Slaton was slated to be nothing more than a role player last season but he quickly proved he was worth so much more, putting up 1,282 yards and nine touchdowns on 268 carries while chipping in another 377 yards and one touchdown on 50 receptions. He has no real competition for playing time and I expect even better things out of him in 2009.
('09 Proj: 278 att, 1,279 yds, 12 touchdowns, 45 rec, 338 yds, 1 TD) ~Robb Perkins
___
The rookie had five games with 100 or more yards last season and he is only going to get better. He will probably be worked into the receiving game even more this year as well. The sky is the limit for Slaton and he’s one of the best dynasty running backs you could roster.
('09 Proj: 290 att, 1,385 yds, 12 touchdowns) ~Frank Mazzola
___
Led all rookie running backs in rushing yards in 2008. Best part of Slaton’s year was that he was consistent, with only 3 weeks with less than 50 yards rushing. Dangerous catching the ball out of the backfield as well. Will never be a goal line back, but he breaks enough long gainers that touchdowns won’t be compromised much. A very good selection towards the end of the first round.
('09 Proj: 1,600 total yds, 11 touchdowns) ~Jon Rascon
___
Arguably the most surprising of 2008’s excellent rookie running back class. Widely perceived as undersized, Slaton made up for it with excellent instincts and speed. The Texans are actively searching for a larger running back to pair with Slaton, which would almost certainly cut into his touchdown potential, but they have been unsuccessful so far. Until they do find that complementary back, consider Slaton a No. 1 option.
('09 Proj: 260 att, 1,700 yds, 10 touchdowns) ~Stan Feldman
___
Not too shabby for the 89th overall pick in the '08 draft. He led the rookies in yards rushing and finished sixth overall in the NFL. He will be a first rounder in many drafts and has huge upside in the Texans offense that is poised to explode in 2009. A dynasty owner's wet dream here.
('09 Proj: 1,800 total yds, 12 touchdowns) ~Steve Cavanagh
___
Steve Slaton made a huge impact in a very short amount of time. The Texans are now possible playoff contenders and striving towards their first winning season in franchise history. Slaton will undoubtedly be a big part of that. His receiving ability out of the backfield only makes him that much more valuable to the Texans and fantasy owners.
('09 Proj: 280 att, 60 rec, 1,710 total yds, 10 touchdowns) ~John Kezer
___
The poster boy for reminding War Rooms across the NFL why you can't get so wrapped up in measurables that you lose sight of seperating "football players" from guys who "should" be football players. I'm still a little skittish of Slaton's height (5'9"), but at over 200 lbs he's "thick" for his frame (ala Maurice Jones-Drew). Another positive you can't put a price on is supporting cast. Houston has been constructing the Death Star on offense for 3 years now so it isn't like he's in a McFadden scenario where opponents can mash the middle.
('09 Proj: 270 att, 1,250 yds, 11 touchdowns, 55 rec, 440 yds, 3 TDs) ~Rick Perkins
