Fantasy Football Player Notes
2026 Half PPR Draft Rankings
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1.
Jahmyr Gibbs
DET (at GB)
Last year, Jahmyr Gibbs finished as the RB3 in fantasy points per game. After Week 10, his usage got a massive bump as he didn't play less than 68% of the snaps in any game for the rest of the season while averaging 20 touches and 114.9 total yards pre game. This stretch of games from Weeks 11-18 also coincided with Sam LaPorta's absence, which increased Gibbs' passing game usage. In Weeks 1-10, Gibbs had a 12.7% target share, 25.2 receiving yards per game, and an 11.1% first-read share (per Fantasy Points Data). In Weeks 11-18, Gibbs saw a huge increase in work through the air without LaPorta, with a 19% target share, 48.6 receiving yards per game, and a 19.6% first-read share. Gibbs led all running backs in those statistical categories in the final eight games of the season. Gibbs is in the running for RB1 overall for 2026, but if the rest of the weapons for Detroit remain healthy all season, it could be tough for him to do so. I still expect him to be a top-three back this season who is insanely efficient with his passing game and early down work. Last year, he ranked ninth in explosive run rate and third in missed tackles forced per attempt. Gibbs will and should be a top 3-5 pick in every fantasy draft this year.
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2.
Bijan Robinson
ATL (at CAR)
Last year, Bijan Robinson was the RB2 in fantasy points per game. For most of the season, he was pacing towards a 1,000-yard season for rushing and receiving before tailing off at the end of the season (820 receiving yards). Robinson was also crushed by the heavy usage of Tyler Allgeier near the goalline. Allgeier finished with eight rushing touchdowns, while Robinson had only 11 total touchdowns. Robinson had a pitiful 49.3% red zone rushing share (per Fantasy Points Data). With Allgeier and the previous coaching staff gone, Robinson should enjoy more usage near paydirt in 2026. Robinson was incredibly efficient with his workload last season, which is a reflection of his insane talent. He finished top-three among running backs (minimum 100 carries, 20 targets) in receiving yards per game, target share, yards per route run, first downs per route run, missed tackles forced per attempt, and yards after contact per attempt. Robinson is my favorite bet to be the RB1 overall in 2026.
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3.
Christian McCaffrey
SF (at ARI)
Christian McCaffrey came storming back in his age-29 season to finish as the RB1 in fantasy points per game while leading the NFL with 413 touches. He also ranked second in total yards from scrimmage behind only Bijan Robinson. McCaffrey remained amazing through the air, leading backs with a 21.3% target share, 54.4 receiving yards per game, and 0.103 first downs per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). After another high-volume season in the bag, and with his age getting close to the danger zone, McCaffrey feels like a risky pick again that could produce league-winning results if he stays healthy. At this point, San Francisco isn't decreasing his workload. They can talk about it all they want yearly, but it's not happening. Outside of the concerns that I've already stated, McCaffrey's declining rushing efficiency is a worry. Last year, among 49 qualifying backs, McCaffrey ranked 35th in explosive run rate, 26th in missed tackle rate, and 40th in yards after contact per attempt. Those numbers are worrisome, but again, they are thwarted by his volume weekly and his passing game role. McCaffrey could easily post another RB1 overall season in 2026, or he could get dinged up and miss time, thus crushing your team. It's not difficult to see either outcome for this upcoming season.
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4.
Jonathan Taylor
IND (vs . JAC)
Jonathan Taylor was the RB4 in fantasy points per game last year, but his season was a tale of two halves. With Daniel Jones (Weeks 1-13), he was the RB2 in fantasy points per game, averaging 21.7 touches and 132.1 total yards. After Jones was out of the lineup (Achilles), Taylor was the RB22 in fantasy points per game with 21.6 touches and 75.4 total yards per game. Last year, among 49 qualifying backs, Taylor was 17th in explosive run rate, 28th in missed tackle rate, and 13th in yards after contact per attempt. Jones is set to return this season, but the big question for Taylor and the Indy offense is how effective he'll be in 2026 coming off the Achilles injury. Taylor should see plenty of volume this season to return top 15-20 production in fantasy, but if you're drafting him with an RB1 price tag, it's fair to wonder if he can be a top three back this season, with his quarterback's play in question. Last year, Taylor was first in snap share, second in opportunity share, fourth in weighted opportunity, and second in red zone touches. I have more questions about his 2026 outlook than most, but he's still a solid pick in 2026, even with the questions about Jones.
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5.
James Cook III
BUF (vs . NYJ)
Well, so much for all of the regression talk about James Cook last year. Cook crushed all of the haters, improving his stock as the RB6 in fantasy points per game. He led the NFL in rushing yards (1,621) while finishing third in rushing attempts and sixth in rushing touchdowns (tied). Cook had 14 total touchdowns compared to the 18 that he spiked in the previous season. Cook remained extremely efficient as a rusher, ranking 15th in explosive run rate and 11th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). His passing game usage was nearly identical to the previous season, with 40 targets (38 targets in 2024) and 8.8 yards per reception (8.1 in 2024). We can quibble about where Cook sits in the RB1 rankings in 2026, but he remains a rock-solid RB1 in one of the best offenses in the NFL.
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6.
Chase Brown
CIN (vs . CLE)
Last year, Chase Brown started slowly as the RB34 in fantasy points per game in Weeks 1-5. After that point, he was exactly who fantasy gamers thought they were drafting as the RB6 in fantasy points per game. In Weeks 6-18, among 48 qualifying backs, he ranked 17th in explosive run rate, fifth in yards after contact per attempt, and 16th in missed tackles forced per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). During that span, he averaged 18.2 touches and 100.1 total yards. Brown had to deal with Samaje Perine eating into his workload during Weeks 13-18, but it didn't capsize his production. During that stretch, while he did play 60.5% of the snaps and 71.6% of the snaps in the red zone, he did have 17 red zone carries versus Perine's 13. If Brown can capture more of the red zone work in 2026, his ceiling and floor will be raised considerably from a week-to-week and season-long perspective. Brown is a solid RB1 with top-five upside this season.
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7.
Saquon Barkley
PHI (at NYG)
I tried to tell people last year, but few wanted to listen. After an insane 2024 season, Saquon Barkley was poised to come back down to earth some in 2025. Well, it happened. Barkley finished with 317 touches and 1,413 total yards as the RB14 in fantasy points per game. Part of this could be traced to natural regression, but also, Barkley had a decent dip in efficiency. In 2024, Barkley had an insane 3.55 yards before contact per attempt, which easily led all running backs (minimum 100 carries, per Fantasy Points Data). Last year, that number fell to 2.11, which was 23rd among 49 qualifying backs, essentially a league-average number. From 2024 to 2025, Barkley's explosive run rate dropped from 7.2% (fourth-best) to 4.6% (20th), and his yards after contact per attempt dipped from 2.26 (35th) to 1.96 (39th). Barkley lived off explosive runs and easily getting into the second level of defenses in 2024, but he found more uphill sledding last year. His volume should finish in the neighborhood of 300 touches with double-digit touchdown upside. That should lock him into top-15 running back status with possible top 5-7 upside if the offensive line can stay healthy and the Eagles' passing attack can also bounce back. If the aerial attack can get right, this team and Barkley will have more scoring opportunities in 2026 (last year, 28th in red-zone scoring opportunities per game).
