Overrated heading into the 2008 season (first-round ADP) due to inflated touchdown totals in previous seasons as well as anticipated increase in workload despite the addition of heralded rookie Felix Jones. Set a career-high in carries but saw his YPC drop by over a yard (4.8 to 3.7). The final three weeks of his season were disastrous (just 66 total yards and no touchdowns). His growing involvement in the passing game is encouraging, making him a good investment as a No. 2 assuming his ADP experiences a correction.
(’09 Proj: 200 carries, 1,300 total yds, 10 touchdowns) ~Stan Feldman
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They call this guy "Barbarian" for a reason, you know. He shouldered the load for the Cowboys again last year and set new career highs in carries, receptions and receiving yards. He'll be reliable again in '09 as well and should have a healthy Felix Jones back to keep him fresh.
('09 Proj: 200 carries, 970 yds, 11 rush TD, 55 rec, 400 yards, 2 rec TD) ~Frank Mazzola
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2008 was expected to be a monster season for Barber and most owners spent a mid-first round pick on him thinking exactly that. Due to injuries to himself and to Romo, he fizzled after a hot start and cost many fantasy owners down the stretch. His overall numbers (290 touches, over 1,300 all purpose yards and 9 TDs) are solid. Expect an improvement in ’09 even with the emerging home run hitter Felix Jones waiting in the wings.
('09 Proj: 280 carries, 1,400 total yards, 12 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
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Barber broke a lot of hearts late last year, as he was unavailable and/or unable to produce when it counted most, weeks 14-17. This year, there will be a lot of owners that will still make Barber their top running back selection, but unless you play in a touchdown only league, I don’t think Barber will return No. 1 running back numbers. With Tashard Choice emerging as an acceptable backup and Felix Jones returning from injury to provide a change of pace, Barber will once again return to being the bruiser in the Cowboys attack with just enough touchdowns to warrant starting consideration.
(’09 Proj: 1,100 total yds, 12 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
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The problem here is health. There are also a couple of very effective backs behind him. Jerry Jones is questioning his toughness, which to me is nuts. It seems like Barber is getting the dirt shoveled on him prematurely. When healthy, I believe he is a top five-talent.
(Proj: 1,400 total yds and 14 touchdowns) ~Dave Fosdick
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Barber's toe injury won't be an issue, but the return of Felix Jones and the emergence of Tashard Choice will. In addition, there's a chance that the 'Boys jettison Owens as well. Barber will still be the No. 1 back in 2009; he just won't get as many carries.
('09 Proj: 190 carries, 1,050 total yds, 12 touchdowns) ~Jeremy Fischer
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Heading into 2008, Marion Barber had been pacing a touchdown every 14.1 rushing attempts. He notched 24 total rushing TD's in 2006-2007 before that number plummeted to seven last year. He's one of the most vicious collision running backs in the NFL. Even though he lacks top end speed and the Cowboys have better receiving backs rostered, Barber is one of the most effective at what he does and is deceivingly young at age 25. If my opponents beg me to take him with my mid-second round pick they won't need to twist my arm.
('09 Proj: 215 carries, 1,100 total yds, 10 touchdowns) ~Rick Perkins.
