Fantasy Football Player Notes
2022 Draft Rankings
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1.
Jonathan Taylor
IND (vs . HOU)
After playing just a 70% snap share once in 2020, Jonathan Taylor surpassed that number in nine contests in 2021, including eight weeks during the team's last eight games. Taylor also led the NFL in red-zone touches (92), which was not that surprising considering he ranked fifth in that category as a rookie.
That elite goal-line usage helped separate Taylor from the pack as the bonafide No. 1 running back in fantasy football. No player came close to sniffing his amount of volume near paydirt. Taylor's 42 carries inside the 10-yard line were 12 more than the next-closest back (Damien Harris, 30). Pairing Taylor's elite red-zone usage with his ascending role as a receiver - 11th in routes run and sixth in route participation in 2021 - makes him worthy of the 1.01 pick across all fantasy formats. No quarterback targeted running backs more than new Colts quarterback Matt Ryan did in 2021 - 8.6 targets per game. |
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2.
Christian McCaffrey
CAR (at NO)
The injury concerns for Christian McCaffrey are justified. Since 2020 he's dealt with an ankle sprain, thigh injury, AC joint sprain, and high ankle sprain, missing 18 games. When he's on the field, though, he's still a top-three running back. Last season in the five games he played at least 48% of the snaps, he averaged 20.1 (0.5 PPR) fantasy points per game. This would have placed him as the RB3 in weekly fantasy scoring behind only Jonathan Taylor and Derrick Henry.
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3.
Derrick Henry
TEN (at JAC)
Those that faded Derrick Henry as a first-round pick in 2021 received suboptimal results. The Tennessee Titans running back led the position in fantasy PPR points per game (23.4) through eight weeks and bested his 2020 2,000-yard campaign by more than 2.5 PPR points per game.
The unicorn running back averaged 29.6 touches per game - seven more than the next closest running back before his injury. And although he didn't play again until the postseason, Henry still finished 15th in the NFL in total touches and as the RB20 overall in just eight games played. No running back better depicts the "volume is king" mantra better than the King himself and his guaranteed volume make him near bulletproof. Coming off an injury-plagued season does raise some concerns about whether Henry's body is going to break down because of his insane workload. And the lack of pass-game usage is a detriment to his value in PPR formats. But it's impossible to ignore his workload opportunity in 2022 within a Titans anemic passing offense. They don't have any reason to not feature him and there are no indications that they are going to stop with him due $15M this season. Seems more likely than not they ride Henry did his contract expires before the 2024 season when he hits age 30. |
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4.
Dalvin Cook
MIN (at CHI)
The injury bug has lightly nipped at Dalvin Cook in each of the last three seasons. Over that span, he's gutted out it, though, and only missed four games while dealing with a torn labrum, dislocated shoulder, groin strain, and left shoulder sprain. Despite the injury history, Cook will "shoulder" the load for the Vikings again in 2022. When he was on the field last year, he averaged 21.8 touches and 106.4 total yards per game as the RB11 in weekly fantasy scoring. He's still a top 5-10 option and 20 touches per game machine this year.
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5.
Austin Ekeler
LAC (at DEN)
Austin Ekeler isn't used as a true three-down workhorse, but it's hard to tell based on the actual amount of touches he sees in the Los Angeles Chargers offense. At 5-foot-10 and 200 pounds, Ekeler finished 8th in the NFL in total touches (276) and 14th in touches per game (17.2).
But the raw touches hardly showcase the fantasy value Ekeler possesses, because he often commands an extremely high-share of high-value targets ie. targets and red-zone opportunities. His 13.9% target share and 70 receptions ranked second behind only Najee Harris. Ekeler's 18 red-zone touchdowns and 63 red-zone touches ranked first and second respectively. With such a secure role as a receiver out of the backfield and as a featured red-zone weapon in a high-powered offense, it's hard to imagine a healthy Ekeler not returning at least top-5 fantasy status in 2022. He wrapped a bow on the 2021 season as the RB3 in points per game and RB2 overall in half-point scoring. |
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6.
Joe Mixon
CIN (vs . BAL)
Joe Mixon was an absolute steal in the second round of fantasy drafts in 2021 based on his easily projected large workload within an ascending offense. The Bengals running back finished the season third in total touches (334) and sixth in touches per game (20.9).
Mixon also ranked third in goal-line carries (16) and tied Jonathan Taylor/James Conner in red-zone touchdowns. 2021 was the perfect storm for the fantasy RB3 in half-points scoring coming off a truncated 2020 campaign, and there's reason to believe the positive production will continue in 2022. The Bengals offensive line has been revamped entirely, ensuring that Mixon will be able to repeat his top-10 PFF rushing grade from a season ago. He also flashed upside a receiver down the playoff stretch for the Bengals, averaging nearly six targets per game while running a route on 57% of offensive dropbacks through six games. That route participation would have ranked third among all running backs during the regular season. Mixon fits all the criteria that a fantasy manager would want as a mid-range first round selection in fantasy football. However, he owns the RB7 ADP at 12th overall in early best ball drafts. |
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7.
Najee Harris
PIT (vs . CLE)
If there is any running back that could potentially de-throne Derrick Henry as the poster child for the "volume is king" mantra, it's Najee Harris. The Steelers rookie running back managed a league-leading 381 touches in 2021, and finished as the RB4 in half-point scoring as a result.
The volume he is going to see in 2022 will ensure he is one of the safest running backs available in fantasy football. Still, the issue with Harris pertains to his true upside potential in an potentially capped offense led by a rookie quarterback. An immobile Ben Roethlisberger was a check-down target machine to Harris in 2021 which may not be the case in 2022. And despite all of his total raw touches, Harris only saw 37 touches (22nd) in the red zone and scored six red-zone touchdowns. |
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8.
Alvin Kamara
NO (vs . CAR)
Last year Alvin Kamara showed no signs of slowing down, logging his first 200-plus carry season. In the six full games with Jameis Winston under center, he was the RB5 in fantasy, averaging 23.2 touches and 5.5 targets (26.4% target share). Over that span, he was seventh in targets and sixth in receiving yards among all running backs.
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9.
Nick Chubb
CLE (at PIT)
As an elite rusher, Nick Chubb has finished as a top ten running back in weekly scoring in each of the last three seasons. While a passing game role is a wish that will likely never come true (1.8 targets per game, 2021), Chubb doesn't need it to remain a locked-in top 12-15 fantasy back. His prowess on early downs makes up for the lack of targets. Last year he ranked third in evaded tackles, sixth in breakaway run rate, and fourth in yards per touch last season. As soon as Deshaun Watson is under center, Chubb should see a bump in scoring opportunities. Last season Cleveland ranked 23rd in red-zone scoring attempts per game.
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10.
Saquon Barkley
NYG (at PHI)
Last season was nightmare fuel for Saquon Barkley. In his return from the ACL injury, he posted his career's lowest breakaway run rate (3.1%, per Playerprofiler.com) and yards after contact per attempt (2.69, per PFF). With Joe Judge and Jason Garrett's special brand of season-destroying special sauce gone, Barkley has all the motivation to crush this year as a pending free agent. With the additions of Jon Feliciano, Mark Glowinski, and first-round pick Evan Neal to pair with holdover Andrew Thomas, the blocking upfront should be much improved. A massive bounce-back campaign could be brewing.
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11.
D'Andre Swift
DET (at GB)
In Weeks 1-11, before suffering an AC joint sprain that kiboshed his season, D'Andre Swift was a fantasy monster. He was the RB7, averaging 19 touches and 97.5 total yards per game. While the Lions have added more passing game weapons in the offseason with D.J. Chark and Jameson Williams, Swift's efficiency through the air allows for hope that his target share (18.4%, second among running backs) won't see a drastic dip. In Weeks 1-11, he was ninth in yards per route run (minimum 15 targets, per PFF) among running backs.
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12.
Aaron Jones
GB (vs . DET)
Aaron Jones finished last season as the RB11 in fantasy points per game despite ceding more work to A.J. Dillon as the year moved along. In Weeks 14-17, Jones saw 38 carries, three red zone opportunities, and ran 76 routes. In that same sample of games, Dillon gobbled up 45 carries with 13 red zone looks and 54 routes run. With Davante Adams gone, Jones could save his fantasy scoring with a heavier target load. Since 2019 in the seven games Jones has played without Adams on the field, he's seen his targets bump from 3.9 per game to 6.7. His receiving yardage also increased from 21.6 to 55.4 per game. While he might not have top 3-5 upside anymore if Dillon remains involved, Jones could still be a low-end RB1 or high-end RB2.
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13.