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8.
Kenneth Walker III
KC (vs . LV)
Kenneth Walker arrives in Kansas City as the Chiefs' new lead back. Walker had a disappointing season in 2025 from a fantasy standpoint as the RB28 in fantasy points per game, but it's easy to see why it unfolded that way. Walker had to split the passing game usage with Zach Charbonnet, and he was shown the cold shoulder by Seattle in the red zone. Last year, Walker had a 31.9% route share versus Charbonnet's 34.7% route share (per Fantasy Points Data). In the games that Charbonnet was active, Walker saw only 34.8% of the running back red zone rushing work (30 red zone carries versus Charbonnet's 51). With a lucrative contract signed and delivered for Walker, I don't see him missing out on the high usage boat in 2026. Talent isn't the problem for Walker; it was just the way that Seattle deployed him. Last year, Walker ranked second in explosive run rate, first in missed tackle rate, ninth in yards per route run, and 12th in first downs per route run. He was a per-touch efficiency marvel. I don't foresee him being a true bellcow with Kansas City, and I don't want that because he has dealt with injury issues in the past. With his salivating mix of talent and efficiency, Walker should be an explosive RB1 in 2026.
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9.
De'Von Achane
MIA (at NE)
Last season, De'Von Achnae was the RB5 in fantasy points per game while racking up 305 touches and 1,838 total yards. After a dip in 2024, he returned to being an otherworldly back in terms of efficiency. Among 49 qualifying backs, Achane was first in explosive run rate, 13th in missed tackle rate, and sixth in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). He was also a key cog in the passing game, ranking second among backs in target share (18.7%), 12th in yards per route run, and fourth in receiving yards. He was fifth in targets among backs with 85. That number is sure to drop this season with Malik Willis in Miami. I don't think he'll be a zero in the passing game, especially considering the receiving depth chart for Miami, but Willis's rushing ability will lead to fewer checkdowns for Achane in 2026. Achane should still be considered an insanely talented RB1 that could lead the NFL in rushing yards this season, but if his receiving work takes a hit, he'll probably lack top 3-5 upside at the position.
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10.
Derrick Henry
BAL (vs . PIT)
Last year was another impressive year for Derrick Henry. He didn't show any signs of slowing down with 307 rushing attempts, 1.595 rushing yards, 16 total touchdowns, and an RB8 finish in fantasy points per game. Last year, among 49 qualifying backs, Henry ranked 16th in yards after contact per attempt and seventh in explosive run rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Henry won't contribute much in the passing game, but that's a given at this point. It doesn't crush his overall production, but it isn't there to help add to his weekly floor. Henry had five games last year as RB25 or lower in weekly fantasy scoring. I still want to invest in Henry as an RB1 again in 2026. If Lamar Jackson can bounce back, Henry could inch back closer to his 2024 production (RB4 in fantasy points per game). He's at worst a low-end RB1 with top-five upside.
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11.
Omarion Hampton
LAC (at DEN)
Last year, Omarion Hampton's rookie season was derailed by an ankle injury in Week 5. When he came back, he wasn't close to 100% healthy and had only one game with over a 55% snap rate. Any games after Week 4 last year, I'm just tossing in the trash because that wasn't the "real" Hampton. In 2025, in Weeks 1-4, Hampton averaged 17 touches and 95 total yards as the RB13 in fantasy points per game. In that small sample of games, he posted a 7.4% explosive run rate, a 19% missed tackle rate, and 2.54 yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). If he had kept up that pace the entire year in those three categories, he would have ranked fourth, tenth, and eighth in those categories (minimum 100 carries). Those are impressive numbers and speak to his talent and upside in 2026 as Mike McDaniel's possible bellcow. Hampton also contributed through the air in his first four NFL games with a 10.1% target share, 27.5 receiving yards per game, and 1.12 yards per route run. McDaniel is sure to get Hampton involved through the air after designing offenses of the last three seasons that have ranked third, third, and seventh in target share to the running back position. Yes, I know that Hampton isn't De'Von Achane, but this is still a feather in Hampton's cap. Hampton should be a rock-solid RB1 with massive upside in 2026.
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12.
Ashton Jeanty
LV (at KC)
Ashton Jeanty is dealing with a sprained ankle. The news came out over the weekend that he sustained a leg injury, and some fears were that it could be a season-ending knee injury. A sprained ankle can still be problematic for Jeanty's 2026 outlook, but it also might not put much of a dent in it if it's more of the low or mild variety. Now that we have that injury news out of the way, let's discuss last season for Jeanty and what his 2026 could look like. Ashton Jeanty will be seen as a disappointment for fantasy managers exiting his rookie season. It wasn't a failure, but you can make the argument that, because of his talent and the hype, it didn't live up to lofty expectations. Jeanty was the RB15 in fantasy points per game, finishing with 321 touches and 1,321 total yards. He ranked fifth in snap share, first in opportunity share, seventh in weighted opportunities, and 15th in red zone touches. Among 49 qualifying backs, Jeanty ranked 16th in missed tackle rate and 17th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). The ecosystem surrounding Jeanty stunk. The Raiders were 31st in red zone scoring attempts per game and 30th in yards per play. Among those 49 qualifying backs previously, Jeanty had the second-fewest yards before contact per attempt (1.28), and 65% of his rushing yards came after first contact. With Klint Kubiak in town, Fernando Mendoza or Kirk Cousins at the helm, a healthy Brock Bowers, and improved blocking up front, Jeanty could be poised to post a strong RB1 season in his second season.
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13.
Javonte Williams
DAL (at WAS)
Last year, Javonte Williams was a massive surprise in fantasy, to everyone, including me. I was very bullish about his 2025 outlook, but I was hoping at best for a volume-driven RB2 residing in an explosive offense. Well, Williams crushed even my expectations as the RB11 in fantasy points per game, finishing with a career high 1,201 rushing yards and 13 total touchdowns. Among 49 qualifying backs, he ranked 16th in explosive run rate and third in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). His season was also a tale of two halves as he faded some down the back half of the year. In Weeks 1-8, he averaged 18.5 touches, 90.7 total yards, and scored nine total touchdowns as the RB8 in fantasy points per game. In Weeks 9-17, he averaged 17.4 touches, 76.5 total yards, and scored only four total touchdowns as the RB25 in fantasy points per game. Much of his fantasy stock drop was related to the fall in touchdown production, which can be simple variance. His deeper analytics back up that his play didn't fall off on a per-touch efficency standpoint. In Weeks 1-8, he had a 4.8% explosive run rate with an 11% missed tackle rate and 3.52 yards after contact per attempt. That yards after contact per attempt mark is otherworldly. In Weeks 8-17, he posted a 5.5% explosive run rate with a 13% missed tackle rate and 2.33 yards after contact per attempt. He improved his marks down the stretch in two of those three categories. If Williams can post production as he did over the first half of the 2025 season for an entire year, he is a locked-in top ten back with top-five upside. At his floor, he looks like a low-end RB1 or top 15 fantasy back.
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14.
