Ray Rice is the third running back being taken off the board on average in standard league mock drafts as of Friday the third of August.
Analysis: Ray Rice may be one of the finest backs in the league but he should experience a bit of a drop off in production this year. The Ravens’ passing game and Joe Flacco are developing with the young talent around them. Torrey Smith appears to be a Mike Wallace type of playmaker while tight end Ed Dickson will have his break out season this year. Aside from the improving passing game taking a few touches away from Rice here and there, we must consider the primary reason his numbers will take a hit this year.
Terrell Suggs was the defensive player of the year last year and the loss of his play for most if not all of the season will cost Rice dearly. The Ravens defense will not be getting off of the field nearly as fast and as often as they would with Suggs playing. Fourteen sacks, seven forced fumbles and two picks is impossible to replace. Rice had at least 360 touches per season over the past two years but do not expect that to continue in 2012.