The Eagles say they will pass on notable free-agent running backs in favor of rookie LeSean McCoy. (Brian Garfinkel / Associated Press)

Free agent Edgerrin James told reporters yesterday that there aren’t 32 running backs in the NFL better than him. The Eagles don’t necessarily agree with that assessment. Actually, it seems like there are 32 general managers out there who don’t agree with Edge’s assessment of his abilities, but we are talking Eagles here.

Eagles President Joe Banner told the Philadelphia Inquirer that his team would pass on some of the available free-agent running backs such as James and Warrick Dunn. Meaning the Eagles are high on rookie RB LeSean McCoy.

Fantasy owners should be, too.

McCoy generated some buzz following Brian Westbrook‘s surgery in early June. Now the Eagles have professed a full-fledged man crush on the rookie out of Pittsburgh. And he’s more than just a handcuff candidate.

Normally, I’d put people who steal other’s handcuffs somewhere between a cockroach and that white stuff that accumulates at the corner of your mouth when you’re really thirsty. But this is the New World Order of fantasy football. Not only are you suggested to take McCoy in your drafts, it’s encouraged.

McCoy went in the eighth round of our “experts” draft to the guy who drafted Westbrook in the second round. But if the owner who takes Westbrook in your draft isn’t paying attention during the eighth round or later, well, you have a free pass to take McCoy. And honestly, anybody foolish enough to take Westbrook in the first place probably isn’t that sharp anyway.

– Adam Rank

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