Kyren Williams
LAR (vs . SEA)
Kyren Williams continues to motor along with RB1 seasons. Last year, he was the RB10 in fantasy points per game after seasons as the RB10 and RB2 in fantasy points per game. Williams had to deal with more work for Blake Corum last year, but he still retained his lead role overall and in the red zone. In Weeks 7-18, Williams still saw 63% of the red zone rushing attempts while Corum helped him with the heavy lifting on early downs in between the 20s. With the workload lightened a tad, Williams did post improved rushing efficiency metrics, ranking 21st in explosive run rate, 25th in missed tackle rate, and 18th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Williams should remain the lead back for one of the NFL's best offenses in 2026 and turn in another low-end RB1 season.
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15.
Breece Hall
NYJ (at BUF)
Breece Hall had a tough time last year despite finishing as the RB20 in fantasy points per game. New York's quarterback play was dreadful, and the offense overall was a mess, which led to them ranking 29th in points per game and red zone scoring opportunities per game. The good news is that despite those factors, he ran behind an offensive line that ranked seventh in adjusted yards before contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). New York's offensive line remains largely intact while adding Dylan Parham to the mix to replace the often-injured and departed Alijah Vera-Tucker, so they could easily be a top-shelf unit in 2026. The Jets also added Geno Smith, Omar Cooper Jr., and Kenyan Sadiq to the mix, which will raise the ceiling and floor of the overall offensive environment. This is all great news for a back that was also fourth in explosive run rate and tenth in missed tackle rate last year. Hall should enjoy more scoring opportunities this season and hopefully a bounce back in the receiving department while finishing with a career-low 10.9% target share last season. Hall should be considered a top-shelf RB2 with RB1 upside.
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16.
Jeremiyah Love
ARI (vs . SF)
Well, it happened. Jeremiyah Love went top five in the NFL Draft to the Arizona Cardinals, who already have Tyler Allgeier and James Conner on the depth chart. With that type of draft capital investment, I think Love will be Arizona's lead back in 2026, but he could have his workload eaten into by Allgeier and/or Conner. Love's talent isn't in question. Over the last two years in college, he ranked inside the top 15 backs in each season in yards after contact per attempt, breakaway rate, and elusive rating (per PFF). He's also a stellar pass catcher, as evidenced by sitting at 17th in yards per route run among FBS backs last year and drawing a 10.9% target share. The Cards look like one of the worst teams in the NFL, with concerning quarterback play. The cluttered backfield and worrisome scoring environment could hinder Love in 2026, keeping him as a strong RB2, but locking him out of RB1 status. If he does get the lion's share of the work, and their grouping of quarterbacks can produce something close to league-average passing production, Love could be a top-12 back. I'll remain lower than consensus on Love now that he has a high ankle sprain clouding his Week 1 availability and early-season effectiveness.
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17.
Travis Etienne Jr.
NO (vs . TB)
Travis Etienne excelled last year as the Jags RB1 with an RB13 finish in fantasy points per game. After a down 2024 season, it was nice to see the new Saints' lead back bounce back. He lands with New Orleans after a season where he was 11th in snap share, 13th in opportunity share, tenth in weighted opportunities, and fifth in red zone touches. Etienne soaked up 296 touches, producing 1,399 total yards. He's set to see a similar workload in 2026 with the Saints. Etienne was disappointing on a per-touch basis, ranking 37th in explosive run rate, 31st in missed tackle rate, and 34th in yards after contact per attempt. Those metrics are worrisome, but Etienne should see enough volume that it won't matter this season. He's a solid RB2 who could outkick that projection if the Saints' offense takes a leap forward and surprises this year.
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18.
D'Andre Swift
CHI (at MIN)
D'Andre Swift arguably had a career year last season for the Bears as the RB16 in fantasy points per game. He finished with 257 touches and 1,386 total yards while splitting work with Kyle Monangai. Monangai's presence didn't hurt Swift a ton as he was the RB20 in fantasy points per game after Monangai's emergence in Week 9. During Weeks 10-18, Swift remained the preferred passing down back for Chicago with a 43% route share (Monangai 28.8%, per Fantasy Points Data), but he split up the red zone work with Monangai, with 18 red zone rushing attempts to Monangai's 19. This is worrisome, but not something to freak out about in today's NFL, where most teams are utilizing some form of committee approach. It was nice to see Swift's efficiency numbers bounce back after a horrible 2024 season. Last year, he ranked 13th in explosive run rate, 11th in rushing success rate, and 20th in missed tackle rate. Swift should be a mid-range RB2 again this season.
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19.
Bucky Irving
TB (at NO)
Bucky Irving has dealt with a number of injuries in his short career with a foot sprain and a shoulder/ AC joint sprain last year. Rewinding to 2024, he also dealt with hip, back, toe, and hamstring issues. When he was on the field last year, he averaged 20.3 touches and 86.5 total yards as the RB17 in fantasy points per game. His efficiency suffered massively from the injuries last year after being a wonderous per-touch monster in 2024. Last year, among 49 qualifying backs, he was 43rd in explosive run rate, 35th in missed tackle rate, and 46th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Those dips are explainable, but they are still concerning for a back that is on the smaller side and has been banged up quite often over the last two seasons. Yes, Rachaad White is gone, but Irving will still have to contend with Kenneth Gainwell and Sean Tucker this season on early downs and in the passing game. Irving could be a nice bounce-back candidate in 2026 or a massive disappointment that loses work to Gainwell and Tucker all year. I'll buy the dip if he slips in some drafts, but I won't go out of my way to draft him this season.
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20.
Cam Skattebo
NYG (vs . PHI)
The human battering ram known as Cam Skattebo made waves in his rookie season before being sidelined by a horrible ankle/fibula fracture that also ruptured his deltoid ligament in Week 8 of last season. In Weeks 2-7 as the Giants' workhorse, Skattebo averaged 19.5 touches and 96.3 total yards as the RB8 in fantasy points per game. I won't be surprised if Skattebo's per-touch efficiency is impacted for at least part of his 2026 season, if not the entire year, as he works his way back from last year's injury. If he's good to go, he could be the Giants' leading ball carrier this season. Last season, he was stellar with his touches, ranking fourth in missed tackle rate and yards after contact per attempt, 11th in target per route run rate, eighth in yards per route run, and second in first downs per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). With his preseason usage calling his workhorse status into question, Skattebo should be viewed as an RB2 on worrisome ground. The signing of Najee Harris doesn't help his outlook either.
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21.
David Montgomery
HOU (vs . TEN)
David Montgomery now finds himself as the Texans' do it all workhorse for 2026. Last year, he was phased out of the Lions' offensive plans as the season moved along, which led to his RB32 finish in fantasy points per game. In Weeks 12-18, he was the RB43 in fantasy points per game with a 32.1% snap rate, 8.2 touches per game, and only 42.8 total yards per game. Montgomery still has the juice to produce as a workhorse this season. Last season, he ranked 30th in missed tackle rate, but he was 12th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). His receiving chops are also still alive and well, as he was also 22nd in yards per route run and 12th in first downs per route run. Many will worry that Montgomery will split Houston's backfield workload with Woody Marks this season, but I don't see that happening. Montgomery should absorb a workload close to what Joe Mixon saw in 2024. In 2024, Mixon ranked fifth in opportunity share, 14th in snap share, and 13th in carries among running backs, finishing with 281 touches. Last season, Montgomery bested Marks in explosive run rate, missed tackle rate, rushing success rate, yards after contact per attempt, and yards per route run. Legit, every per-touch metric that I care about. Montgomery is the superior back, even at this stage of his career, and he'll be a strong volume-driven RB2 that could flirt with RB1 production.