Javonte Williams
DEN (vs . LAC)
Running back Melvin Gordon signed a one-year deal with the Denver Broncos, ultimately halting the Javonte Williams 2022 breakout season. The idea of Williams playing a three-down role was salivating, but Gordon's return should not be overlooked after a seriously underrated 2021 campaign.
MG3's return definitely hurts Williams' top-tier fantasy ceiling. He's going to split work with another capable back in Gordon which is exactly what new head coach Nathaniel Hackett desires and spoke on at the NFL owners meeting in March. However, keep in mind that Williams finished 13th in touches last season (246, 14.6 per game) and would be the favorite to take another step forward in the passing game - Aaron Jones-esque - after finishing as one of two rookie RBs inside the top-15 in route participation in 2021: Najee Harris (first) and Javonte Williams (13th). Williams falls just out of the fantasy RB1 conversation for me in redraft and best ball, but he's right on the cusp. I don't think he can be ranked worse than RB15 considering that's where he finished as a rookie amid a split workload in a much worse offensive environment. |
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14.
Leonard Fournette
TB (at ATL)
Workhorse Uncle Lenn is back to trigger the haters in 2022. In Weeks 4-14, Leonard Fournette played less than 61% of the team's snaps in only two games. Over that stretch, he averaged 19.7 touches and 103 total yards per game as the RB5 in fantasy. Fournette was also fantastic in the passing game. In that sample, he led all running backs in targets (63) and was fourth in receiving yards (344). Rachaad White might be his heir apparent, but Tampa Bay has Super Bowl aspirations, and it's difficult to envision Tom Brady trusting a rookie in the backfield to protect him.
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15.
James Conner
ARI (at SF)
James Conner will be the Cardinal's dependable workhorse again in 2022. In Weeks 9-14, he never played less than 77% of the snaps averaging 21.8 touches and 114.4 total yards per game. He was the RB2 in fantasy behind only Jonathan Taylor in that five-game span. His 18 total touchdowns seem hard to replicate at first glance, but it isn't. Last season Arizona was eighth in red zone rushing rate.
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16.
Ezekiel Elliott
DAL (at WAS)
Ezekiel Elliott is coming off a down season where some of this could be related to the fact he dealt with a partially torn PCL for much of the season (since Week 4). The spliced-up workload and his declining effectiveness could result from the injury or his advancing age and the toll that the NFL has taken on him. Elliott has amassed 1,938 touches (22 per game) over his six-year career, never handling less than 268 touches in any season. Elliott should be viewed as an RB2 in many formats that could slowly dissolve into a high-end RB3 if Tony Pollard gets more run in 2022.
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17.
Travis Etienne Jr.
JAC (vs . TEN)
Travis Etienne Jr. was a standout college football running back for the Clemson Tigers from 2017 to 2020 and was selected by the Jaguars in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft -25th overall. However, his rookie season was cut short by a preseason Lisfranc injury. Some NFL personnel reported that Etienne could have come back towards the end of the year had the Jaguars been in playoff contention instead of being the league's laughing stock.
Etienne is expected to be fully cleared by training camp, giving him a leg up on the RB1 role as the Jacksonville Jaguars install a new offense under new head coach Doug Pederson. With James Robinson attempting to come back from a torn Achilles injury suffered on December 26th, Etienne figures to be the featured back during this spring/summer. Do not forget what this guy did at Clemson with Trevor Lawrence (QB - JAC) as his quarterback. During his final season as a Clemson Tiger, he led the country in receiving yards and ranked second in receptions among running backs. Etienne also racked up the most rushing attempts of 20-plus yards (40) from 2018 to 2019 while only carrying the ball 20-plus times once since 2018. |
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18.
Elijah Mitchell
SF (vs . ARI)
Elijah Mitchell ran away with the job last season en route to finishing as the RB14 in fantasy points per game. He was third in opportunity share, but his underlying rushing metrics were a lackluster ball of meh. He was 36th in juke rate, 30th in breakaway run rate, and 34th in yards created per touch. With his 7.0% target share and 25th ranking in route participation, he doesn't have the pass game usage to save him if the rushing volume and efficiency aren't there. Even though Mitchell has been sidelined for much of camp with an injury, the 49ers have stated that once healthy, he's their lead back.
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19.
David Montgomery
CHI (vs . MIN)
David Montgomery finished as the RB12 and RB6 in fantasy points per game in each of the last two seasons, surpassing expectations. The Bears' receiving weapons are depleted outside of Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet, so there's an easy pathway for plenty of check downs weekly. With Fields under center, he saw 4.75 targets per game, which would be a new career-high if that repeats this upcoming season. The problem for Montgomery is the new regime has no previous ties to him. He's seen an 80-90% opportunity share over the last two seasons, which has helped fuel his fantasy stock. Still, new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy comes from a system in Green Bay that hasn't pushed Aaron Jones over the 60% opportunity share mark since 2020. It's conceivable Montgomery will lose snaps on early downs to Khalil Herbert or Darrynton Evans and routes to Trestan Ebner. If that comes to fruition, he's better viewed as a high-end RB3 with low-end RB2 upside.
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20.
Breece Hall
NYJ (at MIA)
My highest-ranked rookie running back is Breece Hall. The Jets selected the Iowa State product at the top of Round 2, signifying his status as the team's locked-in RB1 for the foreseeable future. Hall's three-down skill set suggests he never has to come off the field, and the sheer volume he garners will vault him into redraft top-20 running back territory.
The Iowa State product totaled over 4,500 yards from scrimmage, 50 touchdowns and 80 catches over three seasons in the college ranks. A workload of approximately 240 touches - based on ESPN fantasy analyst Mike Clay's projections and how many touches the cumulative Jets RB1 earned last season - would place Hall inside the top-15 considering every running back last season that hit that threshold finished inside that ranking. 2021 fourth-rounder Michael Carter had his moments as a rookie, but the Jets know he's just a No. 2 running back. Anticipate Hall to shoulder 15-20 touches per game based on the workload that Carter received last season when Tevin Coleman missed time. From Weeks 7-9 with Coleman sidelined, Carter averaged 19 touches per game and a 66% snap share. Upon Coleman's return from injury in Week 10, Carter averaged 14 touches per game and a 55% snap share in the games they played together. |
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21.
Cam Akers
LAR (at SEA)
Cam Akers wasn't expected to return last year in time for the playoffs, but he pulled it off. He saw snap shares from 39% to as high as 81%. While he racked up volume in the process with 18.7 touches per game, his efficiency numbers were middling at best. His 2.31 yards after contact per attempt was a far cry from the 2.96 he rattled off in his rookie season (per PFF). With a full offseason to hopefully recoup any lost juice and return to his first-year form, Akers has the upside to be a workhorse in one of the best offenses in the NFL.
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22.
AJ Dillon
GB (vs . DET)
A.J. Dillon started to emerge from his protege's shadow with 187 rushing attempts, 803 rushing yards, and an RB29 fantasy points per game finish last year. Dillon isn't the home run threat that Jones is (43rd in breakaway run rate), but he can still punish an opposing defense. He was 17th in yards created per touch in 14th in yards after contact per attempt (minimum 100 carries, per PFF), immediately behind Jones. Unless Jones succumbs to injury, Dillon is likely stuck in a 1B role with a healthy red-zone role.
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23.
Josh Jacobs
LV (vs . KC)
The Raiders offense looks to reach new heights in 2022 with No. 1 wide receiver Davante Adams added to the fold. And that greatly benefits the team's lead ball-carrier Josh Jacobs. A more efficient offense lends itself to more scoring opportunities, and Jacobs will reap the most rewards as the team's primary red-zone back.
Last year's RB13 smashed career highs in all receiving categories in 2021 despite playing alongside Kenyan Drake and Jalen Richard. Injuries to the back-ups boosted Jacobs' role as a receiver slightly, but it was not the only cause. There was a deliberate effort to feature Jacobs more as a receiver with him catching at least two passes in 12 of his 15 games played. And more importantly, the receiving capability that Jacobs displayed puts to rest the narrative that he is "game-script" dependent. Whether the Raiders are winning or losing in a loaded 2022 AFC West, JJ has proven he can be used in all facets. Now the Raiders did elect to sign both Brandon Bolden and Ameer Abdullah this offseason to bolster their running back stable behind Jacobs. Bolden has been a special teams guy nearly his entire career, so I doubt he carves out any legitimate role on offense. Abdullah has been used as a third-down back on the several teams he has been on at the NFL level, but I am not ready to declare him as a huge threat to Jacobs' workload. Sure he might work in some, but not enough to hurt Jacobs' bottom-line value. The team also drafted Zamir White in the fourth round, but I would not expect much from White in year one based on Josh McDaniels' track record from New England of not featuring Day 3 rookie RBs. The new head coach is more likely to run Jacobs into the ground on an expiring contract as he did with Dion Lewis, LeGarrette Blount and Shane Vereen during his Patriots tenure. And besides, the red-zone role is the most significant for fantasy points, and that looks to be clearly in Jacobs' grasp. Two-down back Damien Harris was in the red-zone role for the Patriots last season and flourished because of it. He ranked fourth in carries (46) and third in rushing TDs (13) from inside the 20-yard line. |
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24.
