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RB Michael Pittman, Denver Broncos

HT: 6-0, WT: 220, Born: 8-14-1975, College: Fresno State, Drafted: Round 4

2008 Projections

Average draft position

Current as of June 28th. [Full ADP list]

Overall: A Randle El (210), Michael Pittman (211), D Patten (212), B Stokley (213)
Position: F Jackson (202-RB69), S Slaton (203-RB70), Michael Pittman (211 - RB71), C Henry (214-RB72), K Smith (220-RB73)
Click here for a comparison of these players.

Best Case

The Broncos picked up Michael Pittman with the notion they may have trouble with Travis Henry. Well, not even a month later Henry is released and Pittman finds himself as the RB2 behind Selvin Young. Pittman is a wily veteran and has battled his entire career, dating back to his days at Arizona, so this is nothing new. Pittman is the most experienced of all the Broncos RBs, and he has proven time and time again that when called upon he can produce consistently. Denver loves his versatility as Pittman has been targeted an average of 69 times each season over the past 5 years. He has instant value as a receiver out of the backfield regardless of how many carries he gets. The smaller Selvin Young may get banged up early and often, which means Shanahan and company would be calling on Michael Pittman first. There is no better system for RBs in the NFL than the one in Denver. If Pittman were to be the starting RB for the Broncos then 1,000 yards rushing is the floor. One can already pencil him in for around 30 receptions, and maybe more. Pittman is a solid veteran that will make the most of his opportunity. The only question is can Selvin Young hold him off? While Michael Pittman is not a gamebreaker, he is an effective/efficient RB that runs hard downhill. Watch the training camp battles closely in Denver. If Pittman is the starter at any time during the season he becomes an instant starter in most leagues, especially those with PPR.

Worst Case

Michael Pittman is the type of RB that every team wants -- as the backup. He is effective when called upon in relief of a more talented starter, but he doesn't scare defenses enough to be a great full time back. Selvin Young proved last year that he could not only be effective, but make big plays for the Broncos. Pittman may not see many carries at all in this offense, especially with rookies Ryan Torain and Peyton Hillis threatening to take away playing time in the red zone. Where his value lies is in a 3rd down back role. In 2007 the Broncos RBs only combined for a total of 44 receptions. Again, rookie FB Peyton Hillis is a threat for some of those receptions as he is an outstanding receiver. One would have to imagine Selvin Young staying in on some 3rd downs as well. No need to tip off the defense that it's a pass play if all you do is throw when Pittman is in there. As of right now Pittman is the handcuff to Selvin Young, but may only be worth rostering in the deeper leagues.

Outlook

Michael Pittman should be the Broncos primary 3rd down back at the very least. He may not see 60+ targets, but 40 isn't out of the question. Pittman is the current RB2 for the Broncos and should start the regular season in the same role. Unless there is an injury to Selvin Young, most of Pittman's points will come from receptions making him worth rostering in PPR leagues. Traditional leagues may see Pittman get drafted, but at what point? If you draft Young, you should have Pittman on your roster but a late round pick is all his value is worth currently.

Relevant Articles

2008 Schedule

2007 Game Summaries

Week 1 - Pittman filled in for the injured Williams, rushing the ball three times for six yards. His main contribution came in the passing game, where he caught five passes for 32 yards on eight targets.

Week 2 - Pittman spelled Cadillac Williams in the running game, rushing five times for 18 yards. He was targeted twice in the game, catching one pass for 11 yards.

Week 3 - Pittman was used as a change of pace back for Williams in the first half, and responded with 31 yards on just three rushes. He carried the ball four times in the second half and finished with 56 yards rushing. Pittman was also used in the passing game, catching three passes for 35 yards on five targets.

Week 4 - Pittman came into the game after Williams got hurt. He ran the ball effectively gaining 90 yards on 15 carries. He got a chance from the Carolina nine yard line but only picked up two yards so Tampa had to settle for a field goal. Late in the third quarter Pittman ran the ball three straight times down to the Carolina four yard line. He then came out of the game in favor of Graham.

Week 5 - Pittman shared time evenly with Graham before getting hurt in the second quarter with an apparent ankle injury, he was carted off.

Week 11 - Pittman returned from injury to give the Buccaneers offense another much needed weapon, and chipped in with 44 yards rushing on ten attempts and getting five targets in the passing game, finishing with 17 receiving yards on two receptions. On the negative side, Pittman did lose a fumble and had a drop on a third down play that would have given the Buccaneers a first down.

Week 13 - Michael Pittman made a small contribution in the passing game, catching two passes for six yards on two targets.

Week 15 - Pittman contributed in both phases of the offense, rushing the ball 13 times for 50 yards and adding three receptions for 20 yards on four targets in the passing game.

Week 16 - Pittman was used throughout the game and finished with seven rushes for 13 yards on the ground, but made a big contribution in the passing game, where he totaled seven receptions for 54 yards on eight targets. Pittman proved to be a reliable target, as five of his looks came on third downs.

Week 17 - Pittman started the game and finished with four rushes for 12 yards on the ground and one reception for zero yards in the passing game. He wasn't used much in the second half, where Michael Bennett carried most of the load for Tampa Bay.

Week 18 - Pittman ran the ball just one time for five yards, but made a nice contribution in the passing game as he finished with five receptions for 62 yards on five targets. He was targeted three times on third downs and turned two of those targets into Tampa Bay first downs.