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22.
Quinshon Judkins
CLE (at CIN)
Quinshon Judkins had off-the-field and contract issues last year, entering his rookie season, which caused him to miss training camp and not start the season until Week 2. Once he was on the field, he was Cleveland's workhorse back until suffering an ankle and fibula fracture in Week 16. In Weeks 2-15, he was the RB26 in fantasy points per game (RB22 in expected fantasy points per game), averaging 18.7 touches and 72.8 total yards. I wasn't high on Judkins as a prospect, as his per-touch efficiency in college wasn't amazing. He didn't debunk that trend in his rookie season, either. Among 49 qualifying backs, he ranked 40th in explosive run rate, 33rd in missed tackle rate, and 26th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). In his defense, Judkins' offensive line didn't do him any favors last season. Among those 49 backs, Judkins had the fifth-highest mark of yards after first contact, with 62.2% of his rushing yards coming after first contact, and he had the fourth-fewest yards before contact per attempt, with only Cam Skattebo, Ashton Jeanty, and Zach Charbonnet seeing less runway with the ball in their hands. With a rebuilt offensive line to run behind in 2026, hopefully better quarterback play in front of him (fingers crossed), and more scoring opportunities, Judkins could return RB2 production this season.
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23.
Jadarian Price
SEA (at LAR)
Jadarian Price was selected in the first round of the NFL Draft by the Seahawks to be their new Kenneth Walker (and maybe more). Walker led the backfield last year for Seattle, but they limited his usage in the red zone and in the passing game. Price remains an unknown in the passing game after only 13 targets over the last two collegiate seasons at Notre Dame, but he could easily surpass Walker's red zone usage in 2026. It's unknown when we'll see Zach Charbonnet back to 100%, and outside of him, Price is competing with Emanuel Wilson and George Holani for work. Price is a wonderful rushing talent ranking 25th and fifth in yards after contact per attempt, 31st and 3rd in breakaway rate, and 15th and 39th in elusive rating over the last two seasons in college (per PFF). Price is an intriguing RB2 with a ton of upside in 2026.
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24.
Bhayshul Tuten
JAC (at IND)
With Travis Etienne gone, Bhayshul Tuten will compete with Chris Rodriguez to be the lead back for the Jaguars in 2026. I want to bet on Tuten this year and his talent. Last year, Tuten was unfortunately robbed of the stretch run of his rookie season as he was sidelined by a finger injury. Before the injury, he was starting to make some noise. This could be the big breakout season for Tuten, who, on a per-touch basis, flashed the immense talent that I really liked when he was in college. Last season, among 55 qualifying backs, he ranked fifth in rushing success rate, 11th in missed tackle rate, and 17th in yards after contact per attempt. Rodriguez will remain a worry for Tuten at the goal line and to his overall touch count until we see his role fleshed out this season, but if he can be the clear lead guy, he has the talent to match Etienne's RB13 finish last year in fantasy points per game.
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25.
Rhamondre Stevenson
NE (vs . MIA)
Rhamondre Stevenson was the Pats' lead back last year as the RB21 in fantasy points per game, and I don't see that changing in 2026. Stevenson was amazing on a per-touch basis, and he bested TreVeyon Henderson in EVERY discernible metric that I care about. Last year, Stevenson was fifth in explosive run rate, missed tackle rate, and yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Stevenson also surpassed Henderson in yards per route run (1.41 vs. 0.98) and pass protection. Unless Stevenson falls off in 2026, he should remain the lead back for New England after playing at least 57% of the snaps in nine of his 14 games played in 2025. Stevenson should be a nice value for fantasy managers again this season.
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26.
Jaylen Warren
PIT (at BAL)
Last season, Jaylen Warren had arguably his most productive season for fantasy purposes as the RB18 in fantasy points per game. He was his usual incredibly efficient self on a per-touch basis. In 2025, Warren ranked sixth in missed tackle rate, ninth in yards after contact per attempt, 12th in rushing success rate, third in yards per route run, and seventh in first downs per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). He set career highs in carries (211), rushing yards (958), and total touchdowns (eight). Kenneth Gainwell moved on from Pittsburgh in the offseason, but Mike McCarthy brought in his favorite son, Rico Dowdle. Warren's role for Pittsburgh has evolved over the years from preferred passing down back to lead back, but his role could be in flux in 2026 with the arrival of a new head coach and backfield mate. Warren could still return RB2 value this season, but there's more risk in his 2026 projection than many will be able to admit.
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27.
TreVeyon Henderson
NE (vs . MIA)
TreVeyon Henderson finished his rookie season as the RB24 in fantasy points per game, but it wasn't nearly that productive for fantasy managers when you look at the full breakdown of how it unfolded. In Weeks 10-11, Rhamondre Stevenson wasn't active, and Henderson feasted with 60.3 combined PPR points, which accounted for 29.2% of his overall fantasy production for the season. If you take those two monster games out of the equation, Henderson would have averaged 9.8 PPR points per game, which would have made him the RB33 in fantasy points per game. Without Stevenson in the lineup in Weeks 9-11, Henderson averaged 19 touches and 110 total yards. With Stevenson active, Henderson had 11.2 touches and 57.2 total yards per game. This isn't to shade Henderson, but I'm trying to give context to his rookie season that will be overlooked at first glance. I don't know how Henderson overtakes Stevenson in 2026 if both of these players continue to post per-touch efficiency metrics like they did last season. Last year, Henderson was bested by Stevenson in every metric that I care about, namely explosive run rate, missed tackle rate, yards after contact per attempt, yards per route run, and pass protection stats. Among 49 qualifying backs, Henderson ranked 12th in explosive run rate, but he was also 32nd in missed tackle rate and 42nd in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Henderson could eat into Stevenson's workload more in 2026 if he can take another step and payoff as an RB2, but he 's best viewed as an upside RB3.
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28.
Rico Dowdle
PIT (at BAL)
Rico Dowdle did it again last season. Dowdle fought to get to the top of the Carolina running back depth chart as he wrestled the starting job away from Chuba Hubbard. In Weeks 5-18, Dowdle averaged 18.6 touches and 87.7 total yards as the RB10 in fantasy points per game. Dowdle also excelled last season on the ground and in the receiving game. He ranked 23rd in explosive run rate, 17th in missed tackle rate, tenth in yards after contact per attempt, 17th in yards per route run, and 16th in first downs per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). After that strong season, Dowdle now finds himself reunited with Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh as a backfield complement to Jaylen Warren. The division of the Steelers' running back workload is up in the air for the 2026 season, but I won't count against Dowdle's ability to rise to the competition for RB1 duties. We'll likely see a committee approach for Pittsburgh this season, but Dowdle could easily return RB2 value if not strong flex value this season.
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29.
