For the first decade+ of Fantasy Football the stud RB theory stood as conventional wisdom. You had to draft an RB in the first two rounds or you did not stand a chance in any league format. Over the last 2-3 seasons this theory has been put to the test as defensive play restrictions have increased the value of QBs and WRs relative to RBs. To the point where last season you could be forgiven if you drafted a stud QB in the first rd. That was unheard of just three years ago. But, if this new NFL rule proposal passes an ownership vote next week, the stud RB theory of fantasy football will be officially done.
It is a foul if a runner… initiates forcible contact by delivering a blow with the top crown of his helmet against an opponent when both players are clearly outside of the tackle box.
If this rule passes you’d be crazy to draft an RB in the first 4 rounds (the exceptions being the few pass catching RBs). An RB that can’t lower his helmet to deliver a hit outside the tackle box will greatly reduce their fantasy production to the continued benefit of QBs and WRs. We’re already seeing the trend toward a passing league due to the increased tackling restrictions, this rule change would cement the deal.
It will be conventional wisdom to draft a QB and WR in the first two rounds by the 2014 season with the passage of this proposal.
Shades