Some say the draft is won at the beginning, some say it’s in the middle rounds and others say you do your most damage in free agency and trades. But what about the end rounds?

Is it possible that diamond in the rough is waiting for you in round 18 when some people in your league are already on autopilot? I certainly think it is, and here are four running backs you should be targeting at the end of your drafts who could tip the scales in your favor.

Rankings based on FantasyPros Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR)

Darrel Williams (ARI): RB56

Arizona was such a good landing spot for Darrel Williams, and he’s someone I’m heavily targeting at the end of drafts. Williams finished 12th in RB targets last season, ninth in receptions and fifth in receiving yards (good enough for RB19 in PPR formats).

You could easily argue his opportunity could increase (even coming from KC) as far as competition, considering it’s only Eno Benjamin and rookie Keaontay Ingram he seemingly has to contend with. You’re drafting someone as your RB5 or RB6 who could have FLEX appeal all season, and Williams has also proven capable of handling RB1 duties should James Conner go down.

Sony Michel (MIA): RB54

Sony Michel played all 17 games last year for the Rams, logged over 200 carries and finished as the RB33 in PPR formats. It seems like his fantasy value is dead in the crowded Miami backfield, but let’s take a look at his competition there:

• Chase Edmonds: Rushing attempts last four years; 60, 60, 97, 116
  Raheem Mostert: Turning 30 and has an extensive injury history
  Myles Gaskin: 2.2 average YAC last season; Edmonds should cannibalize his passing work

Michel has a cheap deal and was immediately shoved out of the lead role when Cam Akers returned. Still, his competition in Miami does not have the explosiveness of Akers, and there are many avenues to Michel becoming the lead runner in an offense that should succeed.

Rachaad White (TB): RB59

If you asked me to write this article a week ago, Rachaad White might not even have been a consideration. However, that was before Leonard Fournette reportedly showed up to camp at a robust 260 pounds. In the grand scheme of things, I’m not too concerned about Fournette, but the news of his weight (and ire from his coaches) gives White some appeal late.

White was second in this RB class in receptions and led them in receiving yards (456) and yards per route run (2.24). He has massive upside if Fournette is an issue, especially playing in a Tom Brady-led offense.

Jerick McKinnon (KC): RB76

Here’s the deep sleeper of the crew. Jerick McKinnon is being forgotten about due to resigning with the Chiefs WAY after free agency ended. Yet, he may have weekly FLEX appeal this year, and you can get him in the last round.

McKinnon was the lead back almost throughout the entire Chiefs playoff run last year and didn’t disappoint as he averaged 14.3 FPPG in PPR formats and caught 17 passes. More significantly, McKinnon retained his hold as lead back in the divisional round even when Clyde Edwards-Helaire returned. In addition, CEH averaged a paltry 0.73 yards per route run last year, compared with McKinnon’s 1.15 mark.

Very few teams have more vacated targets than the Chiefs, so Mahomes could easily lock in on someone like McKinnon who he already has established chemistry with. I will also never let go of the fact that McKinnon posted a SPARQ score of 99 once upon a time…

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