Tony Pollard
TEN (at HOU)
Tony Pollard remains the clear leadback for the Titans entering the 2026 season. Last year, he ranked 15th in snap share, 17th in opportunity share, and 16th in weighted opportunities, but because of the putrid offensive situation he found himself in, he was only the RB29 in fantasy points per game. This can be traced to his five total touchdowns, which were a result of an offense that was 30th in points per game and 32nd in red zone scoring attempts per game, so it makes sense that he also ranked 49th in red zone touches. Pollard was still solid on a per-touch basis. Among 49 qualifying backs, he ranked 25th in explosive run rate and 22nd in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Brian Daboll, his new offensive coordinator, has historically ridden one running back in his offenses, and Pollard looks to be that guy this season. Pollard should find running room in 2026 with Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson added to the passing game, improved play from Cam Ward, and an offensive line that last year was quietly 13th-best in yards before contact per attempt. Pollard will be lingering in the RB3 range in plenty of drafts, but I think he returns strong RB2 value and production this season
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30.
Jonathon Brooks
CAR (vs . ATL)
Jonathon Brooks is a wonderful wild card pick for 2026 with big-time upside. Brooks has had enough time to recuperate from his second torn ACL that he should enter camp this season and Week 1 fully healthy. Chuba Hubbard lost his starting job to Rico Dowdle last season, and Carolina let him walk in the offseason. Outside of Brooks and Hubbard, Carolina has only Trevor Etienne and A.J. Dillon on the roster, so Carolina is heavily betting on Brooks to return to his collegiate form. Brooks could pull an Uncle Rico from last year and steal Hubbard's starting job in 2026. Just to remind everyone about the talent that Brooks has, in 2024 (his final collegiate season), he ranked 21st in yards after contact per attempt, ninth in elusive rating, and 21st in yards per route run (per PFF). I'll be drafting Brooks a ton this season.
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31.
J.K. Dobbins
DEN (vs . LAC)
J.K. Dobbins returns to Denver this season as their early down hammer. It's tough to count on him for a full season at this point, but while he's out there, he should be a nice RB2/flex play this season. Last year, Dobbins did see his season cut short with a foot injury. In Weeks 1-10, he was the RB24 in fantasy points per game, averaging 16.4 touches and 80.6 total yards. The bulk of that work was in the rushing department as he averaged only 1.4 targets and 3.7 receiving yards per game. He had only four games in which he saw more than one target, and he never saw more than two targets in any game. Dobbins was on pace for 260 carries and 1,313 rushing yards before his injury, so his value on early downs is quite nice. Among 49 qualifying backs, he ranked third in explosive run rate and eighth in missed tackle rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Dobbins should return RB2/touchdown-dependent flex value this season.
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32.
Blake Corum
LAR (vs . SEA)
Blake Corum is one of the best handcuffs in fantasy. He looked back to his pre-injury form (finally) last year. After all of the injuries he sustained at Michigan, I didn't know if we'd ever see the early collegiate version of Corum again, but he was excellent last year on a per-touch basis. After Week 1, he was a viable touchdown or bust flex as the RB46 in fantasy points per game with four top 24 finishes in weekly scoring among backs. He doesn't offer much in the passing game with only 14 targets and 4.5 yards per reception last year, but he's a damn good rusher on early downs. Among 49 qualifying backs, Corum ranked sixth in explosive run rate and 11th in missed tackle rate (per Fantasy Points Data). He's a fine high-end handcuff stash or later round flier that could be an emergency flex during the season.
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33.
Chuba Hubbard
CAR (vs . ATL)
Chuba Hubbard followed up his big breakout 2024 season with a stinker in 2025. Last year, Chuba Hubbard fell apart as the RB40 in fantasy points per game. Yes, he dealt with a calf injury for part of the season, but he also lost his starting job during the season to Rico Dowdle. Hubbard was arguably the most inefficient running back in the NFL last year. Among 49 qualifying backs, he ranked dead last in missed tackle rate and explosive run rate (zero explosive runs) while also sitting at 47th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). If Jonathon Brooks is fully healthy (I think he will be), he could easily be the backfield leader coming out of camp. I'll be avoiding Hubbard in drafts this year, especially with him also dealing with a hamstring injury in camp now.
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34.
MarShawn Lloyd
GB (vs . DET)
MarShawn Lloyd looks primed to enter the NFL season as the Packers' workhorse back with Josh Jacobs on the commissioner-exempt list. Lloyd's stock has risen massively with this news over the weekend, and he should be considered in fantasy football drafts in the late RB2 tier or at the top of the RB3 tier. Just to remind everyone about Lloyd's talent. During his final two collegiate seasons, he was 20th and 16th in yards after contact per attempt, third and 18th in breakaway rate, and fourth and 15th in elusive rating (per PFF, minimum 100 carries). If you're drafting Josh Jacobs this year, Lloyd should be a priority for you. I'll be overweight on Lloyd exposure this season. There's an easy runout for Lloyd where Jacobs is out for most of (maybe all of the fantasy season, and Lloyd is a strong RB2 all year.
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35.
Jordan Mason
MIN (vs . CHI)
Jordan Mason is a one-trick pony, but that one trick is quite good. He's a strong early-down option for NFL offenses and should continue to serve in the role this season for Minnesota. Last year, he was the RB42 in fantasy points per game while soaking up 158 rushing attempts and producing 758 rushing yards and six total touchdowns. Among 49 qualifying backs, he ranked tenth in explosive run rate, seventh in rushing success rate, ninth in missed tackle rate, and 15th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Aaron Jones will continue to be the passing-down partner for Mason for Minny in 2026. If (or when) Jones misses time, Mason could be a plug-and-play RB2, but he's best viewed as a high-end handcuff/touchdown-dependent flex.
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36.
RJ Harvey
DEN (vs . LAC)
R.J. Harvey's rookie season was a tale of two seasons centered around J.K. Dobbins being in the lineup and out of it. In Weeks 1-10, Harvey was the RB29 in fantasy points per game, averaging 29.1% of the snaps played with 7.5 touches and 38.9 total yards per game. In Weeks 11-18, with Dobbins out, he was the RB13 in fantasy points per game with 16.8 touches and 72.5 total yards per game while averaging 60.7% of the snaps played. With Dobbins back and Denver drafting Jonah Coleman, Harvey's role is up in the air. He could easily fall back into last year's early-season role as passing down partner with Dobbins, or this backfield could get messy with all three backs playing and the production getting divided up. Harvey was awesome overall last season as a receiving option, but he struggled on early downs. As a pass catcher, he ranked sixth in target per route run rate and first downs per route run and tenth in yards per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). As a rusher, among 49 qualifying backs, he was 21st in missed tackle rate but 42nd in explosive run rate and 44th in yards after contact per attempt. Harvey is a decent selection in fantasy drafts this season, but in 2026, I won't go out of my way to get him on all my teams like last year.
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37.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt
WAS (vs . DAL)
Last year, Jacory Croskey-Merritt had an up-and-down season as the RB41 in fantasy points per game. Washington didn't trust him as a passing game option, and he was in and out of the starting lineup as the team also leaned on other backs like Chris Rodriguez. In 2025, Croskey-Merritt had four top 24 finishes in weekly scoring while also popping in rushing efficiency metrics. Among 49 qualifying backs, he ranked 26th in explosive run rate, 19th in yards after contact per attempt, seventh in yards per carry on zone runs, and ninth in one rushing success rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Croskey-Merritt is only a dice roll this season as he'll be competing with Rachaad White, Kaytron Allen, and Jerome Ford for the starting job and work in 2026.
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38.
