Coach Janky Spanky

Ahh...Coach Janky Spanky, Southeast Jerome, Dolla Bill, Dr. I Don't Know. All fond memories of the many faces of Clinton Portis.

Portis is currently going as the 27th overall player selected in ESPN Live Drafts. Not a bad 3rd round choice if he can revert back to his 2005 form (1516 rushing yards, 216 receiving yards, 11 TDs)...but alas, there lies the problem.

In 2006 Portis was injured after only 8 games, in his downtime Ladell Betts (66th overall average) absolutely shined to the tune of 1154 rushing yards. Add in the fact that he contributed more receiving yards (445) than Portis has ever had, and you're looking at a full-blown time-share.
Combine that with the fact that Portis has seen his rushing average fall to 3.8, 4.1 and 4.3 over his three seasons with the Redskins, and you're looking at a rapidly declining player.
A far cry from the consecutive 5.5 yards/per that he posted in Denver.

Now, I'm not saying that you should rush out and select Betts (4.7 yards/per in 2006) over Portis. But if you simply must take Portis, then Betts becomes an essential handcuff a couple of rounds later. Do you really want to devote 2 of your first 6 or 7 picks to 2 guys that will be competing for one spot?
Do you want your #3 pick to have serious injury concerns, having not participated in full contact drills yet this preseason?
Can the situation in Washington really resolve itself as well as it did in New Orleans last season?
Will Portis spend more time on the field this season, or more time defending Michael Vick?

Personally, I'd feel better if, at the 27th pick, I ended up with Thomas Jones, Edgerrin James, Marion Barber or Marshawn Lynch. Sure, Jones has his own minor injury concern, Edge was a "bust" last season, Barber will lose a few carries to Julius Jones and Lynch is a rookie...but these are all risks I'd rather assume that what Portis brings to the table.
And, by the way...the fact that the player taken, on average, immediately after Portis is Reggie Wayne...it speaks volumes about Fantasy's obsession with RBs.

If you find yourself in that situation, do yourself a favor and take Wayne. When Week 3 rolls around and you have an easy decision to make by starting Wayne...have a good chuckle at the expense of the Portis owner that is stressing over whether to start him, Betts or some other RB that is assured the bulk of the carries.