Spring mock drafts and fantasy chatter indicate that DeAngelo Williams is going to be a seriously undervalued pick this season.  His current ADP is late first round at pick 1.11 and many experts feel that spot is appropriate, but not us.  Waiting until late in the first round to select the 2008 Fantasy MVP is a mistake.  He belongs in the top-6 and I’ll tell you the three most important reasons why.  I gotta get this off my chest!

1. John Fox- We at FH don’t expect the Carolina game plan to change whatsoever!  If there is one quality John Fox has shown over the years, it’s his loyalty to veterans, most notably at the running back position.  Even when he has a young stud waiting in the wings, he has always favored his lead vet RB no matter what and this year will be no different.  Not to mention Williams is better than Jonathan Stewart right now, so it makes sense to stick with his veteran hulk now more than ever. 

Last year the running game, led by DeAngelo, approached record totals and propelled the Panthers to the playoffs for the first time since 2005.  Why would they change the winning formula?  Williams’ breakout season went a long way in saving Fox’s job and I don’t think the silver-haired coach has forgotten that.  Do you?  We project the Williams-Stewart carry distribution exactly the same as last year.

2. Jonathan Stewart- While most people fear Stewart’s presence in the Panthers backfield, I choose to believe it’s a good thing.  Sure, Stewart is a beast, but so is DeAngelo, and having a talent like Stewart nipping at his heels day in day out forces DeAnge to work his ass off.  He’ll never become complacent because Stewart is too good to do that.  Competition makes players better and I believe Williams’ motor will never stop.  Plus, don’t worry; there will be enough action for the both of them to put up numbers.  After all they only combined for 2,351 yards and 30 touchdowns last year.  Even if you project worst-case scenario, a 50-50 split – which is not going to happen – you’re still looking at at least a 1,000 yards and 10 TDs for Williams.   

Note: I like Stewart’s TD prowess also and will gladly scoop him in the fifth round, whether I have DeAngelo or not. 

3. Talent and Strength- I said it preseason last year and I’ll say it again: Don’t forget that Williams was also a first round pick (2006) and has a 5.1 yards per carry average for his career.  His pedigree is every bit as impressive as Stewart’s.  It just took Williams a couple years to get an opportunity in Carolina and kill it.  He has game breaker ability to create long TD runs plus the ability to pound the ball inside.  Last year, I loved watching him break tackles, bouncing off defenders, showing strength and balance.  Everyone knew he had speed (six TDs 30 yards or longer) but he blew our minds with his strength (eight rush TDs inside the 5-yard line).  Stewart has a similar skill set and will get ample opportunities, but the lead gig is DeAngelo’s to lose. Don't get it twisted.