Kenny Gainwell
TB (at NO)
Kenneth Gainwell was an integral part of the Pittsburgh backfield last year for the entire season, but he really hit his stride in Weeks 11-18 as the RB7 in fantasy points per game with 13.3 touches and 85 total yards per game. His passing game was robust during this stretch as he was third in target share (17.5%), second in receiving yards per game (45.4), fourth in yards per route run (2.10), and first in first downs per route run (0.116, per Fantasy Points Data). That also isn't to say that he wasn't also fantastic on early downs, ranking 14th in explosive run rate and missed tackle rate overall for the season among backs. Gainwell will play a prominent role for his new team (Tampa Bay) this season as a complement to Bucky Irving. Irving has had a substantial list of injuries that he has dealt with during his short career, so I wouldn't be surprised if Gainwell is leading the backfield some weeks in 2026 with a solid standalone role when Irving is active. Gainwell could easily return RB2 value in 2026 if everything falls in his favor. He definitely carries more fantasy appeal in PPR formats, though.
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39.
Kyle Monangai
CHI (at MIN)
Kyle Monangai is a solid RB3/flex option with high-end handcuff appeal for 2026. Last year, in Weeks 10-18, Monangai led D'Andre Swift with 19 red zone rushing attempts compared to Swift's 18 while producing as the RB33 in fantasy points per game. During the same span, Monangai averaged 12.2 touches and 55.8 total yards while having a 28.8% route share (per Fantasy Points Data). Monangai is a serviceable early down hammer for Chicago, ranking 24th in explosive run rate, 21st in rushing success rate, and 20th in yards after contact per attempt. If Swift misses any time, Monangai would be Chicago's lead back and an RB1/2.
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40.
Rachaad White
WAS (vs . DAL)
Over the last two seasons, with Bucky Irving in town, Rachaad White was a more effective per-touch player, but with Irving out of the lineup last year, he proved again that he can carry the mail (although while being horribly inefficient). Last season, in Weeks 5-12, White averaged 14.6 touches and 60 total yards while seeing 71% of the snaps. During that span, White was the RB23 in fantasy points per game with a 1.2% explosive run rate, a 14% missed tackle rate, and only 1.52 yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). White has moved on to Washington for the 2026 season, and he could easily be their starting running back this season if he can secure the job coming out of camp. He is a decent dice roll for fantasy football for 2026, who could stack up enough volume to pay off for fantasy gamers.
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41.
Aaron Jones Sr.
MIN (vs . CHI)
Aaron Jones returns to Minnesota this season, another year older and with more injuries and missed games on his resume. Last year, he missed five games while dealing with hamstring, shoulder, and hip injuries. When he was active, he averaged 13.3 touches and 62.3 total yards as the RB31 in fantasy points per game. Entering his age-32 season, I don't think Jones can be expected to play a full 17 games as a workhorse back. He will likely split work with Jordan Mason this season, picking up most of the passing game usage. On early downs, his best days are behind him, as he was 32nd in explosive run rate, 43rd in missed tackle rate, and 49th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). In the receiving game, he is still above average, ranking 26th in yards per route run and 24th in first downs per route run. Jones should be considered an RB3/PPR flex play for 2026.
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42.
Chris Rodriguez Jr.
JAC (at IND)
Chris Rodriguez reunited with Liam Coen this offseason as he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rodriguez and Coen spent time together during Coen's one-year tenure as Kentucky's offensive coordinator during the 2021 collegiate season. In that season, Rodriguez ran for 1,379 yards with 6.1 yards per carry and 12 total touchdowns. Rodriguez will look to build upon his brief run as Washington's starter last season. In Weeks 10-18, he drew six starts while averaging 12.7 touches and 57.7 total yards as the RB31 in fantasy points per game. Rodriguez could be an early down and short yardage option for the Jags this year, as he won't be contributing much in the passing game. Last season, he had only four targets and 30 receiving yards with Washington. He was quite good as a rusher, though ranking 12th in missed tackle rate and second in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). We'll see how much Rodriguez can eat into Bhayshul Tuten's workload this season, but he's a nice late-round pick in all formats.
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43.
Woody Marks
HOU (vs . TEN)
With David Montgomery in Houston now, Woody Marks becomes his immediate backup and handcuff. Marks is a solid option among handcuffs. Last year, during his run as Houston's starter (Weeks 10-18), he averaged 17.5 touches and 63.2 total yards per game as the RB32 in fantasy points per game. Last year, overall, he was solid but not spectacular on a per-touch basis, ranking 34th in explosive run rate, 48th in missed tackle rate, and 40th in rushing success rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Marks is a decent late-round handcuff option to draft, but you'll likely be able to get him off the waiver wire in season if Montgomery misses any time.
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44.
Tyler Allgeier
ARI (vs . SF)
Tyler Allgeier is a handcuff/late round touchdown dependent flex option again this season. Last year, he was the RB45 in fantasy points per game, but with his eight scores last year, he had eight weeks as a top 36 running back and four games as a top 24 option in weekly scoring. Allgeier will be a thorn in Jeremiyah Love's side like he was for Bijan Robinson for a number of seasons. Last year, among 49 qualifying backs, Allgeier was 36th in explosive run rate, 39th in missed tackle rate, and 43rd in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data).
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45.
Tyjae Spears
TEN (at HOU)
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46.
Jonah Coleman
DEN (vs . LAC)
Jonah Coleman walks into the Denver depth chart as the RB3 with the ability to climb the depth chart. If J.K. Dobbins is unable to stay healthy this year, Coleman could assume the early down duties opposite R.J. Harvey. If Harvey can't continue to grow and improve after his rookie season, it wouldn't be shocking to see Coleman hop Harvey on the depth chart and become the passing-down option for Denver. Over his last three collegiate seasons, Coleman ranked 54th, 13th, and 1st in yards after contact per attempt and 61st, sixth, and fourth in elusive rating (per PFF). In two of those three seasons, he was also top 24 in yards per route run. Coleman is a wonderful late-round dart to toss in fantasy drafts in 2026.
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47.
Mike Washington Jr.
LV (at KC)
After the injury scare over the weekend concerning Ashton Jeanty, it was believed that Mike Washington Jr. would go screaming up the draft boards. Initial fears were that he could have sustained a season-ending injury, but it's been confirmed that it is a sprained ankle. The severity isn't known at the time of me penning this update, but the takeaway remains the same for Mike Washington Jr. Washington Jr. is one of the best handcuffs in fantasy. If Jeanty were to miss any time, Washington Jr. would be an immediate volume-driven RB2 in fantasy. He has looked amazing this preseason with an every-down skillset. Washington Jr. tested like an alien during the pre-draft process, leading to his fourth-round draft capital. During his final collegiate season, Washington Jr. broke out, ranking 33rd in yards after contact per attempt and 17th in breakaway rate (per PFF). Washington Jr. has blistering 4.3 speed and the size (6'1", 223 lbs) to be a three-down back if called upon.
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48.
Keaton Mitchell
LAC (at DEN)
Keaton Mitchell landed with the Chargers this offseason and should be solid competition for Kimani Vidal for the RB2 role. Mitchell flashed with the same big-play ability that he has been known for in his short career with the Ravens last season. Last season, he had only 68 touches, but he had a 10.2% explosive run rate and a respectable 1.37 yards per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). I don't know if he'll have a ton of bankable standalone value week-to-week with the Bolts, but he will offer some flashy big plays for Mike McDaniel's offense when called upon in 2026. I wouldn't be surprised if he works his way into an ancillary role as the season moves along that offers some flex value, but we'll have to wait and see if that comes to fruition.
