This week’s Rookie Report may be a day late, but Marc would never leave you short. Filling in for the injured Willis McGahee, rookie runningback Ray Rice has looked impressive so far in camp and preseason.

If I were a McGahee owner, I would grab Rice as a handcuff immediately. And if you have not drafted yet and wind up with Willis, target Rice in the later rounds. I think the security will be worth it.

I know we are still in preseason, and defenses aren’t really running any difficult schemes, but Ray Rice looked impressive against one of the best run defenses in the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings. Rice carried the ball 11 times for a total of 94 yards and a touchdown.

The Ravens do have Willis McGahee as there starter, but he had surgery this off-season and could be slowed by the injury. I do believe that McGahee is going to have a big season, but if you draft him, Rice is a must have handcuff.

Don’t wait too long in drafting him, though, because after his most recent performance people will draft him earlier than usual. The shelf life of running backs are around five years and McGahee is at that number.

Rice also would be a great pickup in keeper and dynasty leagues if the Ravens decide on a youth movement next season or toward the end of this season when they are out of the playoff hunt.

Rice’s value is on the rise and could emerge into a sleeper pick the likes of a Ryan Grant last season.

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