I might write this piece every summer. And every summer, I am reminded of one name and one name only.

“Touchdown” Tommy Vardell.

There have been many touchdown vultures during the lifespan of fantasy football. But Vardell always come to mind first for me, probably because he was my first experience with the touchdown vulture.

I started playing fantasy football in the late 90s with a couple of friends from high school. Our first league of four teams featured four, stacked teams. Barry Sanders, at the time, was one of the best running backs you could own in fantasy football.

Except for one thing: Sanders had 12 touchdowns stolen from him during the 1997 and 1998 seasons. By “Touchdown” Tommy Vardell.

And so it began for me in regards to the touchdown vulture. With the move from one-back dominant lineups to running-back-by-committees, more vultures exist in fantasy today than back in the 90s. Fantasy owners need to keep tabs on these guys heading into drafts this summer.

Mike Bell, Eagles
Bell is the biggest threat to LeSean McCoy’s fantasy value this season. He was brought in for just this purpose: Goal line and short-yardage situational running.

Jonathan Stewart, Panthers
JStew had too good a season last year — particularly down the stretch — to not be given more opportunities this year. He has a nose for the end zone and could be used to keep some hits off DeAngelo Williams.

Ricky Williams, Dolphins
Ronnie Brown owners wish Williams had never come to town, but the fact of the matter is that Williams does keep Brown fresh. And the two work well together. Now if only Brown could stay healthy for an entire season.

Chester Taylor, Bears
This one is a little iffy, because we have no idea how the Bears are going to use Taylor this year. But they money the paid him in the offseason signifies that he will be used and could steal valuable touches — and scores — from Matt Forte.

Donald Brown, Colts
Brown is not a touchdown vulture in the traditional sense; Rather, he will steal touchdowns from Joseph Addai by replacing him several series per game.

Marion Barber, Cowboys
Fantasy owners have kind of written Barber off now that it appears Felix Jones could be the starter, but Barber may benefit from this development. He seems to play much better as a situational, short-yardage back.

Thomas Jones, Chiefs
Jamaal Charles’ owners curse his name. Jones is good at one thing, and that is tough, inside running. Charles will hit the home runs now and again, but TJ will get the opportunities near the goal line.

Michael Bush, Raiders
Bush is beefing up according to the Raiders, presumably to be used in red zone situations. He already fit the mold. Darren McFadden’s value remains tempered because of the presence of Bush and his potential.

Willis McGahee, Ravens
Ray Rice is a first-round draft prospect this season, which is great considering he has to compete on occasion with McGahee for touches. Willis will get touches again this year and, if he gets hot, will frustrate many a Rice owner.

Marshawn Lynch, Bills
He may be disgruntled, on the trade block and in off-the-field trouble, but Lynch is a good between-the-tackles runner. That bodes well for his chances of scoring, and stealing, touchdowns from Fred Jackson and rookie C.J. Spiller.

Sleeper Alert!

Lynell Hamilton, Saints
Mike Bell did leave, which made Pierre Thomas and Reggie Bush owners a little happier. But they should withhold too much elation. Remember Hamilton scored a short-yardage touchdown during the playoffs against Arizona, which could be a precursor to his role this season as Bell’s replacement.