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49.
Dylan Sampson
CLE (at CIN)
Dylan Sampson finished 2nd in yards per route run and first in target rate per route run (28%) among qualifying RBs last season.
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50.
Josh Jacobs
GB (vs . DET)
Josh Jacobs' 2026 outlook is murky at best right now, after being placed on the commissioner's exempt list. Josh Jacobs has been charged with misdemeanor battery and criminal damage. The NFL's selective nature with suspensions in terms of length when they are handed out is all over the map. I wouldn't be surprised to see Jacobs suspended this season, but I would also not be shocked if he wasn't suspended or the suspension didn't hit until the 2027 season. Jacobs could be back with Green Bay in short order or miss most of the fantasy season (maybe all of it). With all of this uncertainty swirling around Jacobs, I'm avoiding him in drafts. Josh Jacobs has been the RB8 and RB9 in fantasy points per game during his two seasons in Green Bay. he dealt with a knee injury last season, which impacted his snap share and effectiveness. Last year, after Week 6, he surpassed 60% of the snaps in only two games. Last year, he ranked 22nd in explosive run rate and 19th in missed tackle rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Jacobs' touchdown equity in the Green Bay offense has helped him a ton over the last two seasons, as he has averaged 15 total touchdowns per season while ranking ninth and fifth in red zone touches. Jacobs is a wild-card pick for the 2026 fantasy season. If you select him, I would prioritize MarShawn Lloyd in your draft plan.
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51.
Tank Bigsby
PHI (at NYG)
Tank Bigsby is one of the best handcuffs in the NFL, and he won't get mentioned at the top of the conversation many times. Last year, among 65 qualifying backs, he ranked fourth in explosive run rate, second in missed tackle rate, and first in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). In the one game that he played more than 40% of the snaps (Week 18), we got to see what his fantasy value could be if Saquon Barkley missed any time. He logged 17 touches with 106 total yards as the RB9 for the week in PPR scoring. If you're looking for handcuffs to stash, Bigsby is one of the best.
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52.
Zach Charbonnet
SEA (at LAR)
Zach Charbonnet enters 2026 with an unknown timetable for when he'll be available for Seattle or when he'll be 100% after he tore his ACL in last year's playoffs. With Jadarian Price, Emanuel Wilson, and George Holani on the depth chart, I doubt that Seattle rushes him back into duty and tasks him with a hefty workload before he's ready. This unknown/moving timeline has me shying away from Charbonnet for 2026. Last year, he was the RB27 in fantasy points per game, while ranking seventh in missed tackle rate and yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Take those numbers with a grain of salt for this season, with Charbonnet's health likely not 100% for most of the season. Charbonnet could be a decent flex play this season at some point.
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53.
Braelon Allen
NYJ (at BUF)
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54.
Brian Robinson Jr.
ATL (at CAR)
Brian Robinson Jr. is quietly one of the best handcuffs in football. If Bijan Robinson were to miss any time, he'd be the team's every-down back with only Tyler Goodson and Nathan Carter behind him on the depth chart. I doubt he has much standalone value this season, so if you're drafting him, it's for his handcuff upside only. Last year, when he was on the field for the 49ers, he posted a solid 4.3% explosive run rate and 2.46 yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). If Bijan Robinson were knocked out of the lineup, Brian Robinson Jr. would be a top 24 back immediately with RB1 upside in any week.
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55.
Emmett Johnson
KC (vs . LV)
The Chiefs selected Emmett Johnson in the fifth round of the NFL Draft. He arrives in Kansas City after a final season in college, where he ranked sixth in missed tackles forced and 52nd in yards per route run and elusive rating (per PFF). Johnson has three-down ability in the NFL after lining up in the slot or out wide with 18% of his snaps in 2025. He's a strong handcuff who should earn the RB2 role for the team behind Kenneth Walker, in short order.
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56.
Alvin Kamara
NO (vs . TB)
Alvin Kamara is a late round/handcuff option in fantasy drafts this season, assuming that the knee injury he sustained in training camp doesn't linger into the season. After an offseason of speculation that he could be traded or cut after the signing of Travis Etienne, Kamara is entrenched with the Saints for the 2026 season. Kamara had another injury-marred season in 2025 as he missed the tail end of it with an MCL sprain. Kamara produced 2.56 yards after contact per attempt in 2025 (44th out of 49 qualifying backs, per PFF) and a career-low 0.78 yards per route run. Neither of those are amazing efficiency marks, but as a passing-down specialist and change of pace this season, he could easily see his numbers trend back up if his knee can get back to full health during the season. It's not like it's been forever since we have seen Kamara be an elite receiving back. In 2024, among 45 qualifying backs, Kamara was first in target share (19.6%), second in yards per route run (1.93), and 13th in fantasy points per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). Kamara would return to every-down workhorse status for the Saints if Etienne were to miss any time, but if Etienne stays healthy, he should be an interesting flex play weekly in PPR formats.
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57.
Tyrone Tracy Jr.
NYG (vs . PHI)
Tyrone Tracy could be the handcuff to roster in the Giants' backfield, but the signing of Najee Harris and Tracy blowing a pass-pro assignment in Week 1 of the preseason call that into question. Last year, Tracy had another nice run as the Giants' starting back. In Weeks 10-18, he was the RB14 in fantasy points per game, averaging 18.7 touches and 95.5 total yards. Overall, among 49 qualifying backs, he ranked 27th in explosive run rate and 31st in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). With this backfield workload division up in the air, I'm avoiding Tracy in drafts.
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58.
Ray Davis
BUF (vs . NYJ)
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59.
Malik Davis
DAL (at WAS)
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60.
Sean Tucker
TB (at NO)
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61.
Kaelon Black
SF (at ARI)
Kaelon Black looks to have an early edge to climb into the clear RB2 spot on the 49ers' depth chart behind Christian McCaffrey, with Jordan James now dealing with a rib fracture. James sustained the injury in Monday's practice. Isaac Guerendo has had his own injury demons to deal with during his NFL career and has seemingly fallen down the depth chart with the team drafting James and Black in back-to-back years. I wasn't in love with Black as a prospect as a rusher who failed to finish inside the top 40 FBS backs last year in yards after contact per attempt, breakaway rate, or elusive rating (per PFF). He'll be climbing up my ranks, though, into the clear handcuff tier because, as we've seen over the years, Christian McCaffrey's health is never a certainty.
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62.
Kimani Vidal
LAC (at DEN)
Kimani Vidal is a late-round handcuff option only. Vidal proved capable of carrying the load last year while Omarion Hampton was injured, but he wasn't efficient on a per-touch basis. Among 49 qualifying backs, he was 30th in explosive run rate, 34th in missed tackle rate, and 36th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Vidal will have to compete with Keaton Mitchell for touches this season in the Bolts' backfield behind Hampton. He's a serviceable handcuff flier in deeper leagues.
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63.
Kaytron Allen
FA (BYE)
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64.
Nicholas Singleton
TEN (at HOU)
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65.
George Holani
SEA (at LAR)
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66.
