Raju Byfield talks dynasty and where the incoming RB class fits. This piece is part of our article program that features quality content from experts exclusively at FantasyPros. For more insight from Raju head to Win My Fantasy League.

With the 2015 NFL draft combine wrapped up, astute dynasty league managers like yourself immediately delve into the numbers to try to decipher just which running backs to target when rookie drafts start to roll around immediately following the NFL Draft.

There are many different aspects to look at when evaluating a running back for fantasy league purposes, including college production, scheme fits, strength in the pass game, speed, power, pad level, running style and the ability to maintain acceleration out of cuts, the latter of which can help indicate a potential star.

This year the top performers by way of the speed score metric were Karlos Williams, David Johnson and Jeremy Langford with scores of 114.2, 109.3 and 109 respectively. As you probably know by now, speed score is just a helpful correlative metric and is not an end all, be all for NFL success, just ask Jackie Battle and Mario Fannin.

The top rated running backs in this draft class from a dynasty perspective heading into the NFL Draft are as follows:

1. Todd Gurley
If healthy, Gurley would be the top rated back in this class by a pretty wide margin if he could prove he is all the way back from his ACL tear. He has an all around skill set and could shine in any system and since we are looking at dynasty value, he has the highest long-term ceiling. Gurley boasts speed, power, size and is able to maintain his acceleration out of his cuts. This exciting runner calls to mind a faster, more athletic Jonathan Stewart.

2. Melvin Gordon
Gordon is an elusive back who boasts solid breakaway speed despite timing slower in the 40 than expected. Gordon posted a speed score of 103 and at 6’1″ and 215 lbs, he has plus burst, vision and also boasts surprising power. Gordon has solid low-end RB1 or high end RB2 potential depending on who calls his name on draft day.

3. Karlos Williams
Williams is a former safety who has a mean streak that shows up on tape. He posted the best speed score of the draft class at 114.2 and is arguably the most exciting and talented healthy running back available. Williams posted an exceptional 4.48 at 230 lbs and will thrive if he lands in a one-cut zone blocking scheme. Williams is a smash mouth type back who can play on all three downs as he is a plus in both pass protection and the receiving game. Williams is ready to start right away and depending on where he lands, could become an immediate RB1.

4. Tevin Coleman
Coleman is a sensational back with an excellent jump cut which allows him to exploit lanes and always seems to be making game-breaking runs. He is an uphill runner, but shines with his elite cutting ability in which he maintains his acceleration. He is a powerful, violent runner who looks to finish all of his runs. Coleman has an every down skill set as a solid receiver who excels in pass protection. He is a potential RB1 based on the team he ends up on.

5. T.J. Yeldon
Yeldon has plus vision and a wicked stutter step and may be overlooked due to the struggles of Trent Richardson and the slow start (I blame the Saints) of Mark Ingram. Yeldon is a solid goal line back, but does have some warts as he is an uphill runner than runs with poor pad level, has had some fumbling issues. He also does not always use his size and power to his advantage. Like with most running backs, developing a mean streak could go along way for him. Yeldon can excel in a one cut system.

6. David Johnson
Johnson is an athletically gifted 224 pound back with top tier receiving skills. Though some peg him as a third down back to start his career, Johnson exhibits the propensity to finish his runs and create space in the open field with solid shiftiness and power.

7. Javorius Allen
Allen is a solid, all round running back who is a plus in the pass game and could shine in a one cut system with a strong pass game. He can become a star if he runs more downhill with better pad level, as it will allow him to translate his size into power after contact on a more consistent basis. Allen projects as an RB2 if he lands a starting gig.

8. Mike Davis
Davis has starter potential and at 5’9″ and 217 lbs., he is a downhill, volume runner with an every-down skill set. He is a tenacious runner with a solid second gear. Davis has RB1 upside with an RB3 floor.

9. Ameer Abdullah
Ameer Abdullah should probably be a lot higher on this list, but it seems like landing spot will be a determining factor on whether or not he succeeds in his early years. Abdullah finishes his runs, is adept at exploiting cut back lanes, and has proven to be an excellent receiver. His only major knock is his lack of size, which shows up on tape in pass protection. Abdullah has RB1 upside and a RB4 floor.

10. Jeremy Langford & Matt Jones
Langford and Jones project more as committee backs, but have the talent to be the lead back in said committee so they should also be on your radar.

Honorable mention: Duke Johnson, David Cobb, Jay Ayaji, Cameron Artis-Payne

Cobb, Ayaji and Payne are also talented backs but their NFL success seems to be wholly dependent on their landing spot.

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Raju Byfield (Rizzla) is the Senior Sports Writer for Win My Fantasy League. You can follow him on Twitter @fantasyfbandbb.

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