Can I play in your league?
Larry Johnson broke the NFL record for carries last year, and was ranked #2 and #3 among RBs the last two years. His total points in my league last year would have placed him 2nd, 1st, 3rd, 1st, and 2nd in years 2004-2000. Don't let LT's amazing year last year blind you to LJ's ability. They will be even more reliant on him this year. And he's a relatively young 27, so he has alot of mileage left.
There is alot of hype around Steven Jackson (justified) and Frank Gore (risky with a new OC) and questions surrounding Alexander (older, coming off injury), but at least you can make a somewhat compelling argument to take them over LJ.
But Willie Parker? That's crazy talk. Pittsburgh is desperate to find a complimentary back to Parker and lighten his load. Hometown favorite Kevan Barlow will be given the first opportunity to be the 3rd down/goalline back, Najeh Davenport and Verron Haynes are still there, and Gary Russell, the undrafted guy out of Minnesota is a huge sleeper. If he's got his head right, he's as fast as Parker and stronger, and was great at Minnesota running alongside Maroney (over 1000 yards and 18 TDs). Throw in new OC Bruce Arians, who is a receivers coach and has a history of using multiple backs as the OC in Cleveland (and sucked there and as the Temple HC), and I don't touch Parker this year unless he falls into the second round.
