Mike

Bell

Denver can turn any back into a star, so the money may be unneccessary. That said, Henry’s strengths (decisiveness, blocking, and yards-after-contact) will play very well in Denver. While he’ll probably face some competition from a rookie, Henry should be the overwhelming favorite to start, be the goal-line runner, and the next 1,300-yard Denver running back. He could lose snaps on third down, but his fantasy owners just hit the motherlode.

Fargas would be an older clone of restricted free agent Mike Bell, who the Eagles signed to an offer sheet on Tuesday. The visit is a sign that the Saints don’t think Lynell Hamilton can fill the bruising, clock chewing role. Clearly, they also don’t plan to match Bell’s offer from Philadelphia.

Bell carried seven times for just 20 yards and fumbled on Denver’s opening drive. He had a history of fumbling in college. Cedric Cobbs outgained him when the day was done.

Bell is up to third on the Denver depth chart and should be on fantasy football radars. Talk of the starting job could be premature before the preseason, but he’s someone to watch closely this month.

Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne remain second and third, respectively, on the depth chart, but it will likely be a running-back-by-committee situation. Mike Bell had a history of fumbling in college, so the situation is worth monitoring.

Bell has moved up to the third team ahead of Cedric Cobbs. Like any Denver back, Bell is worth watching.

Just Shanahan being Shanahan. The Arizona product fell on draft boards because of a slow forty time, but he’s now got the leg up on earning a Week 1 start in Denver. Tatum Bell remains No. 2, while Ron Dayne falls to No. 3, although we suspect that rotation will change plenty during 2006. Mike Bell now looks highly draftable as a boom-or-bust mid-round fantasy pick.

Bell solidified his starting role. The Broncos’ undrafted rookie did not fumble and showed surprising power in short-yardage situations. He rotated series with Tatum Bell (7 carries for 24 yards), but the coaching staff appears to prefer the rookie because of his yards-after-contact ability. He’ll keep moving up our board.

Just Shanahan being Shanahan. “I’m not going to go through the playing time or the depth chart, we’ll all find out when we open the season against the Rams who the starting running back will be,” Shanahan told the team’s website. Asked if Mike Bell’s spot on the depth chart could change, the Mastermind replied, “I think that’s what I just said.” Expect the Bell’s to split carries, although the team’s third back, possibly Cedric Cobbs, may also get a crack during the season.

It doesn’t really make a difference. There are only two active tailbacks for Denver, and both will play a ton. They are solid flex plays against St. Louis.