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There’s nothing like learning from a legend, both on the field and in the fantasy football world. That’s just what happened during NFL Fantasy Draft Week on Wednesday. Marshall Faulk and Marcus Allen took to the stage and offered some great insight on what fantasy owners can expect in 2012 and beyond. When asked if the age of the featured fantasy running back was gone, Faulk replied he did think it was because with current rules teams are “forced to throw the football.” Allen agreed, adding “wide receivers are going to be featured more…the trend is going to stay for awhile.” Fantasy guru Michael Fabiano believes owners need to “get depth at the position” and shouldn’t “reach for running backs” this season. Instead, the focus should be on ensuring you handcuff your stars and owners should have no less than “five running backs” on their teams.

When asked which rookie runner will breakout, Faulk believes Doug Martin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be that guy because the Bucs have “one of the best offensive lines.” Allen countered with the belief Oakland Raiders back Darren McFadden will “be a big factor this year,” and will “realize this tremendous potential he has.” Other names dropped by the NFL Fantasy LIVE crew were Mikel Leshoure (Dave Dameshek) and BenJarvus Green-Ellis (Jason Smith) while Fabiano still believes Ryan Mathews “has the best opportunity” to be gang-busters in San Diego, especially given that fantasy owners could potentially select him in the third round.

The days of selecting a running back with your first two picks might be fading, but they are still just as important in your quest for fantasy success. Looking for those gems which have the ability to breakout and stockpiling as much talent as possible will help in making sure it’s not your weakest link. Still, much of the strategy could depend on what position owners are drafting from. Based on NFL.com average draft positions, for owners drafting from the later slots, the possibility of selecting guys like Chris Johnson, McFadden, Matt Forte and Mathews back-to-back is very likely. However you decide to handle your draft day strategy is ultimately your call, but taking the advice of two Pro Football Hall of Fame running backs is never a bad thing.

Follow Adrian Mojica on Twitter @FFFdaily

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