Austin Ekeler

Ekeler should see a drop-off in overall targets with Tyrod Taylor now at QB, but it won't be as much as some people are projecting. Ekeler's chances of repeating as the RB6 simply aren't there again this season, but he's going to be a fantastic RB2 option for your roster.

92 catches, 8 rec. TDs unlikely repeated, but bump in run game with M. Gordon gone should get him back to 225-ish touches, and into upper RB2 territory

I'm very torn on Austin Ekeler in 2019 and could see myself slotting him in anywhere from RB8 to RB 14 in half-ppr before the pre-season concludes. He remains a pass-catching monster but I'm not yet convinced he'll provide enough volume in the running game to justify a first-round pick. I expect a slight reduction in the quality of this attack overall with Philip Rivers gone and I could also see Joshua Kelley or Justin Jackson chipping into his goalline and between-the-tackles work. Ultimately, this really comes down to your risk-aversion. In PPR he'll be a monster but otherwise, he's a risk you may choose to avoid. If he's sitting there in the second round though, he's going to be very hard for me to pass up on.

After seeing Ekeler's contract extension this offseason, it seemed a little light for a workhorse, leading many to believe they'd draft a running back early on. They waited until the fourth round to select UCLA's Joshua Kelley, who's a bigger complementary back. The Chargers offense isn't likely going to be as high scoring as it was with Philip Rivers under center, but Ekeler remains the top dog in the backfield. Still, don't just anticipate this offense is going to be as potent, or that he'll have as many scoring opportunities, which is why he's best-suited as a high-end RB2 than an RB1.

Ekeler had 1,550 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns while splitting touches with RB Melvin Gordon for 12 games. Gordon leaving for Denver should give him an increased workload, but Ekeler's quarterback situation is less than ideal and they added Cam Akers in the NFL Draft, which could create a RBBC.

I'm bad at ranking outliers. Had a career high 132 carries last year, yet to go over 560 rushing yards. Makes his money in the passing game, which now unknown. Can't be more efficient than last year: 108 targets, 92 receptions. I think it would be safe(?) to pencil him in for 1000 total yards and 5 TDs. Which would put him in the RB20s range. 20 touches a game without Gordon(4 games)23.75ppg 12 touches a game with Gordon(12 games)14ppg. 6 rushes a game with Gordon The Chargers were 28th in att last year and that still leaves almost 17 rushing attempts per year Gordon also got a healthy 55 targets in his 12 games, albeit with Rivers, Melvin also paced as RB11 after his return

Don't overrate him. Set for slightly increased role but still has a lot to prove as a runner. Joshua Kelley could share more with him than you might expect.

24 years old - UFA 2024, potential out 2022