Will Garrard's big deal help or hinder his fantasy value?; Is Daunte a sleeping giant?; Gus lands back in Minny; A Cadillac sighting, top young backup running backs; and more...

KEEPER CORNER  Young Photos: Getty Images ANYONE WHO PLAYS fantasy football knows how important RBs are, and also how often they get injured. With that in mind here are some of the top young backup tailbacks to watch for... Jerious Norwood Atlanta Falcons His 6.0 yards-per-carry average speaks for itself, and follows up on 6.4 in 2006. If Michael Turner gets injured, watch out. Chris Henry Tennessee Titans While LenDale White is featured guy in Tennessee, he averaged just 3.7 yards per carry last season. Henry is an explosive talent who may become a star. Selvin Young  Denver Broncos Playing for Denver is always great for any running back, and the speedy Young can produce if Travis Henry is sidelined. Kolby Smith Kansas City Chiefs  He showed last season as a rookie he can be productive, and we'll see if Larry Johnson is fully ready in early 2008 after that tough foot injury.

 STOCK Watch 

WHAT TO MAKE of the massive seven-year contract extension signed by David Garrard (pictured, top) and the Jaguars? First off, it shows how committed the team is to Garrard, who enjoyed a true breakout season. Second, it makes him a bit of a risky pick. Here's why: last season Garrard was almost perfect as a passer, throwing for 18 TDs and only three pickoffs. But he also threw only 325 times (22nd in the NFL) meaning he actually had to be almost perfect to be productive. If his recent big raise makes him overconfident, he could conceivably be a bust in Jax's run-first offense.

THE RECENT PICKUP of WR/KR Jerome Mathis by the Redskins is intriguing for several reasons. One is because Mathis is a former Pro Bowler (2005, as a kick returner) who may take over those duties for them; but also because he might be a bit of a sleeper for a wideout group that has a lot to prove in 2008. If Mathis can show his fibula is healed, he's one to keep an eye on.

LOOKING FOR A solid sleeper pick in 2008? Look to Doug Gabriel, who just signed on with the Bengals to seemingly take over the vacancy created by the released Chris Henry. Gabriel posted three touchdowns in 2006 in 12 games with the Patriots, but was out of the league last year. He is a big target with untapped potential, and will have a great QB throwing to him in Carson Palmer.

AFTER A SEASON in Miami then two in St. Louis, Gus Frerotte has landed back in Minnesota. He played for the Vikings in 2003 and 2004, and while he not too likely to be a star, he is someone to keep on the radar. Why? Because incumbent Viking QB Tarvaris Jackson is far from proven and has been somewhat injury-prone in his two NFL seasons. While Brooks Bollinger is also in the mix, Frerotte may end up starting a few games for Minny in 2008.

 SLEEPING Giant 

Daunte Culpepper, QB, free agent
Right now no player may fit the term "sleeping giant" as much as Culpepper. The "giant" part is well-documented: he is a three-time Pro Bowler who passed for a head-shaking 39 touchdowns and 4,717 in 2004, his last great season. Since then knee injuries have really curtailed him. But the "sleeping" part is intriguing: Culpepper is still only 31 years old, and told the Miami Herald in January that he's healthy. If he lands in the right situation and stays healthy, watch out.

 INJURY Update 

SEVERAL RECENT RUMORS have suggested Buccaneers' RB Cadillac Williams may be facing a career-threatening situation with his knee injury; but the Tampa Tribune recently reported that Cadillac is participating in some workouts, which is at least somewhat encouraging.

THE BALTIMORE SUN reports Ravens' QB Steve McNair has been lifting weights and throwing to some teammates while rehabbing his rotator cuff (shoulder) injury. 
 

TOP 5  Running backs in 2007 by total ground yards... 1. LaD Tomlinson, Chargers (1,474) 2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (1,341) 3. Brian Westbrook, Eagles (1,333) 4. Willie Parker, Steelers (1,316)                                                      5. Jamal Lewis, Browns (1,304) -- left