By Mr. Fantasy

1. Don't be the first to draft a running back. Four backs - Chris Johnson, Arian Foster, Ray Rice and Adrian Peterson - arguably could be the first back taken. In the absence of a standout, you'd be better off taking the top quarterback (Michael Vick) if you luck into the No. 1 overall pick.
   
   
2. Even in Round 2, weigh all your options. In most leagues, there's a rush to draft running backs. That's because traditionally there's been a scarcity. But that's not the case anymore, with potential fantasy stars dipping well into the teens. Unless you play in a league where you can start three backs, you can feel good about taking backs in the third and fourth rounds and still getting a quality tandem.
   
   
3. Draft Frank Gore. After the first four backs, it's almost impossible to predict which backs will go next. I'm guessing Gore won't be among the next 2-3 drafted, and that would be a mistake. The 49ers have upgraded their offensive line and they now employ a coach with an offensive clue. Gore is primed for his best season.
   
   
4. Strongly consider drafting your starters' primary backups. Most NFL teams don't change offensive philosophies if their starting backs get hurt. So, for example, even though he has little or no value while Chris Johnson is healthy, Javon Ringer could be a season-saver for you if you have him available to plug in for Johnson should your franchise back get hurt.
   
   
5. Don't draft a rookie running back. It's nice to surprise your rivals with a rookie coming off your bench, but this year that's unlikely to happen. Few will get an opportunity to play, and really only one (the Saints' Mark Ingram) has the look of an NFL standout. And even Ingram isn't in an ideal situation, joining a team that already employs a productive back in Pierre Thomas.

Check out the 2011 Running Back Draft Ratings