J.K. Dobbins
BAL (at CIN)
Running backs tied to a mobile quarterback are often short-changed when it comes to the passing game. For as well as J.K. Dobbins performed in fantasy football from Weeks 11-17 in full PPR (RB11) during the 2020 season, guess who outscored him... J.D. McKissic. That's because McKissic caught 37 passes versus Dobbins' three.
Guys like Derrick Henry can overcome the lack of receiving work because they are entrenched bell cows, but that's not the case with Dobbins in Baltimore with Gus Edwards also in the mix. Dobbins only slightly out-touched Edwards 86-74 down the stretch in 2020. It would be pure ignorance to assume that Dobbins will take over the backfield considering Edwards has been excellent with every opportunity he has received. Dobbins also ran extremely hot when it came to scoring touchdowns, scoring at least one TD in every game from Week 11 on. His nine total rushing TDs ranked 12th in the league and nearly doubled his expected output (5.5, 30th) - the sixth-highest difference at the position. Drafters have to understand that to invest in Dobbins as a late third-rounder or fourth-rounder (RB20, 50th overall ADP) he needs to run hot in the TD category coming off the season-ending ACL injury. They also should expect zero-to-little pass-game work with Jackson's tendency to not check down along with the additions of receiving backs, veteran Mike Davis and rookie Tyler Badie. |
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25.
Antonio Gibson
WAS (vs . DAL)
Antonio Gibson has been a solid option over the last two seasons as the RB16 and RB17 in fantasy points per game. He also ranked tenth in yards per route run, fifth in evaded tackles, and 14th in juke rate. He was tied for seventh in carries inside the five-yard line and eighth in weighted opportunities. We already know the pass game usage is capped with J.D. McKissic resigned. Still, with him putting the ball on the turf in the preseason, his early down work was out the window until Brian Robinson sustained multiple gunshot wounds in an attempted robbery. Gibson's hold on the job, even if Robinson is sidelined, should be considered tentative. Washington has repeatedly screamed at us that they do not trust Gibson. Don't rule out the team bringing in a free agent to compete with Gibson. He should be viewed as a risky low-end RB3 with upside should Robinson be out for an extended amount of time.
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26.
Damien Harris
NE (at BUF)
Damien Harris' ADP has dropped nearly a full round since the NFL draft took place and it's unwarranted. All the Patriots did was draft two Day 3 running backs who will most likely be red-shirted their first seasons.
Harris should be the bellcow back for the Patriots in the final year of his contract as has been the case for many New England backs playing on expiring contracts. And should he see a heavy workload, there's going to be fantasy points to come by. In 2021, Harris finished 2nd in carries inside the 10-yd line, second to only Jonathan Taylor. The former Alabama back also led all running backs during the 2021 regular season in fantasy points per snap. As PFF's highest-graded running back (91.8) over the past two seasons, Harris needs to be held in extremely high regard. With one more year on his rookie deal, New England has all the incentive to ride Harris for the entire 2022 season. Although there is some risk that he will be used in a 50/50 split with second-year back Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson (93) and Harris (86) split touches nearly 50/50 in the team's remaining seven games. In the six games they played together, Stevenson slightly edged out Harris in expected fantasy points per game (9.3 vs 8.9). |
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27.
Dameon Pierce
HOU (at IND)
If you liked Dameon Pierce before the NFL Draft, then you should be thrilled about his landing spot in Houston.
There's a high chance that PFF's highest-graded running back from the FBS (92.0) in 2021 carves out a role on early downs after the team released Marlon Mack. He's already seen work with the first-team through training camp and rested as a "starter" during the team's second preseason game. He started the 3rd preseason game. And news flash, people - Mack only signed a one-year, $two-million deal with Houston, and that was less than the team is paying Rex Burkhead..1 million of Burkhead's $2.35 million contract is fully guaranteed. I thought we could easily see Mack released as much as we could see Pierce become the team's starting running back. Looks like both are becoming a reality. Even though Pierce never topped 106 carries in college. There may have been some underlying issue with former Gators head coach Dan Mullen that prevented Pierce from seeing a more featured role. Case in point: Pierce only had two games with double-digit carries in 2021, both of which came after Mullen was fired toward the end of the season. Pierce's lackluster dominator rating doesn't capture his coach's potential ineptitude. The fact Pierce competed with NFL talent like Jordan Scarlett and La'Mical Perine very early in his college career paints a better picture of how his impact will be felt in years to come. And from the get-go, I think we see Pierce be a major fantasy factor to start the 2022 season. |
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28.
Rashaad Penny
SEA (vs . LAR)
Rashaad Penny was excellent to close the season in 2021. In Weeks 14-18, he averaged 18.4 rushing attempts and 134.2 rushing yards per game as the RB1 in fantasy football. He only ran a route on 32.2% (per PFF) of Russell Wilson's dropbacks last year, so don't expect up from him in the passing game. His rushing prowess is legit, though. Penny could be stuck in a committee with Kenneth Walker, but don't rule out him running away with the job for 2022.
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29.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
KC (at LV)
Although Clyde Edwards-Helaire's rookie season showed signs of hope - RB11 through his first six professional games - the step backward in Year 2 is cause for concern.
CEH finished 59th out of 64 qualifying running backs in yards after contact per attempt (2.4) and third-to-last in target rate per route run at the running back position (13%). The poor rushing efficiency is bearable, but the poor receiving usage is hard to ignore. Especially considering his calling card out of LSU was catching balls out of the backfield. His 0.73 yards per route run ranked 64th out of 68 qualifying running backs - also significantly worse than his teammates Darrel Williams (1.28) and Jerick McKinnon (1.15). Some may also feel that the Ronald Jones addition is the final nail in the coffin for CEH, but it's not that black and white. Don't get me wrong though - Jones is a significant threat to earn more carries than Edwards-Helaire after the former first-rounder posted worse rushing efficiency numbers than his rookie season. But full transparency - Jones was not much better ranking 51st in the same category (2.5). It's actually a positive sign for Edwards-Helaire that the team brought in Jones instead of re-signing McKinnon or Williams. Those ex-Chiefs backs were proven pass-catchers and limited CEH's role as a receiver. I'd presume that Edwards-Helaire will fully take over the primary pass-catching role - which was the reason why the Chiefs drafted him in the 1st round in any way - while also working in tandem with Jones as a rusher on early downs. Jones splitting work might also help keep CEH healthy after his 10 missed games the past two seasons. The other RBs on the Chiefs current roster include Derrick Gore (4th-year UDFA), Isiah Pacheco (2022 7th-rounder), Jerrion Ealy (2022 UDFA) and Tayon Fleet-Davis (2022 UDFA). |
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30.
Chase Edmonds
MIA (vs . NYJ)
This past year Chase 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).
Edmonds won't ever be a true three-down back due to durability concerns, as he missed seven games this past season. But 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. In 14 career games when Edmonds has commanded at least 11 touches - his average fantasy finish is RB18 (PPR). Edmonds should see plenty of work in a Dolphins backfield splitting snaps with Sony Michel and Raheem Mostert. Considering Gaskins' fantasy spike weeks in 2021 all came from his receiving usage, Edmonds should find similar success in that role with Miami. The late signing of running back Mostert and Michel might have some fantasy gamers soured on Edmonds. However, Edmonds was never going to see a full bell-cow workload. Losing out on some early-down carries to Mostert or Michel was to be expected. I'd still prefer Edmonds in fantasy due to the pass-catching and hope the other signings keeps his ADP at a value. |
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31.
Miles Sanders
PHI (vs . NYG)
Miles Sanders opened the year playing 60-83% of snaps in the first six games but only averaging 9.5 rushing attempts per game. He did see 3.8 targets per game. He then sustained an ankle injury that landed him on the injured reserve. When he returned from the ankle injury, he was the Eagles' clear lead back (Weeks 11-15), averaging 16.8 carries per game, although his pass game usage dried up (1.8 targets per game). Despite seeing 23 touches inside the 20, he failed to get into the endzone in 2021. While Sanders will see touchdown regression this season, he will still have to deal with Jalen Hurts near the goal line and the looming specters of Boston Scott and Kenneth Gainwell. He could return RB2 production this season, but there's the risk with his injury history which has already reared its ugly head in camp (hamstring). Gainwell has also been rumored as the red zone back, so the high-valued touches for Sanders are not a lock.
