By Dan Parr
July 28, 2008

Reggie Bush

It’s that time of year when fantasy owners face the Reggie Bush dilemma — the annual crisis of conscience when they weigh the potential that still makes Bush one of the most intriguing figures in fantasy circles, despite two relatively disappointing seasons in New Orleans.

This year is slightly different from the two previous. Any visions of Bush functioning as a No. 1 fantasy running back have mostly vanished. In just one year he dropped 12 spots from No. 10 to No. 22 in PFW's fantasy rankings for running backs. PFW projects he’ll finish will 599 rushing yards, 576 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 14 games this season.

Not exactly what the Saints had in mind when they took him second overall in 2006. Last year’s 581 yards rushing, 417 receiving and six touchdowns certainly isn’t what fantasy owners envisioned when they plucked Bush as high as the first or second round of many drafts last summer.

His stock is sure to fall this season, and he could be available in the fourth or fifth rounds of many drafts. If he’s around that late, take Bush and count your blessings. He’ll be considered a steal before long.

Sure, there are several reasons to be skeptical of a bounce-back year for Bush. The Saints’ offense — and Bush’s production — could crumble in a hurry if RB Deuce McAllister’s tender knees don’t hold up, the injury-prone Jeremy Shockey goes down and fragile No. 2 WR David Patten can’t stay healthy at the age of 34.

Although it looks like a doomsday scenario, there’s a very real possibility that all three of those things could happen, thrusting Bush into a role he’s not fit for. Last season, after McAllister suffered a torn ACL, Bush faltered as the team’s top option out of the backfield.

Bush as a No. 2 back for your fantasy roster, however, is a risk worth taking.

Entering his third season, Bush is in an ideal position for a delayed liftoff. The Saints’ offense is primed to hit juggernaut levels with Shockey in the mix, and the addition of an elite tight end will open things up even more for Bush.

He probably won’t come close to 1,000 yards rushing, but he could gain 800-900 yards receiving in ’08. That, combined with 600-700 rushing yards and eight or nine touchdowns, which he’s more than capable of, will make him one of the most valuable No. 2 backs in almost any fantasy league.

The Reggie Bush story isn’t the one that many of us thought it would be, but it’s going to get better in ’08. Fantasy owners who take a top-tier back in the first round and snag Bush a few rounds later will reap the benefits.