Could Mike Tolbert be the next Charger to succeed elsewhere?
As we head into the offseason, our 2012 Fantasy Football Sleeper articles will be coming out in full force. With many players set to hit free agency, this year will see many new faces in new places. The first guy on my list is Running Back Mike Tolbert.
In the past few years, it always seems that the Chargers have some of the best running back depth in terms of backup running backs. From 2004 to 2007, Michael Turner sat behind LaDainian Tomlinson. And from 2008 to 2010, Darren Sproles cashed in on the franchise tag in 2009 and was a backup to Tomlinson and the combination of Ryan Matthews/Mike Tolbert. Set to hit free agency this offseason, could Tolbert be the next in line to succeed on another team?
First, let’s look at Turner’s stats as a starter with the Falcons:
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Turner is clearly starting to regress, but that’s mainly due to all the carries he received in his “rookie” year as a Falcon. Still, Turner, along with so many other players, showed that if you wait long enough and sit back and take what you can get as a backup, it will eventually pay off. Especially if you put up strong stats in limited time.
Now, let’s look at Sproles’ stats in his first year as a Saint:
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Sproles’ first season, rushing wise, in New Orleans wasn’t that impressive. But if you take into account his receiving yards and how much he meant on special teams, he had a great first-year campaign. The biggest knock on Sproles was his size (5’6/190). Chargers GM AJ Smith didn’t think Sproles could be a full-time running back because he is too small. While that might be the case, Sproles’ value, when he touches the ball, is still too good to ignore. He may not be the starter in 2012, but his role will still be huge.
The San Diego Union-Tribune was the first to report that the Chargers won’t re-sign Tolbert this offseason. Kevin Acee believes that because Tolbert doesn’t have a big resume’ and that “roly poly running backs are a dime a dozen,” the Chargers will move on and look elsewhere for Mathews’ backup. Tolbert reminds me a lot of Turner in size (Tolbert-5’9-243_Turner-5’10/244) and running style. But unlike Turner, Tolbert is a much better pass catcher.
Let’s check out Tolbert’s stats (Keep in mind I threw out 2008-2009 because the bulk of his work came in 2010-2011):
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Tolbert also has starting experience, having started 15 games as a fullback and as a running back, starting in place of Mathews, who has been hampered by injuries so far in his career.
So if the speculation is true and Tolbert gets a one-way ticket out of San Diego, here are three places he could go:
New England Patriots: Benjarvus Green-Ellis isn’t the answer at running back. He had some great moments in the 2011 season, but he clearly isn’t a guy I would want as my full-time starter. As a Stevan Ridley owner, I am hoping he can make a case for more work next year. But if not, Tolbert could look to go here. The only thing that worries me, especially from a fantasy standpoint, is that Bill Belichick doesn’t just stick to one guy in the backfield.
Cleveland Browns: Peyton Hillis could be on his way out and Monterio Hardesty can’t stay on the field because of injuries. Unlike the Patriots, the Browns have shown they are willing to stick to one running back, so this would be an ideal situation.
Green Bay Packers: And the rich get richer, but why not? Ryan Grant is also a free agent and there has been zero news regarding the Packers bringing them back. James Starks has loads of talent, but can’t stay healthy. Tolbert is easily a guy who could push Starks for playing time.
If anyone has any other thoughts on where Tolbert could go, or should go, shoot a comment below.
Fantasy Football
Article Courtesy of FantasyKnuckleheads.com 
2012 Fantasy Football Sleeper: Running Back Mike Tolbert 
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