Highest Ranking: #14 by Clayton Gray
Pittman finished the 2001 season as the #22 RB. Now normally, #22 is no big shakes, but when a guy does that well while playing in Arizona and sharing time with Thomas Jones you have to take a little bit of notice. The Cardinals knew last season that Pittman was going to leave in the offseason. That (plus the string of legal mishaps) obviously decreased his playing time. Why would Arizona showcase a RB that wouldn't be around next season (especially when a #1 pick is on the roster)? They wouldn't, and they didn't. Still, Pittman's stats remained remarkably consistent from the 1st half of the season to the 2nd half. Michael Pittman is a good running back with good size and receiving skills.

Doesn't that sound like the perfect RB for a Jon Gruden offense?

Of course, there's a good chance that Mike Alstott will fumble around and vulture some TDs, so Pittman will have some company in the Buccaneer backfield. But think about that league-wide. Once you get past the first dozen or so fantasy RBs, how many backs don't have company in their backfield?

Michael Pittman will be one of the best 4th round picks in your fantasy draft this year. If you're a GM that likes to take a QB or a WR early, Pittman will end up saving your RB position. To not have this guy ranked among your Top 20 RBs is ignoring his past and his improved surroundings. He's been a serviceable starter in the past, and things will only improve in Tampa Bay.

Lowest Ranking: Not Ranked by Chris Annunziata
Well, this is easy. For those who read my thread at Footballguystalk.com, this will come as no surprise. I have nothing against Pittman, it's not personal. It has to do with his situation.

Let's start with Mike Alstott. In 6 seasons, he averaged 9 TDs a season and almost 900 yards per year. Playing with Warrick Dunn. Pittman has to share the backfield with this hoss. Much has been made of the fact that in Gruden's offenses, the "smaller" back gets the carries. That may be true. But even if that's true, the fact of the matter is that the "hoss" back gets the goal-line carries. Last year, Wheatley and Crockett got 11 TDs combined. Unless Pittman is catching out of the backfield or scampering 20+ yards for TDs, I think he'll be pulled inside the 10 yard line and lose TDs. Maybe that was Gruden's OC and not Gruden, but I won't take that risk.

Next, Jon Gruden. For all the running that the Raiders have done the past 2 seasons, Gruden is a disciple of Holmgren. While he was OC, Gruden's Eagles were among top teams in passing each year. In 1999, Gannon finished 4th in Passing FP. In 2000, Gannon finished 4th in Passing FP. In 2001, Gannon finished 6th in Passing FP. Gruden likes to throw the ball. But I don't expect Pittman to get 73 receptions. At best, I say 40.

Why? . . . Keyshawn Johnson. One TD last year. Anyone out there NOT think that will go up? Sure, teams can increase scoring, score a lot of TDs, and maybe there are 8-10 TDs for Alstott, Johnson and Pittman, but doubtful. Add in Joe Jurevicius and Ken Dilger, and you have a lot more targets this year.

So, combine those factors and I think Pittman is a bit player, not a stud. In 12 man leagues, I can see someone grabbing him as you RB2, and he may be a decent pickup in the later rounds, but I wouldn't rank him higher than 25th.