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32.
Rhamondre Stevenson
NE (at BUF)
Rhamondre Stevenson experienced a very successful rookie season that should not be overlooked. After fully escaping the Bill Belichick doghouse in Week 9, Stevenson earned top grades across the board.
He was PFF's third-highest graded running back (84.2). Stevenson also ranked 13th in rushing yards and in yards per route run (1.41). For fantasy, the rookie running back was the RB25 in total points scored, eight spots behind his backfield teammate Harris. There's a high ceiling for Stevenson, especially if you ask former Patriots linebacker Rob Ninkovich. The ESPN analyst went as far as saying that Stevenson "...will be one of the better, if not one of the top three, running backs in the league based on what I saw with his strength, explosion and catch-and-run ability." |
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33.
Devin Singletary
BUF (vs . NE)
Buffalo invested second round draft capital into a rookie James Cook this offseason, but that's no reason to totally write off last year's starting tailback Devin Singletary. The fourth-year back was unleashed down the stretch for the Bills, finishing as the RB3 in PPR scoring over the final six weeks of the season - 17 fantasy points per game. He gained the coaching staff's trust by earning 54-plus snaps to close out the season, the highest snap number Singletary saw all season dating back to Week 1.
Buffalo also didn't let off the Motor Singletary when the team hit the playoffs, with the RB1 averaging nearly 20 fantasy points per game from the Wild Card Round through the Divisonal Round. With a proven track record and two years of bell-cow back usage in spurts, don't be surprised when PFF's fourth-ranked running back in rushes of 15-plus yards and seventh-ranked player in forced missed tackles in 2021 is the highly sought-after RB breakout that emerges from a high-octane ambiguous backfield. |
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34.
Tony Pollard
DAL (at WAS)
Tony Pollard is coming off a career-high in rushing attempts (130) and targets (46). Pollard was one of the most efficient running backs in the NFL. Last season he was fourth in yards after contact per attempt behind only Rashaad Penny, Nick Chubb, and Jonathan Taylor (minimum 100 carries, per PFF). He was also first in yards per route run at the position. Pollard offers stand-alone RB3 production as he was the RB30 in fantasy points per game last season. If anything happens to Ezekiel Elliott, Pollard has league-winning upside.
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35.
Kareem Hunt
CLE (at PIT)
Kareem Hunt's been rumored to be on the trade block this offseason. His contract expires in 2023, and the Browns have a mighty stable of backs behind Nick Chubb including D'Ernest Johnson, Jerome Ford and Demetric Felton.
If no deal is reached by the time the season starts, it would be much less likely that Hunt stays in Cleveland, making him a primed trade target for any team that suffers an injury at running back through training camp/preseason. . Last year Hunt was limited to just eight games due to a calf injury - but he maintained his effectiveness when healthy through the first six weeks of the season. He was a top-10 running back in PPR averaging 17 fantasy points per game averaging just south of 15 touches per game. Hunt's true upside will always be capped in a backfield as the Robin to Chubb's Batman. But should an injury occur to Chubb or another star running back, Hunt would easily flirt with league-winning upside if he is awarded the requisite volume to do so. His 6th-ranked yards after contact per attempt (3.54), 6th-ranked yards per route run (1.81) and 26% target rate suggest he's not slowing down entering age 27-season. All he needs his a change of scenery to recapture his rookie year accolades when he lead the NFL in rushing yards. |
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36.
Cordarrelle Patterson
ATL (vs . TB)
Cordarrelle Patterson enters his age 31 season, coming off a career year as the RB16 in fantasy points per game. After beginning the season in a hybrid role, the team moved him to more of a traditional running back role as the season rolled along. In Weeks 1-10, Patterson played running back on 56.2% of his snaps and outside or in the slot on 37.7% of his snaps. He was a running back for 69.9% of his snaps for the rest of the season, with only 29.5% of his playing time coming as a receiver. Patterson flourished in his swiss army knife role as the RB10 through the first ten weeks before fading as the RB31 over his final seven games. The receiving game is where Patterson needs to be utilized to hit a ceiling. Last year, he was incredibly effective, ranking behind only Christian McCaffrey in yards per route run (minimum 20 targets, per PFF). With age, role, and increased target competition factoring into his 2022 outlook, Patterson is best viewed as an RB3/RB4 with upside.
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37.
Melvin Gordon III
DEN (vs . LAC)
Gordon is bound to be written off by fantasy draft pundits this offseason due to his age, but he proved that he still has gas in the tank in 2021. The 29-year-old running back was efficient across the board, ranking eighth in both PFF rushing grade (83.4) and forced missed tackles (45) while compiling 231 touches (16th).
With him back on a high-powered offense and with the potential to receive goal-line touches, he could easily become a screaming value in 2022 like James Conner or Leonard Fournette last year. |
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38.
Darrell Henderson Jr.
LAR (at SEA)
Darrell Henderson has flashed during his career, but injuries and inconsistencies have held him down during his time in Los Angeles. In Weeks 1-12 last season, as the Rams' lead back, he was the RB14 averaging 16.9 touches and 82 total yards per game. Those numbers make his performance look far better than it was. After ranking 36th in yards created per touch and with 2.49 yards after contact per attempt (per PFF), he will need to handily outplay Cam Akers to unseat him. Henders is best viewed as a high-end handcuff.
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39.
Ken Walker III
SEA (vs . LAR)
Kenneth Walker's 99th percentile college dominator and 96th percentile speed score will be a welcome sight for Pete Carroll. We know the Seahawks want to establish the hell out of it with Geno Smith as the Week 1 starter at quarterback. Since 2018 the Seahawks are third in neutral script rushing rate, so the volume will be there to support one elite-level back or tandem of backs with weekly RB2 or high RB3 potential. Walker has seen his ADP dip since he was sidelined after a hernia procedure. Enjoy the dip, and don't rule out him eventually stealing the job from Rashaad Penny sometime this season.
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40.
Michael Carter
NYJ (at MIA)
RIP Michael Carter RB1 szn. The Jets drafted workhorse running back Breece Hall at the top of the 2nd round, but even considered trading up for him in Round 1 before selecting him 36th overall. The draft capital shows New York's commitment towards Hall being their clear-cut RB1 for 2022 and beyond, which makes Carter nothing more than a hand-cuff. It's a reminder to always sell high on Day 3 running backs that flash as rookies; they can be easily replaced and likely won't "survive" draft after draft without investment from their team.
Carter's looking anywhere between five-to-eight touches per game with Hall entrenched as the bellcow, making the former UNC back near obsolete as anything other than a backup with some upside. From Weeks 7-9 with Tevin Coleman sidelined, Carter averaged 19 touches per game and a 66% snap share. He also finished 10th in yards after contact per attempt (3.4) and third in PFF's elusive rating. Carter's receiving ability also fueled four top-17 weekly finishes in 2021, three of which were inside the top-13 in games that featured quarterback checkdown king Mike White under center. |
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41.
James Cook
BUF (vs . NE)
Rookie running back James Cook has immediate sleeper fantasy appeal across all PPR formats based on his second-round draft capital, pass-catching prowess, explosiveness and offensive situation. The 5-foot-11, 199-pound running back has more than enough heft to manage a decent workload especially as a receiver out of the backfield. The 5-foot-7, 203-pound Devin Singletary was the RB3 over the last six weeks of the regular season when the Bills entrenched him as the featured guy. Cook with an ECR of RB44 seems priced closer to their floor than his ceiling considering Round 2 running backs have finished as top-36 running backs more than half the time (55%) since 2013.
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42.
James Robinson
JAC (vs . TEN)
James Robinson operated as the pseudo bellcow for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 after Travis Etienne went down with a preseason injury. He posted inconsistent fantasy production as the RB24 overall and in points per game in 14 games amid horrible usage deployed by the 2021 Jags coaching staff.
His touches varied from 21-to-2 depending on the week, so he was nearly impossible to project in fantasy. It's possible that 2022 presents a similar issue with Robinson as Etienne makes his professional debut. But JRob does deserve credit for maintaining efficient play whenever he got opportunities last season, finishing 11th in yards after contact per attempt (3.3) and 8th in red-zone touchdowns (8). His real hurdle for fantasy relevance besides fending off a 2022 first-round running back is attempting a speedy recovery from a torn Achilles suffered in late December. He was unable to participate in OTAs, while his backfield counterpart is full-go as the team installs the new-look Doug Pederson offense. The former undrafted free agent is not guaranteed to be ready for Week 1. Although he did avoid being placed on the PUP list, which is encouraging for his short-term availability. It's hard to envision Robinson being anything more than a speculative zero-RB target, with hopes that he can recapture 2020 form if given the volume. However, Pederson's track record of deploying a multitude of backs does make it seem like Robinson will be a 1B to Etienne's 1A, with his clearest path to fantasy relevance coming through goal-line opportunities. |
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43.
