Chase Edmonds 2021 Production

Career Contextualization

Chase Edmonds was drafted in the 4th round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. At 5-foot-9 and 205 pounds, Edmonds never was tasked with carrying the load in the Cardinals backfield. But he routinely flashed his explosiveness and receiving ability in spot starts through his four-year tenure with Arizona.

In 14 career games when Edmonds has commanded at least 11 touches – his average fantasy finish is RB18 (PPR).

His first massive game came against the New York Giants in 2019, when he rushed for 126 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries. In 2020, Edmonds finished sixth in receiving yards (402) and as the RB28 overall in half-point scoring in 16 games played.

This past year Edmonds was viewed as the Arizona starting running back alongside James Conner. He stood as the RB21 through the first six weeks prior to suffering an ankle injury. Edmonds ranked fourth in the NFL in receptions among running backs (four catches and five targets per game).

The undersized back won’t ever be a true three-down back due to durability concerns, as he missed seven games this past season. But when used properly and kept healthy, there’s no denying Edmonds can be a viable fantasy option because of his receiving and explosiveness.

His spot-start usage/production in Weeks 16-17 without James Conner in the lineup – 23.9 expected fantasy points per game – showcases a running back who can deliver massive fantasy upside any given week.

Current Situation

The Miami Dolphins were in dire need of upgrading the running back position, and they got their guy in Chase Edmonds. The ex-Arizona Cardinals RB inked a two-year deal worth $12.6 million that includes $6.1 million guaranteed, per his agent Drew Rosenhaus.

Edmonds should see plenty of work in a backfield shared by Myles Gaskin (RB – MIA), Salvon Ahmed (RB – MIA) and Raheem Mostert (RB – MIA). Gaskin and Ahmed ranked outside the top-60 in PFF rushing grades a season ago. Part of that is because the Miami Dolphins pass-blocking unit has been dreadful – 30th in PFF run-blocking – but poor run-blocking did not stop Edmonds from being uber-efficient in 2021.

The Cardinals’ run-blocking graded just as poorly as Miami’s (31st), but Edmonds still finished with five yards per carry.

It’s no guarantee that efficiency carries over to Miami – their offensive line still isn’t perfect even after massive improvements in free agents – but Edmonds’ pass-catching chops should mitigate inefficient rushing numbers.

Considering Gaskins’ fantasy spike weeks in 2021 all came from his receiving usage, Edmonds should find similar success in that role with the Dolphins.

The late signing of running back Mostert might have some fantasy gamers soured on Edmonds, with the veteran back bringing over extreme familiarity in the 49ers’ run scheme headed by Miami Dolphins’ new head coach Mike McDaniel.

However, Edmonds was never going to see a full bell-cow workload. Losing out on some early-down carries to Mostert or any other back was to be expected. I’d still prefer Edmonds in fantasy due to the pass-catching and hope the Mostert signing keeps his start-up ADP at a value.

Both guys will likely experience fantasy-relevant spiked weeks when the other guy is hurt or banged up.

Mostert will also be 30 years old by the season’s start. He has played 16 games once and never started more than 8 games in a season.

General Prediction for 2022 and Rest of Career

Edmonds owns the desired skill set and projected opportunity to be a mid-range fantasy RB2 this year within an ascending Miami Dolphins offense. The fact that his deal is two years – and Edmonds is still only 26-years-old without much wear on the tires – makes him one of the few veteran running backs worth acquiring in dynasty.

There’s definitely doubt about Edmonds after his contract ends with Miami in 2024, but that’s the same issue any 28-year-old running back will find themselves in. What works in Edmonds’ favor is that his strengths as a pass-catcher tend to age well.

Edmonds is dynasty RB33 per FantasyPros’ in-house expert consensus dynasty ranking, with my RB28 ranking the highest.

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