Let’s take a look at running backs to target late in your fantasy football drafts.
Tyrion Davis-Price (SF): Consensus ADP – RB61 | 197th Overall
“I didn’t think too highly of Tyrion Davis-Price before the 2022 NFL Draft, but his initial burst and long speed — 77th percentile 40-yard dash and 73rd percentile 10-yard split time — opened my eyes to his potential in the 49ers offense, as did the most critical metric regarding his Year 1 projection: Round 3 draft capital. And above all, the 49ers offense breeds an efficient running game like no other that can easily open lanes for the rookie’s speed. It’s not hard to envision a scenario where the 49ers are forced to turn to their physically bruising rookie running back in the wake of a potential injury to an undersized Elijah Mitchell in 2022 or just use the two in tandem. San Fran’s coaching staff liked the way Davis-Price bullied defenders in the fourth quarters of games at the college level, so it’s easy to picture him in a similar “finisher” role in the pros. And historically speaking, the 49ers’ fantasy RB to roster in fantasy football is rarely the first one off the draft board. ”
– Andrew Erickson
“Tyrion Davis-Price is a guy I’ve written about a lot recently, but until his average draft position gets to where it should be, I’ll keep on writing. In his five years with the 49ers, HC Kyle Shanahan has had five different No. 1 running backs. That doesn’t mean Elijah Mitchell won’t have success in 2022, but he’s not built like a lead back at 5-foot-10, 200 pounds, and the 49ers might consider him replaceable given his 2021 draft capital (pick No. 194). As for Davis-Price, he’s built like a lead back (6-foot-1, 219 pounds), he’s athletic (4.48-second 40-yard dash), and he has significant draft capital (pick No. 93). Davis-Price has a real chance to earn playing time as a rookie.”
– Matthew Freedman
Beyond our fantasy football content, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you prepare for your draft this season. From our free mock Draft Simulator – which allows you to mock draft against realistic opponents – to our Draft Assistant – that optimizes your picks with expert advice – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football draft season.
“Elijah Mitchell is a running back I’m avoiding at ADP. The rookie, Tyrion Davis-Price, is one of the reasons why. The 49ers invested a third-round pick on him despite having success utilizing Mitchell last year. Coach Shanahan has shown in the past that he likes to mix up his backfield. Davis-Price’s athleticism will allow him to earn the backup role at first, but he has what it takes to become the goal line back in this offense at the very least.”
– Mauricio Gutierrez
Kenyan Drake (LV): Consensus ADP – RB63 | 210th Overall
“Someone. Please help me. I can’t stop drafting Kenyan Drake. I’ve tried to quit him. I have. Drake is incredibly cheap exposure to what we think will be one of the best offenses in the NFL. Las Vegas looks prepared to deploy a committee this year. Drake should own the passing downs from Week 1. Last year he was sixth in yards per route run among running backs, per PFF (minimum 20 targets). Drake also flashed enough juice on early downs last year that he could eat into Josh Jacobs’ work here as well. Drake should have an ADP near the handcuff tier, but he doesn’t. Exploit this value as much as possible. ”
– Derek Brown
Matt Breida (NYG): Consensus ADP – RB76 | 274th Overall
“Despite inquiries into bringing back Devontae Booker, I believe the Giants want to use Matt Breida to spell Saquon Barkley. He has tons of speed and is a good receiver, so a Barkley injury could result in some Breida spike weeks. ”
– Bo McBrayer
Thanks to the experts for sharing their advice! For more of their insight, be sure to follow each pundit on Twitter (click their names above) and visit their respective sites.
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | SoundCloud | iHeartRadio
Beyond our fantasy football content, be sure to check out our award-winning slate of Fantasy Football Tools as you prepare for your draft this season. From our free mock Draft Simulator – which allows you to mock draft against realistic opponents – to our Draft Assistant – that optimizes your picks with expert advice – we’ve got you covered this fantasy football draft season.