Alexander Mattison
MIN (at CHI)
Alexander Mattison has played out of his mind when given the opportunity with Dalvin Cook sidelined. In the four games since 2020 with 60% or higher snap counts, he's averaged 23.5 rushing attempts with 148.2 total yards per game. In that quartet of games, he was the RB7, RB6, RB8, and RB4 in weekly scoring. Mattison is primed to remain one of the top handcuff options in fantasy.
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44.
Kenneth Gainwell
PHI (vs . NYG)
Kenneth Gainwell was in the backfield mix all season long, but he wasn't given a prominent role. The most we saw of Gainwell was 53% of the snaps played in Week 18, where he turned his 16 touches into 87 total yards. With Jordan Howard not returning, he's in the running with Boston Scott and Kennedy Brooks to mix in behind Miles Sanders. Gainwell was sixth in yards per route run last season, which isn't shocking considering his receiving chops coming out of Memphis. His ability as a pass-catcher could be his easiest path to earning more playing time this season.
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45.
Nyheim Hines
IND (vs . HOU)
Nyheim Hines posted career-lows across the receiving board in 2021, but there's hope that with a new quarterback under center that he can bounce back in 2022.
No passer targeted running backs more than new Colts quarterback Matt Ryan did in 2021 - 8.6 targets per game. Bodes well for Hines to provide more usable weeks like he did in 2020. That year, Hines finished as RB18 in PPR scoring. |
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46.
Raheem Mostert
MIA (vs . NYJ)
Raheem 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.
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47.
Khalil Herbert
CHI (vs . MIN)
Khalil Herbert should enter camp with a leg up on the competition to be David Montgomery's backup. Last year in four games as the lead back when Montgomery was down, he was the RB40, RB11, RB6, and RB33 in fantasy. Among backs with 100 or more rushing attempts, he was 25th in yards after contact per attempt, ranking immediately ahead of Antonio Gibson. With a new regime at the helm, Herbert could be the guy if Montgomery misses any time, but don't rule out Trestan Ebner getting involved.
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48.
Jamaal Williams
DET (at GB)
Last season in the early going, Jamaal Williams was the understudy to D'Andre Swift, which is a role he will reprise this season. In Weeks 1-7, he averaged 12.4 touches and 58.7 total yards per game playing 29-49% of snaps per game. He was the RB37 in fantasy points per game. When Swift was out and Williams was active, he played 42-47% of snaps with 18 rushing attempts and 74 rushing yards per game. Williams isn't the sexiest handcuff or late-round selection, but the Lions' offense should take another step forward this year, and Williams will be the primary back if Swift were to miss time again.
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49.
Tyler Allgeier
ATL (vs . TB)
Tyler Allgeier has been tossed into a backfield with aging and unimpressive parts, where he could ultimately take over the lead role. Allgeier closed out his career at BYU with a pummeling 275 carry season that he turned into 1,611 rushing yards. Allgeier shined with 4.16 yards after contact, ranking tenth among all FBS running backs with 100 or more carries last season (per PFF). Sadly he bombed his athletic testing and fell in the draft before Atlanta scooped him up. Atlanta may lean on this young volume rusher, but it's also conceivable that Patterson and Damien Williams eat into the rushing pie enough to render Allgeier an afterthought.
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50.
Rachaad White
TB (at ATL)
Despite inking Leonard Fournette to a new three-year deal, resigning Giovani Bernard, and still having incumbent Ke'Shawn Vaughn on the roster, the team spent a third-round draft pick on Rachaad White. White followed up his final season at Arizona State, where he racked up 3.38 yards after contact per attempt and 2.25 yards per route run (ninth, minimum 20 targets per PFF) by blowing up the combine. White finished with an 84th percentile speed score and 87th percentile burst score. This looks like a crowded backfield on paper, but the team has shown the willingness to utilize one back as a do-it-all rusher and receiver. This would leave White as the Uncle Len backup plan with workhorse upside if the injury bug bit Fournette.
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51.
J.D. McKissic
WAS (vs . DAL)
In fantasy, J.D. McKissic has stacked back-to-back seasons of top 36 running back production (RB25, RB28). The Commanders are hell-bent on capping Antonio Gibson's ceiling, but you can't fault them because McKissic remains one of the best receiving backs in the NFL. Last season he ranked fourth in target share and yards per route run among running backs. McKissic could see a hit to his raw volume and touchdown expectations (which were already low) if Brian Robinson gets involved on early downs and even a smidge in the passing game when he returns. Because of this, McKissic is best viewed as an RB4 with some upside.
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52.
Zamir White
LV (vs . KC)
You can take Josh McDaniels out of New England, but you can't take the New England out of McDaniels. He found his new early down grinder in waiting from the SEC in the draft this year in Zamir White. This season, White should be viewed as the early down handcuff to Josh Jacobs. While White is a former five-star prospect, injuries have zapped him of his once special juice. He ranked 39th in yards after contact per attempt and 138th in breakaway rate last season (minimum 100 carries, per PFF). Despite residing in what we project to be a good offense, with limited burst and pass game upside, White is a last-round dart throw at best.
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53.
Mark Ingram II
NO (vs . CAR)
By NFL standards, Mark Ingram might be elderly, but he isn't washed up. Last year when he was called upon to carry the load in the Big Easy, he stepped up. In his three games as the lead back, he averaged 18 touches and 95 total yards finishing as the RB24, RB8, and RB15. He ranked 27th in yards after contact per attempt, immediately ahead of James Conner and Alvin Kamara (minimum 100 rushing attempts, per PFF). After his return to New Orleans, he posted 1.31 yards per route run which would have ranked 25th last year among all running backs with 20 or more targets (per PFF).
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54.
Isaiah Spiller
LAC (at DEN)
The Chargers are no strangers to taking shots on bigger but unathletic running backs on Day 3 of the NFL Draft. Joshua Kelley was the guy in 2020 and Larry Rountree was the guy in 2021.
Isaiah Spiller represents the latest rehash of the Chargers trying to find an appropriate thunder to Austin Ekeler's lightning, and I for one think Spiller is already the best bet currently on the roster. The former Texas A&M running back has the capacity for three-down spot start duties with an all-encompassing skill set and desirable size - 6-feet and 217 pounds . Spiller should be a solid producer for the Chargers if given the opportunity although his lack of top-notch speed could keep him from being elite. He had only eight carries of 20-plus yards in 2021. But I'd be hard-pressed to ignore his impressive age-adjusted production as one of his most encouraging traits. Since Day 1 at Texas A&M, Spiller has been the lead dog for the Aggies. As a true freshman in 2019, he scored 10 rushing touchdowns and finished 16th in the nation in yards after contact per attempt en route to a 22% dominator rating. The power running back capped off his first year in impressive fashion with back-to-back seasons of 1,000 rushing yards and 100 missed tackles. Spiller also displayed receiving prowess, commanding at least an 8% target share and an average of 25 receptions per season. With Justin Jackson still an unsigned free agent, Spiller looks slated for instant impact in Year 1. |
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55.
Brian Robinson Jr.
WAS (vs . DAL)
The dependable 6'2" 224 lb Brian Robinson landed in Washington in the third round of the NFL Draft. Robinson bided his time behind many talented backs at Alabama before finally taking over in 2021 as the lead guy. He responded by ranking fourth in missed tackles and eighth in ten-plus yard runs last year (per PFF). Robinson might not wow people, but he's s battle-tested and sure-handed depth player. After Antonio Gibson's butter fingers cropped up again in the preseason, Robinson was on his way to supplanting him as the lead back. Then tragedy struck. Robinson sustained multiple gunshot wounds in an attempted robbery. While none of his injuries were stated as life-threatening, his rookie season has been left in limbo.
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56.
Darrel Williams
ARI (at SF)
Darrel Williams is not an efficient runner of the football, but he is exquisite in the passing game in 2021. He ranked outside the top 40 backs in true yards per carry, juke rate, evaded tackles, and breakaway run rate. Williams was 12th in yards per route run which helped fuel his 12th ranking in yards per touch. Conner should still be considered the workhorse, but Williams could steal some routes and touches as the season progresses. If Conner goes down, he proved that he could perform in an every-down role last year.
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57.
Gus Edwards
BAL (at CIN)
Gus Edwards is a true underdog story - a former undrafted free agent who owns a top-5 PFF rushing grade and yards per carry (5.1) since 2018. But with coming off a torn ACL and J.K. Dobbins entrenched as the 1A starter in the Ravens backfield, is the efficient GusBu even worth the squeezer in fantasy football?
