The talk heading into last fantasy season was that the RB position was dead and owners should go with the Zero RB Strategy. And then Ezekiel Elliott got drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, had instant success (along with other top performing running backs) and now the position is back to being one of strength in the fantasy world. This year’s draft class is loaded with guys who are ready to burst onto the scene.
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There could be as many as five running backs selected in the first round of next month’s draft, which would be tied for the most since 2008 when Darren McFadden, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones, Rashard Mendenhall, and Chris Johnson, were all selected in the first round.
Here is a look at the top prospects:
Leonard Fournette (LSU) 6-0, 240 lbs. – Projected first round
Fournette is the real deal. A talented, three-down back that can instantly help a team’s running game. He impressed the scouts at the combine running a 4.51 forty yard dash, which is even more noteworthy considering he is as big as most linebackers in the NFL.
The only question surrounding Fournette is his durability. He only played seven games last year for the Tigers, due to a serious ankle injury.
Most mocks have Fournette going in the top 10 of next month’s draft. Depending on which team drafts him (and if he can stay healthy all season), he could be a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2 in fantasy next season.
Dalvin Cook (FSU) 5-10, 210 lbs. – Projected first round
Cook had a subpar combine by all measures but is still a three-down back that can catch the ball out of the backfield. He was one of the best running backs in college last season and should still be a first-round talent, despite the unimpressive combine performance.
Cook showed in college that he has the patience to wait for a hole to open up, but can also create a hole for himself. He is also a very skilled runner in the open field. Similarly to Fournette, he could be a high-end RB2 in fantasy right away.
Christian McCaffrey (Stanford) 5-11, 202 lbs. – Projected first round
McCaffrey can do it all — run, catch, and return. He was not just one of the best running backs in college, but one of the best offensive players while at Stanford. The real question mark surrounding McCaffrey is, how will he be used at the next level?
He most likely falls into the category of a change of pace running back, who can provide an option to throw to out of the backfield and can play on third downs. He reminds me a lot of Danny Woodhead, who when healthy, can contribute as an RB2 in fantasy. McCaffrey could do the same for fantasy owners, provided he gets drafted by the right team, who knows how to use him properly.
Alvin Kamara (Tennessee) 5-10, 214 lbs. – Projected second round
Kamara was a backup at Alabama to Derrick Henry, before ultimately transferring to Tennessee. In two years at Tennessee, Kamara showed an ability to score touchdowns. He had a total of 23 touchdowns while playing for the Volunteers (13 in 2016 and 10 in 2015).
That ability to score has led to scouts talking Kamara possibly going as high as the end of the first round. He will most likely go in the second round, and depending on where he lands, could emerge as a dark horse candidate for fantasy purposes next season.
Joe Mixon (Oklahoma) 6-1, 226 lbs. – Projected third round
Mixon is a first round talent that unfortunately comes with a lot of off the field issues, that some teams might be afraid of drafting altogether. Mixon was not invited to the combine, but impressed scouts at his pro day and is arguably the second-best running back in this class. Mixon is well-rounded and able to rush, catch the ball out of the backfield and even return kicks.
There will be a team that takes the PR hit which undoubtedly will come from drafting Mixon. How far he drops in the draft will be the question. Mixon could be a steal, not just for the pro team that selects him, but in fantasy as well.
Other Notables
- Kareem Hunt (Toledo)
- D’Onta Foreman (Texas)
NFL Draft Prospects Review: Quarterback
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AJ Stone is a correspondent at FantasyPros. To read more from AJ, check out his archive and follow him on Twitter @ajstone18.
