Marcel Shipp

Shipp is an intriguing option in TD-only leagues because of his potential as a goal-line back. He scored four goal-line touchdowns in Arizona's last five games a year ago. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt plans to run the ball early and often in 2007, and Shipp looks like the team's best short-yardage option.

Shipp is projected as the third running back this season behind Edgerrin James and J.J. Arrington. If he is not able to beat Arrington out for the backup spot, his fantasy value will be low. Shipp's last touchdown was during the 2002 season. His best chance for playing time in 2006 (barring a major injury to James) is to beat Arrington for the number two spot and to pick up a few carries here and there. 9/3 Update: Shipp will begin the season as the Cards' third running back. Don't expect him to give you much offensive production unless James or Arrington misses an extended period of time.

Shipp missed 2004 after breaking a leg and dislocating an ankle in training camp last August, but he’s expected to make a complete recovery in time for this year’s training camp. At 5-11, 230 pounds, Shipp is a straight-ahead power back who is tough to bring down, but doesn’t have the quickness to make people miss or the speed to break the big play. Shipp’s also a decent receiver with 69 receptions in his last two seasons. Shipp will compete for the Cardinals’ starting tailback job with J.J. Arrington – and to a lesser extent, Troy Hambrick – in camp, though given that coach Dennis Green slotted Shipp behind the elderly Emmitt Smith last season, we see the job as Arrington’s to lose.

Shipp was supposed to assume a large role in the Cardinals scheme despite being named the backup to Emmitt Smith coming into training camp. But a broken leg and dislocated ankle probably end his chances for the 2004 season. Expect him out until 2005 at which time he should be the starter and resume his quest for breakout season that befits his skill.

Shipp's rookie year certainly was impressive (1,247 total yards, 38 receptions, nine touchdowns, 4.4 yards a carry), and the Arizona offensive line shows signs of being a dominant unit. If Emmitt Smith gets hurt in training camp, or Shipp clearly wins the featured role, immediately move the second-year back up 10 to 12 spots on your running back board.