Consider in his best season, 2021, Edwards finished RB35 in 0.5 PPR scoring. That low-end RB3 upside is gone now. He can't be viewed as much of anything but a hand-cuff to Dobbins, with hopes that he can also occasionally find the end zone to make up for a lack of pass-game work. Because ten touches per game in the form of carries is going to do literally nothing to help your fantasy lineup. Do not buy into the fallacy that Edwards owns "stand-alone value." |
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58.
D'Onta Foreman
CAR (at NO)
D'Onta Foreman performed well last season as Tennessee's garage sale version of Derrick Henry. In Weeks 12-18, he turned 18.3 rushing attempts per game into 80.3 rushing yards per contest. While he was outside the top 20 in yards created per touch and yards per touch, he was still superior to Chuba Hubbard in both of these metrics.
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59.
Jeff Wilson Jr.
SF (vs . ARI)
Jeff Wilson definitely has merit as a last-round selection as the RB2 on the 49ers' depth chart. When he's been called upon, he's been a productive volume back for San Francisco. Since 2020 he's played 50% or higher in seven games averaging 19.7 touches and finishing as a top 20 fantasy running back in 71% of those games.
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60.
Boston Scott
PHI (vs . NYG)
Boston Scott was a touchdown magnet last year, rolling up seven scores with only 100 total touches. Touchdowns aren't sticky year to year, so this isn't something we should bank on when projecting Scott in 2022. Scott's efficiency on early downs was simply meh, as he ranked 50th in yards after contact per attempt (minimum 75 carries, per PFF). While the backfield seems more streamlined for a weekly role for Scott with Jordan Howard gone, the Eagles could easily roll with a two-headed approach with Miles Sanders and Kenneth Gainwell leading the way. Don't rule out Trey Sermon also working his way into the rotation. Scott is a player to monitor on the waiver wire unless injuries strike the Philly backfield.
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61.
Isiah Pacheco
KC (at LV)
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62.
Rex Burkhead
HOU (at IND)
The highest-paid running back on the Houston Texans roster is Rex Burkhead. $2.1 million of Burkhead's $2.35 million contract is fully guaranteed. Meanwhile, Marlon Mack signed a 1-year $2 million deal, and rookie Dameon Pierce was drafted in the fourth round.
I envision Mack/Pierce duking out work on early downs, while Burkhead slides in as the primary pass-catching back after he ranked sixth in route participation over the last four weeks of the 2021 season. The receiving role is the one to target in this backfield for a team that projects to be playing from behind frequently. Not to mention that Burkhead came over from the New England Patriots last year alongside general manager Nick Caserio, so there's a built-in connection from management to the field. It's no coincidence that Burkhead nearly doubled his career highs in rushing attempts, rushing yards, and games started in his first year with Houston in 2021. And over the past two seasons, Burkhead has flashed a high weekly fantasy ceiling. He's crested 22-plus weekly fantasy points thrice since 2020. Mack has totaled 21.5 fantasy points over that span. |
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63.
Ronald Jones II
KC (at LV)
The Kansas City Chiefs signed running back Ronald Jones to a one-year deal to help bolster their running back room behind Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
The former Buccaneer took a major step backward in 2021, being regulated to strict backup duties after losing out on the starting gig in Tampa Bay to Leonard Fournette. And even when loaded to take on the bell-cow role with Fournette sidelined during the end of the season, RoJo failed to fire. He earned 20 carries in Week 16 versus the Panthers but totaled just 65 yards. The plodding runner also finished 51st out of 64 qualifying running backs in yards after contact per attempt (2.5). Jones is a one-dimensional grinder back, whose fantasy value will be super reliant on carry-volume, offensive line play, and overall offensive efficiency. That in itself means he will have fantasy appeal as a late-round running back in redraft if he can carve out a role on early-down and/or at the goal-line in a high-powered Chiefs offense. |
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64.
Jerick McKinnon
KC (at LV)
Kansas City re-signed Jerick McKinnon to a one-year deal, adding him to a backfield alongside Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Ronald Jones and Derrick Gore.
It'd be easy to brush off the McKinnon signing based on the mid-June timing, had he not fully taken over the backfield during KC's playoff run in 2021. In fact, from Week 18 through the first 3 rounds of the playoffs, McKinnon averaged 14.3 fantasy points (PPR) and over four receptions per game. When CEH returned from injury in the Divisonal Round, McKinnon doubled his touches (30 vs 15). With an established pass-catching background and obvious trust from the coaching staff to let him loose during the postseason, McKinnon should be considered with a late-round pick across all fantasy formats. As for Edwards-Helaire, it further creates doubt about his pass-catching role in the Chiefs offense. His 0.73 yards per route run ranked 64th out of 68 qualifying running backs in 2021. The mark was also significantly worse than his teammates Darrel Williams (1.28) and McKinnon (1.15). |
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65.
Samaje Perine
CIN (vs . BAL)
Samaje Perine should still be considered the primary backup to Joe Mixon despite social media's obsession with Chris Evans. Perine has done nothing over the last two seasons to lose the role as he's been excellent when called upon. Since 2020 he's ranked fourth and 18th in yards after contact per attempt (minimum 50 carries, per PFF). Last year he also finished 31st in yards per route run among running backs (minimum 20 targets, per PFF). While Evans might arguably be the better passing down back, if Mixon were to go down, Perine would own the early down work with the upside to take all the action.
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66.
Tyrion Davis-Price
SF (vs . ARI)
It's possible that Tyrion Davis-Price could be that dude. After the team burnt a third-round pick the year before on bench warmer extraordinaire Trey Sermon, the hesitation to invest in this backfield is real. Davis-Price performed well in his athletic testing with a 77th percentile 40-yard dash and 73rd percentile 10-yard split time. Since 2020 the 49ers are fifth in neutral rushing rate (47%). There's volume to support multiple rushers as matchup or flex players or one rusher that could easily be a weekly top 20 option. The team has stated Elijah Mitchell is their lead back, but as last season showed, that can change.
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67.
Sony Michel
LAC (at DEN)
Give credit to Sony Michel after he ranked third in rushing yards and first in carries over the final six weeks of the 2021 season. The former Rams running back performed admirably in relief of Darrell Henderson Jr., but he was immediately supplanted by Cam Akers once the second-year back was deemed healthy enough to play a full-time role.
He signed a 1 year, $1.75M contract with the Miami Dolphins this offseason, joining a backfield with Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert. Michel offers the least explosiveness of the bunch but has the most proven track record of shouldering a workload that translates into fantasy production at 5-foot-11 and 216 pounds. However, that was not enough to secure a roster spot, as he was released by the Dolphins. Michel did not stay on the FA market for very long, signing with the Chargers almost immediately after his release. Michel has super interesting appeal as late-round RB target in a high-powered L.A. offense as a nice compliment to starting RB1 Austin Ekeler. Chance he carves out some standalone value with the Chargers looking to lighten Ekeler's load. |
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68.
Damien Williams
ATL (vs . TB)
Damien Williams is a name to keep tabs on simply because of the coaching connection with the new Falcons' RBs coach, Michael Pitre. Both spent the 2021 season with the Chicago Bears. In his two games with a lead role last season, Williams averaged 14.5 fantasy points per game. And per the Falcons official depth chart - it is depth chart szn - he is listed as the RB2, behind Patterson.
If C-Patt is used more as an actual WR in a offense lacking weapons, Williams seems slated for the next opportunity. |
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69.
Mike Davis
BAL (at CIN)
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70.
D'Ernest Johnson
CLE (at PIT)
The Cleveland Browns tendered Johnson to prevent another team from adding him this offseason. He is certainly capable of being more than a third-stringer after an extremely impressive 2021 campaign that saw him finish as PFF's highest-graded rusher (90.6).
Johnson also delivered in his three starts, averaging a whopping 22.6 fantasy points per game. He's a great player to target late with the hope that he finds more opportunity in 2022. Kareem Hunt's contract ends at the end of the 2022 season, so the Browns could move on from him a year early with a mid-year trade and elevate Johnson to the No. 2 on the depth chart. |
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71.
Eno Benjamin
ARI (at SF)
Eno Benjamin looks slated as the No. 2 complementary running back in the Cards backfield. He profiles more as the pass-catcher at 5-foot-9 and 207 pounds. Tough to see him earning the bellcow work over Darrel Williams if Conner goes down.
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72.
Kenyan Drake
BAL (at CIN)
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73.
