Kolby

Smith

Smith is one of our favorite deep and dynasty league sleepers because of his situation. Positioned behind a disgruntled starter coming off a record-breaking workload and a backup (Michael Bennett) who is almost always hurt, Smith has a chance for a substantial number of touches as a rookie.

This storm has been brewing for a while. LJ is set to make only $1.7 million this season and was dangled in trades in April. The notoriously thrifty Chiefs may be unwilling to pay Johnson even Frank Gore-type money because of his attitude and heavy workload. The Chiefs are in a strong position here, and Johnson may have to accept a below market deal. It wouldn’t surprise us if Johnson does hold out, but the chances on it extending to the season and affecting his fantasy value are still fairly slim.

Kolby Smith, undrafted rookie Marcus O’Keith, and former NFL Europa star Derrick Ross could all help in a rotation if Johnson gets hurt or holds out. Bennett’s inability to stay healthy makes him one of the poorer handcuffs in fantasy football. We’re betting Smith passes him during the year.

Michael Bennett (7-8-0, 1-10-0) didn’t fare much better. Smith is too much of a dancer, which isn’t a great fit for coordinator Mike Solari’s offense. He’ll need to get that corrected to pass Bennett during the season.

The beat writer compares Smith to former Pro Bowl fullback Kimble Anders and hints that the fifth-round rookie has looked good at early workouts. Smith is worth claiming in most dynasty leagues behind a starter coming off a 416-carry season and a backup (Michael Bennett) who can’t stay healthy.

While that means Holmes is ahead of Kolby Smith, it’s also an indication that Priest’s role might not be very substantial. Bennett only had 18 carries in his five games this year with the Chiefs. Consider Holmes Larry Johnson’s clear handcuff, but don’t expect this to become a carry-sharing situation.

Holmes is currently on the camp/PUP list, but could play as soon as this week’s exhibition contest if cleared to go. He is not a sure-thing to make the Chiefs’ roster.

It’s actually a five-year extension on his current deal, but it sounds like the final three years will be tough to reach. Either way, Johnson did well to take the money now before he starts breaking down. He’s expected to join the team Tuesday, and will be ready for the season, as expected. Perhaps the longterm investment will make the Chiefs decrease his carries so he’ll last, but that’s not really Herm Edwards’ style. He remains our fifth-ranked running back.

Smith finally broke loose for a long run of 55 yards after struggling just to gain positive yardage for most of the preseason. But he also had a drop and is no better than third string behind L.J. (3-12) and Michael Bennett (4-20).

It’s uncertain what the Chiefs’ got, but it shouldn’t be more than a fourth-round pick. The injury-prone Bennett hasn’t been an effective backup since 2003. The deal could be an indication the Chiefs believe Priest Holmes (PUP, neck) is ready to play again. For now, Kolby Smith will be Larry Johnson’s primary backup.