PHOENIX -- Andy Reid has coached some of the best running backs in NFL history, including Brian Westbrook, LeSean McCoy and Jamaal Charles. Is Spencer Ware ready to join that list?
While Ware started two games in 2015, he became a full-time starter by default last season because Charles was out with a knee injury. The Chiefs released Charles this offseason, which could leave Ware in the No. 1 spot again, maybe permanently.
It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Chiefs added another running back in the upcoming NFL Draft. But after talking to Reid at the annual NFL meeting Tuesday, it sounds like Ware could be the main man in the Kansas City backfield this year.
“I’m a big Spencer Ware fan,” Reid said. “I like him. Well, the kid’s dirty tough. He’s going to give you an honest down every snap. He’s not real fancy -- that’s not his deal. But he can block, he can catch and he can run. So, there’s a place for Spencer.”
That last comment from Reid should give Fantasy owners some cause for concern about Ware that “there’s a place for him,” which could indicate he might be just a backup. But we’re not going to dissect what Reid meant, and we’ll adjust our ranking of Ware if another running back is added following the NFL Draft.
For now, he looks like a No. 2 Fantasy running back worth drafting in Round 4 or 5 in the majority of leagues. And he had plenty of positive moments for the Chiefs and Fantasy owners last year when he finished as the No. 16 running back in standard formats.
Ware had 214 carries for 921 yards (4.3-yards per carry) and three touchdowns and 33 catches for 447 yards and two touchdowns. He also was among the league leaders at 2.8-yards after contact.
Ware had some monster games for Fantasy owners, including four with at least 16 points in a standard league. And he was fairly consistent with at least eight Fantasy points in five other games (he also missed two games due to injury). He only had two games with five Fantasy points or less.
Like Reid said, Ware isn’t fancy, but he does get the job done. And that should be fine for Fantasy owners given the investment you have to make in him this year.
We’ll find out soon enough if he’ll be the starter in Kansas City this season, and his only competition on the roster now is Charcandrick West and C.J. Spiller. If that remains the same following the NFL Draft then that bodes well for Ware in 2017.
He might never develop into the next Westbrook, McCoy or Charles. But he could be a solid Fantasy running back, which is all we’re asking for this season.