Chuba Hubbard
CAR (at NO)
Chuba Hubbard started with solid showings in his attempt to replace Christian McCaffrey's production last season after he was sidelined in Week 3. Hubbard averaged 20.4 touches and 83.4 total yards per game over the next five weeks as the RB36, RB16, RB22, RB29, and RB20. Hubbard's underlying metrics weren't so pretty as he finished the season 45th in juke rate and 41st in yards created per touch. By the end of the season, the team worked in multiple backs with Hubbard. Throughout the preseason Hubbard and D'Onta Foreman split work, so currently this is a situation to avoid if you're looking for clear handcuffs.
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74.
Zack Moss
BUF (vs . NE)
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75.
Matt Breida
NYG (at PHI)
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76.
Myles Gaskin
MIA (vs . NYJ)
With all the new additions Miami has made in the backfield this offseason, Myles Gaskin seems like the odd-man out. Can't imagine he has any fantasy role unless injuries thrust him into action. The 2019 7th-round pick finished with the second-worst yards after contact per attempt average (2.2) in 2021 among 61 RBs with at least 70 carries.
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77.
Joshua Kelley
LAC (at DEN)
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78.
Hassan Haskins
TEN (at JAC)
Michigan's Hassan Haskins was one of my favorite running back sleepers before the NFL Draft. I claimed I'd be in on him if he got Round 4 draft capital, and Haskins did exactly that being selected 131st overall.
He broke out in a big way as "the guy" for the Wolverines in 2021, earning a 23 percent dominator rating, raising his career dominator rating to 20 percent. With an identical PFF rushing grade to Breece Hall (91.6) over the last three seasons, Haskins looked primed to exceed expectations in the NFL. He offers a lot of size at 6-foot-2 and 228 pounds, so he can handle a heavy workload. The Michigan product also led his entire class in rushing attempts inside the five-yard line (29), which gives him a real shot at carving out a goal-line role in the pros. Haskins will never see the field as long as Derrick Henry stays healthy. But there's zero doubt in my mind that he's the clear direct back-up for Henry, who showed us last season that he is mortal. |
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79.
Trey Sermon
PHI (vs . NYG)
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80.
Chris Evans
CIN (vs . BAL)
Samaje Perine is viewed as the current backup to Joe Mixon, but I wouldn't be shocked to see Evans take over that role in 2022. The former Michigan Wolverine finished as PFF's fifth-highest graded receiver and 10th-best pass-blocker at the running back position.
His 2.11 yards per route run ranked 4th-best among all RBs, which suggests he has a legitimate shot to take over third-down duties in the Bengals backfield. But there's a case to be made that he would also thrive if an injury should occur to Mixon with an equally excellent rushing skill set. Evans' elusive rating ranked No. 1 and his yards after contact per attempt (4.05) ranked fourth. Fantasy gamers got a glimpse of Evans potential in a feature role in Week 18, when the Bengals rested their starters. Evans played 56% of the snaps in the regular season finale, compiling 13.9 fantasy points - seven carries for 35 yards and four catches for 24 yards on five targets. |
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81.
Kyren Williams
LAR (at SEA)
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82.
Ke'Shawn Vaughn
TB (at ATL)
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83.
Ameer Abdullah
LV (vs . KC)
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84.
Pierre Strong Jr.
NE (at BUF)
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85.
Giovani Bernard
TB (at ATL)
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86.
Dontrell Hilliard
TEN (at JAC)
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87.
Jaylen Warren
PIT (vs . CLE)
Former UDFA Jaylen Warren is in the driver's seat for the No. 2 RB role in the Steelers' backfield behind Najee Harris. The Oklahoma State product finished top-10 in broken tackle metrics in his draft class, and boasts pass-catching chops that should translate in fantasy-viability if he is ever given an opportunity to start. Although his size will limit him from being anything more than a weekly waiver wire plug-in, as opposed to a long-term answer at the RB position.
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88.
Ty Johnson
NYJ (at MIA)
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89.
Salvon Ahmed
MIA (vs . NYJ)
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90.
Jerome Ford
CLE (at PIT)
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91.
Marlon Mack
SF (vs . ARI)
News flash, people - Marlon Mack signed a 1-year $2 million deal with Houston, and it's less than the team is paying Rex Burkhead (RB95).
In fact, $2.1 million of Burkhead's $2.35 million contract is fully guaranteed. We could easily see Mack released as much as we could see him become the team's starting running back. Because the former Colts running back has been completely off-the-grid the past two seasons after tearing his Achilles at the start of 2020. Since his 1,000-yard campaign in 2019, Mack has totaled 32 carries for 127 yards. |
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92.
Snoop Conner
JAC (vs . TEN)
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93.
Darrynton Evans
CHI (vs . MIN)
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94.
Justin Jackson
DET (at GB)
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95.
Ty Montgomery
NE (at BUF)
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96.
Phillip Lindsay
IND (vs . HOU)
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97.
Duke Johnson Jr.
BUF (vs . NE)
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98.
Jaret Patterson
WAS (vs . DAL)
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99.
DeeJay Dallas
SEA (vs . LAR)
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100.
Travis Homer
SEA (vs . LAR)
|
|
101.
Keaontay Ingram
ARI (at SF)
|
|
102.
Kene Nwangwu
MIN (at CHI)
|
|
103.
Tevin Coleman
SF (vs . ARI)
|
|
104.
Tyler Badie
BAL (at CIN)
Tyler Badie tied Kenneth Walker III in rushes of 10-plus yards (46) to lead the 2022 Draft Class. The undersized explosive running back enjoyed a breakout season in his final season at Missouri stepping out of Larry Roundtree's shadow. His 916 yards after contact ranked fifth-best in the class.
Quite the feat for a sub-200 pound running back. But what's more impressive is Badie's 124 catches during his four-year tenure in college - capped off by 52 receptions in 2021. That was the highest mark among all 2022 draft-eligible backs. There's no guarantee that either J.K. Dobbins or Gus Edwards will come out the gates hot coming off torn ACLs, so the 2021 sixth-rounder could see a larger role than many would expect from a Day 3 selection. At worst, he'd be my favorite to emerge as the No. 3 RB because I have zero faith in either Mike Davis/Justice Hill maintaining any consistent role on the Ravens offense. |
|
105.
Trestan Ebner
CHI (vs . MIN)
|
|
106.
Benny Snell Jr.
PIT (vs . CLE)
|
|
107.
Brandon Bolden
LV (vs . KC)
|
|
108.
Craig Reynolds
DET (at GB)
|
|
|
109.
Jordan Mason
SF (vs . ARI)
|
|
110.
Ty Chandler
MIN (at CHI)
|
|
111.
Malcolm Brown
LAR (at SEA)
|
|
112.
Tony Jones Jr.
NO (vs . CAR)
|
|
113.
Mike Boone
DEN (vs . LAC)
|
|
114.
Latavius Murray
NO (vs . CAR)
|
|
115.
David Johnson
FA (BYE)
|
|
116.
Devontae Booker
FA (BYE)
|
|
117.
Kyle Juszczyk
SF (vs . ARI)
|
|
118.
Devonta Freeman
FA (BYE)
|
|
119.
Dare Ogunbowale
HOU (at IND)
|
|
120.
Justice Hill
BAL (at CIN)
|
|
121.
Demetric Felton Jr.
CLE (at PIT)
|
|
122.
Deon Jackson
IND (vs . HOU)
|
|
123.
Kylin Hill
GB (vs . DET)
|
|
124.
Wayne Gallman Jr.
FA (BYE)
|
|
125.
Anthony McFarland Jr.
PIT (vs . CLE)
|
|
126.
Jonathan Williams
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
|
127.
Gary Brightwell
NYG (at PHI)
|
|
128.
Jake Funk
LAR (at SEA)
|
|
129.
JaMycal Hasty
JAC (vs . TEN)
|
|
130.
Rico Dowdle
DAL (at WAS)
|
|
131.
Julius Chestnut
TEN (at JAC)
|
|
132.
Royce Freeman
HOU (at IND)
|
|
133.
Jermar Jefferson
DET (at GB)
|
|
134.
Kevin Harris
NE (at BUF)
|
|
135.
Jeremy McNichols
PIT (vs . CLE)
|
|
136.
Dwayne Washington
NO (vs . CAR)
|
|
137.
Kennedy Brooks
PHI (vs . NYG)
|
|
138.
Derrick Gore
FA (BYE)
The most appealing part about the KC backfield is identifying the potential goal-line back. And there's a scenario where that guy is Derrick Gore.
