I would be doing you a disservice if I told you that, in a PPR league, you should be targeting Matt Forte in your draft this year. He led all backs with 102 receptions. Le’Veon Bell and DeMarco Murray are two other flashy running backs that will go in early rounds, but you already know this. Here are a few pass catching running backs that should be available to you after the top ranked players are drafted this summer.
Fred Jackson – Buffalo Bills
I know, he’s old. His age doesn’t impede him and it shouldn’t impede you either. In fact, Fred Jackson ranked third in receptions in 2014 with 66 receptions on 88 targets. That’s a 74.1% completion rate. Not bad for a guy who FantasyPros ranked 34th in the preseason. Speaking of 34, that’s how old Jackson will be when the 2015 season starts, yet he still had less receptions than only two running backs last season. There is a new coach in Buffalo with an affinity for the ground and pound game. Fantasy owners will be weary to draft Fred Jackson, but you shouldn’t be when you draft kicks off later this summer.
Daniel Herron – Indianapolis Colts
If not for the Indianapolis Colts insistance on playing Trent Richardson early on in the season, it’s hard to say what kind of numbers Boom Herron would have finished with. He came on strong during the last two weeks of the regular season, averaging over 10 yards per reception, and carried that momentum into the post season. In three playoff games, Herron had 20 catches on 23 targets for 128 yards. Trent Richardson is all but finished in Indianapolis and with the recent news that Ahmad Bradshaw was cited for marijuana possession, opportunity has never knocked harder for Boom Herron. He is another running back that should slip to later rounds, considering he was a waiver wire pick up, and will reward fantasy owners who use a mid-round draft pick on him.
Roy Helu Jr. – Washington Redskins
Alfred Morris may be the lead dog in Washington, but that didn’t stop Roy Helu from haulingin 42 receptions on 47 targets for 11.4 yards per catch. Morris managed a paltry 17 receptions on 26 targets, making Helu a back to own in PPR leagues. Helu is a free agent, and regardless of what team he plays for, he has shown pass catching abilities. Another mid to late round commodity, his numbers should sky rocket if he lands on a team willing to make him their workhorse.
Devonta Freeman – Atlanta Falcons
The obvious is already being reported that Steven Jackson, who will count $3.75 million against the Atlanta Falcon’s salary cap, will likely be cut this off season. This opens the door for Freeman, who has the right combination of speed and hands. In his limited role during his rookie campaign, Freeman made the most of his opportunities, compiling 30 catches on 37 targets, hitting the end zone twice. With the chance at the feature role in Atlanta under Kyle Shannahan’s offense, Devonta Freeman can be a steal in your draft this summer.
Charles Sims – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It’s hard to speculate on what Charles Sims’ role will be in Tampa Bay next season, or any other running back on the roster for that matter. Doug Martin was widely considered a fantasy flop last season, and the offense as a whole is a giant question mark for the Buccaneers. One thing for sure is that Coach Lovie Smith will still be in charge. He inherited Martin from the previous regime, but Charles Sims was his draft choice. Whether or not he will sit behind Martin on the depth chart remains to be seen, but his talent flashed in his limited role last season. Sims didn’t touch the ball through the first nine weeks of the regular season, but when given his chance, he did bring in 19 receptions on 27 targets and scored. Until we know more about Lovie’s run game plans, Sims is just a dark horse gamble. He will certainly be available in later rounds, and has the potential to be of value if you choose to grab him.
Early 2015 Draft Prep: Zero RB Theory
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