This 6'0, 260 lb. battering ram certainly made an impression on fantasy owners last season as he became the most reliable weapon in the Baltimore backfield. He could end up with a more prominent role this season depending on what the Ravens do with Willis McGahee. However, if they keep the same “committee” approach, don’t expect much more out of McClain than what he posted last year as he simply will not have the opportunities.
('09 Proj: 250 att, 1,025 yds, 11 touchdowns) ~Frank Mazzola
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The leader of the three-headed monster that is the Ravens’ backfield. I actually like McClain to break the 1,000-yard rushing barrier this year. I don’t trust Ray Rice or Willis McGahee, and I don’t think John Harbaugh does either.
(’09 Proj: 245 carries, 1,150 total yards, 11 touchdowns) ~Jeremy Fischer
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LeRon McClain had an outstanding start to last season. Then I recommended that everybody start him in week 6 against the Colts and he spat in my face. I’m slowly getting over that ordeal while trying to maintain impartiality. That Baltimore backfield sure is crowded though. Both Willis McGahee and Ray Rice will be looking to leach carries.
('09 Proj: 190 att, 780 yds, 8 touchdowns) ~John Kezer
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McClain will likely enter training camp in a role similar to what he had this year as a sometimes-starter and RBBC with goal-line carries. He is a good low-end No. 2 fantasy back, worth a pick between Rounds 5 and 6 in redrafts.
('09 Proj: 1,100 total yds, 8 touchdowns) ~Dave Fosdick
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Arguably the biggest surprise of the 2008 season, the 260 pound full back got a chance to play running back and didn’t disappoint, putting up 902 yards and 10 touchdowns on 232 carries. He also added 123 yards and one touchdown receiving. Now the question is how will the Ravens use him this year? As long as Willis McGahee is healthy and Ray Rice keeps advancing I would be shocked if McClain puts up numbers anywhere near his 2008 numbers.
('09 Proj: 103 att, 410 yds, 5 touchdowns, 13 rec, 79 yds, 1 touchdown) ~Robb Perkins
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Led the Ravens in rushing last season and finished ahead of Jones-Drew and Fast Willie! Has established himself as a true fantasy factor with his double-digit touchdown total . He also had over 20 attempts per game over the final five games of the year, amassing four touchdowns during that same span. At the youthful age of 24 he should be the main man next season in Baltimore and produce every week for owners.
('09 Proj: 1,200 total yds, 10 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
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Came out of nowhere last year to lead the Ravens in rushing with 902 yards and double digit scores. But, while I think he has earned himself a role in the Ravens offense moving forward, I think it will be in a lesser role, as he seems better suited to become third and short bruiser as well as productive goal line back. I don’t think he’ll approach those yardage numbers again, but 10 touchdowns in this scenario isn’t unrealistic.
('09 Proj: 640 yds, 9 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
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Gotta check my "Ray Rice dynasty owner" thoughts at the door here. Even though Rice outgained McClain 4.2 and Willis McGahee matched him at 3.9, this is a situation of "Why ask why?" Even if Rice, McGahee or a combination thereof can wrest the between the 20's work away from LeRon - there's little doubt in my mind he'll get the nod at the goalline. That alone adds another 3-4 TD's to his total right there. I do project a bit of a dip in attempts, but like the touchdown total to remain.
('09 Proj: 200 att, 790 yds, 9 touchdowns) ~Rick Perkins