New Cardinals RB Darrel Williams played that role last season, and Gore flashed red-zone usage last season in Week 8 with six red-zone touches. Many will point to Gore's undrafted status as a reason to believe he won't be a factor in 2022. But the team's belief in fellow UDFA Williams suggests that the team won't shy away from Gore if he is indeed the best option for the job. He was superior to both Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Ronald Jones last season in PFF rushing grade and yards after contact per attempt. Gore was also uber-efficient in the passing game, finishing fourth in the NFL in yards per route run. It's a small sample size with just nine targets, but it's encouraging that he shows proficiency in the receiving game. |
|
139.
Larry Rountree III
LAC (at DEN)
|
|
140.
Antonio Williams
NYG (at PHI)
|
|
141.
Trayveon Williams
CIN (vs . BAL)
|
|
142.
C.J. Ham
MIN (at CHI)
|
|
143.
Patrick Ricard
BAL (at CIN)
|
|
144.
Keith Smith
ATL (vs . TB)
|
|
145.
Jordan Howard
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
146.
Abram Smith
FA (BYE)
After going undrafted, rookie Abram Smith signed with the New Orleans Saints as a UDFA with a $222,000 guaranteed contract - one of the biggest guarantees for any rookie free agent around the league in recent years.
It's a strong indicator that Smith will likely crack the final 53-man roster, and his special-teams ability will be his pathway to being active on game day. Just dressing for games is half the battle for many rookies, so for Smith to have a realistic path as a UDFA should not be ignored. And neither should the general ambiguity surrounding Alvin Kamara's legal matters after he was arrested in Las Vegas during the Pro Bowl. If Kamara is suspended for any allotment of time, Smith is looking at a depth chart composed of Mark Ingram, Tony Jones Jr., Dwayne Washington, and Devine Ozigbo. Ingram just turned 32. Jones was a UDFA in 2020 and bombed in his lone start in 2021. Washington has been on the roster for four seasons and has totaled 47 carries. It's not far-fetched to think that Smith is going to have a role on an ascending Saints offense sooner rather than later. He would hardly be the first UDFA success story to come out of New Orleans ie. Khiry Robinson, Chris Ivory, and Pierre Thomas. |
|
147.
Tyler Goodson
GB (vs . DET)
|
|
148.
Jonathan Ward
ARI (at SF)
|
|
149.
Zonovan Knight
NYJ (at MIA)
|
|
150.
Carlos Hyde
FA (BYE)
|
|
151.
Jashaun Corbin
NYG (at PHI)
|
|
152.
Qadree Ollison
DAL (at WAS)
|
|
153.
Tarik Cohen
FA (BYE)
|
|
154.
Patrick Taylor Jr.
GB (vs . DET)
|
|
155.
Tory Carter
TEN (at JAC)
|
|
156.
Le'Veon Bell
FA (BYE)
|
|
157.
Alec Ingold
MIA (vs . NYJ)
|
|
158.
J.J. Taylor
NE (at BUF)
|
|
159.
Sincere McCormick
LV (vs . KC)
|
|
160.
Jakob Johnson
LV (vs . KC)
|
|
161.
Jason Huntley
PIT (vs . CLE)
|
|
162.
Jerrion Ealy
KC (at LV)
|
|
163.
Javian Hawkins
TEN (at JAC)
|
|
164.
Brittain Brown
LV (vs . KC)
|
|
165.
D'Vonte Price
IND (vs . HOU)
|
|
166.
Khari Blasingame
CHI (vs . MIN)
|
|
167.
La'Mical Perine
FA (BYE)
|
|
168.
Adam Prentice
NO (vs . CAR)
|
|
169.
Alex Collins
FA (BYE)
|
|
170.
John Kelly Jr.
CLE (at PIT)
|
|
171.
Adrian Peterson
FA (BYE)
|
|
172.
Derek Watt
PIT (vs . CLE)
|
|
173.
Sandro Platzgummer
NYG (at PHI)
|
|
174.
Devine Ozigbo
DEN (vs . LAC)
|
|
175.
Gerrid Doaks
FA (BYE)
|
|
176.
Caleb Huntley
ATL (vs . TB)
|
|
177.
Michael Burton
KC (at LV)
|
|
178.
Zander Horvath
LAC (at DEN)
|
|
179.
Nate McCrary
FA (BYE)
|
|
180.
Reggie Gilliam
BUF (vs . NE)
|
|
181.
Darius Bradwell
FA (BYE)
|
|
182.
Kalen Ballage
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
183.
Jonathan Ward
FA (BYE)
|
|
184.
Taiwan Jones
BUF (vs . NE)
|
|
185.
Kenjon Barner
TB (at ATL)
|
|
186.
Peyton Barber
FA (BYE)
|
|
187.
Kerryon Johnson
FA (BYE)
|
|
188.
Jalen Richard
FA (BYE)
|
|
189.
Malik Davis
DAL (at WAS)
|
|
190.
Ryquell Armstead
FA (BYE)
|
|
191.
Raheem Blackshear
CAR (at NO)
|
|
|
192.
Max Borghi
FA (BYE)
|
|
193.
Mekhi Sargent
JAC (vs . TEN)
|
|
194.
Mataeo Durant
FA (BYE)
|
|
195.
CJ Verdell
FA (BYE)
|
|
196.
Trenton Cannon
TEN (at JAC)
|
|
197.
ZaQuandre White
MIA (vs . NYJ)
|
|
198.
Avery Williams
ATL (vs . TB)
|
|
199.
Godwin Igwebuike
SEA (vs . LAR)
|
|
200.
Jaylen Samuels
FA (BYE)
|
|
201.
Ty'Son Williams
FA (BYE)
|
|
202.
Gabe Nabers
FA (BYE)
|
|
203.
Ben Mason
BAL (at CIN)
|
|
204.
Pooka Williams Jr.
FA (BYE)
|
|
205.
Darwin Thompson
SEA (vs . LAR)
|
|
206.
Andy Janovich
FA (BYE)
|
|
207.
Josh Johnson
SEA (vs . LAR)
|
|
|
208.
Brandon Johnson
FA (BYE)
|
|
209.
Johnny Stanton IV
FA (BYE)
|
|
210.
Adrian Killins Jr.
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
211.
John Lovett
CAR (at NO)
|
|
212.
Trey Ragas
FA (BYE)
|
|
213.
Patrick Laird
TB (at ATL)
|
|
214.
Bryant Koback
MIN (at CHI)
|
|
215.
BJ Baylor
ATL (vs . TB)
|
|
216.
B.J. Emmons
FA (BYE)
|
|
217.
Brenden Knox
FA (BYE)
|
|
218.
CJ Marable
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
219.
Cam'Ron Harris
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
220.
Corey Taylor II
FA (BYE)
|
|
221.
Cullen Gillaspia
SEA (vs . LAR)
|
|
222.
Darius Clark
FA (BYE)
|
|
223.
Dedrick Mills
FA (BYE)
|
|
224.
Garrett Groshek
FA (BYE)
|
|
225.
Ito Smith
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
226.
Desmond Martin
FA (BYE)
|
|
227.
Nathan Cottrell
FA (BYE)
|
|
228.
Josh Adams
FA (BYE)
|
|
229.
Jordan Wilkins
FA (BYE)
|
|
230.
Josh Hokit
FA (BYE)
|
|
231.
Jason Cabinda
DET (at GB)
|
|
232.
Nick Bawden
NYJ (at MIA)
|
|
233.
LeVante Bellamy
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
234.
Mason Stokke
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
235.
Chad Simpson
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
|
236.
Austin Walter
LV (vs . KC)
|
|
237.
Aaron Shampklin
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
238.
Ricky Person Jr.
FA (BYE)
|
|
239.
Alex Armah Jr.
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
240.
Master Teague
FA (BYE)
|
|
241.
Brian Hill
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
242.
Ronnie Rivers
LAR (at SEA)
|
|
243.
Leddie Brown
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
244.
Patrick Carr
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
245.
Pete Guerriero
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
246.
Rakeem Boyd
FA (BYE)
|
|
247.
Raymond Calais
FA (BYE)
|
|
248.
Xavier Jones
FA (BYE)
|
|
249.
Ryan Nall
FA (BYE)
|
|
250.
Spencer Brown
FA (BYE)
|
|
251.
Jacques Patrick
FA (BYE)
|
|
252.
Tayon Fleet-Davis
FA (BYE)
|
|
253.
Scottie Phillips
FA (BYE)
|
|
254.
JaQuan Hardy
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
255.
Shermari Jones
FA (BYE)
|
|
256.
Stevie Scott III
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
257.
Greg Bell
FA (BYE)
|
|
258.
T.J. Pledger
FA (BYE)
|
|
259.
Todd Gurley II
FA (BYE)
|
|
260.
De'Montre Tuggle
FA (BYE)
|
|
261.
Elijah Holyfield
CIN (vs . BAL)
|
|
|
262.
Tre Harbison III
FA (BYE)
|
