The biggest impact of the Duckett/Lelie trade is not the two players involved or their new situations. Neither player figures to be much of a fantasy force this season unless injuries befall players ahead of them. What’s called into question is Washington’s faith in Clinton Portis’ shoulder after we’ve been told for weeks that he’s doing fine and that he’ll be ready to go Week 1. Ladell Betts (we were told) is a fine backup and that the offense would be in good shape if Portis were to miss any time. So why trade for Duckett in the final year of his contract?
The Redskins have to be concerned about Portis’ shoulder to make this move. Whether it’s deep, troubling concern or mild concern is the question. They gave up a third round pick to acquire Duckett, which is relatively cheap insurance considering the importance of the RB position in Al Saunders’ offensive gameplan. Had they burned a first or second round pick to land Duckett, the move would be more worrisome.
So how far should Portis fall in your rankings? Given this news, I think it would be prudent to take him after guys like Rudi Johnson, Cadillac Williams and Edgerrin James. At that point, you have to weigh the risk of his shoulder injury versus the risk associated with players like Julius Jones, Reggie Bush and Kevin Jones, who have their own questions to answer. This will create a tough situation for many owners drafting in the back half of round one, given the importance of getting good production out of one’s first round pick.
