, makes it less likely he’ll put up numbers that will surpass Williams’ digits. As far as long-term potential goes though, Turner has all the makings of a pounder - someone who can carry a team on his shoulders - once that offensive line improves and the offense starts to gel. It will happen in Atlanta, but not really until the end of 2008. This explains the difference in our rankings system as it relates to these two players.

Now, overall, No-Offseason.com is extremely high on both of them for the long haul, even though their respective teams each need offensive linemen and quarterbacks BADLY. With the number three pick overall, the Falcons should have U-M’s Jake Long number one on their wish list. If they can’t snag him, they need to go with BC’s Matt Ryan, and then absolutely load up on linemen in rounds two, three and possibly even four. This will help Turner’s short term outlook. The Panthers select 13th overall, and really should be targeting Vandy tackle Chris Williams. He could end up being the sleeper of the 2008 NFL Draft, and anchor Carolina’s line for years to come. In terms of added competition for each back, we believe it’s possible each team could add a compliment, but unlikely for Carolina and Atlanta to add competition for their starting roles.