Najee Harris
NYG (vs . PHI)
Last year, we only got a brief glimpse of Najee Harris after a Fourth of July fireworks incident where he injured one of his eyes, and then, unfortunately, he tore his Achilles during the season. With Harris's 15-carry sample last year, he did post a stellar 3.33 yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Harris lands with the Giants on a one-year deal to compete for work with Cam Skattebo and Tyrone Tracy. Harris is reunited with Greg Roman, who he worked with last year while with the Bolts, and there's a Harbaugh connection, although he was John's brother in 2025. I would be surprised if John didn't speed dial Jim before his Giants' contract was signed. In 2024, Harris finished as the RB25 in fantasy points per game with 299 touches and 1,326 total yards. During that season, among 46 qualifying backs, Harris ranked 15th in missed tackle rate and 27th in yards after contact per attempt. Harris is a decent late-round flier in drafts who could be the preferred handcuff behind Cam Skattebo, with the upside to challenge him for the lead back job if he is all the way back from his injuries last season.
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67.
Justice Hill
BAL (vs . PIT)
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68.
Jaylen Wright
MIA (at NE)
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69.
Kaleb Johnson
GB (vs . DET)
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70.
Isiah Pacheco
DET (at GB)
Isiah Pacheco lands with the Lions as the change-of-pace back/handcuff for Jahmyr Gibbs. Pacheco's health has been an issue for the last three years, and he is currently dealing with an MCL issue. In a complementary/goal-line role, he could pay dividends for Detroit. If he can recapture any resemblance to the player that posted a 5.4% explosive run rate and 2.77 yards after contact per attempt in 2023 in Detroit, he should pay off for the Lions in 2026 (per Fantasy Points Data). If Gibbs were to miss any time, Pacheco would likely be an RB2 option for fantasy gamers. Pacheco is a handcuff option that I won't be drafting often in 2026.
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71.
Samaje Perine
CIN (vs . CLE)
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72.
Emanuel Wilson
SEA (at LAR)
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73.
Chris Brooks
GB (vs . DET)
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74.
James Conner
ARI (vs . SF)
James Conner is a nice final-round flier in fantasy drafts right now. I still think Conner could get traded prior to Week 1, with Detroit and Green Bay being the likely destinations. Conner only had 32 carries last season before getting sidelined for the rest of the season with a broken ankle. In that small sample, he posted a 19% missed tackle rate, which is quite strong (per Fantasy Points Data). We are only one season removed from Conner posting an RB15 finish in fantasy points per game (2024). In 2024, among 46 qualifying backs, Conner ranked sixth in explosive run rate, second in missed tackle rate, and 11th in yards after contact per attempt. Conner could easily still be an efficient per-touch player in 2026 in the right system. Take the last-round flier and see if it pays off. If he remains buried on the Arizona depth chart, then he's an easy cut candidate prior to Week 1.
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75.
Ollie Gordon II
MIA (at NE)
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76.
Demond Claiborne
MIN (vs . CHI)
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77.
Isaiah Davis
NYJ (at BUF)
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78.
Ty Johnson
BUF (vs . NYJ)
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79.
Seth McGowan
IND (vs . JAC)
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80.
LeQuint Allen Jr.
JAC (at IND)
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81.
Jordan James
SF (at ARI)
Jordan James suffered a rib fracture in the 49ers' practice and will miss time. The second-year back is vying for RB2 duties behind CMC, competing with third-round rookie RB Kaelon Black.
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82.
Kendre Miller
NO (vs . TB)
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83.
Brashard Smith
KC (vs . LV)
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84.
DJ Giddens
IND (vs . JAC)
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85.
Devin Singletary
NYG (vs . PHI)
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86.
Emari Demercado
FA (BYE)
Cowboys claimed RB Emari Demercado off waivers from the Chiefs.
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87.
Adam Randall
BAL (vs . PIT)
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88.
Tahj Brooks
CIN (vs . CLE)
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89.
Trevor Etienne
CAR (vs . ATL)
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90.
Jaydon Blue
PHI (at NYG)
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91.
Will Shipley
PHI (at NYG)
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92.
Audric Estime
MIN (vs . CHI)
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93.
Isaac Guerendo
SF (at ARI)
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94.
Jaleel McLaughlin
CLE (at CIN)
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95.
Jacob Saylors
DET (at GB)
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96.
Kareem Hunt
FA (BYE)
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97.
Devin Neal
FA (BYE)
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98.
Trey Benson
ARI (vs . SF)
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99.
Jarquez Hunter
MIA (at NE)
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100.
Jerome Ford
FA (BYE)
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101.
Roschon Johnson
CHI (at MIN)
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102.
Bam Knight
ARI (vs . SF)
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103.
Eli Heidenreich
PIT (at BAL)
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104.
Raheim Sanders
CLE (at CIN)
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105.
Sione Vaki
DET (at GB)
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106.
Rasheen Ali
BAL (vs . PIT)
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107.
Joe Mixon
FA (BYE)
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108.
Kyle Juszczyk
SF (at ARI)
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109.
Dylan Laube
LV (at KC)
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110.
Corey Kiner
NE (vs . MIA)
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111.
Michael Carter
TEN (at HOU)
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112.
AJ Dillon
CAR (vs . ATL)
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113.
Jawhar Jordan
HOU (vs . TEN)
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114.
Hunter Luepke
DAL (at WAS)
|
|
115.
Tyler Badie
DEN (vs . LAC)
|
|
116.
Ronnie Rivers
LAR (vs . SEA)
|
|
117.
Ameer Abdullah
JAC (at IND)
|
|
118.
J'Mari Taylor
JAC (at IND)
|
|
119.
Jeremy McNichols
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
|
120.
Kene Nwangwu
NYJ (at BUF)
|
|
121.
Julius Chestnut
TEN (at HOU)
|
|
122.
Phil Mafah
NYG (vs . PHI)
|
|
123.
Reggie Gilliam
NE (vs . MIA)
|
|
124.
Tyler Goodson
DAL (at WAS)
|
|
125.
Pierre Strong Jr.
GB (vs . DET)
|
|
126.
Dameon Pierce
PHI (at NYG)
|
|
127.
Austin Ekeler
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
|
128.
Max Bredeson
MIN (vs . CHI)
|
|
129.
Patrick Ricard
NYG (vs . PHI)
|
|
130.
Alec Ingold
LAC (at DEN)
|
|
131.
British Brooks
HOU (vs . TEN)
|
|
132.
Miles Sanders
FA (BYE)
|
|
133.
Jaydn Ott
KC (vs . LV)
|
|
134.
Josh Williams
TB (at NO)
|
|
135.
Jam Miller
ATL (at CAR)
|
|
136.
Antonio Williams
FA (BYE)
|
|
137.
Damien Martinez
FA (BYE)
|
|
138.
Brittain Brown
CHI (at MIN)
|
|
139.
Zavier Scott
CHI (at MIN)
|
|
140.
Lan Larison
NE (vs . MIA)
|
|
141.
Kalel Mullings
TEN (at HOU)
|
|
142.
Robert Henry Jr.
SEA (at LAR)
|
|
143.
Terrell Jennings
FA (BYE)
|
|
144.
DeeJay Dallas
MIN (vs . CHI)
|
|
145.
Antonio Gibson
FA (BYE)
|
|
146.
Zamir White
NO (vs . TB)
|
|
147.
Hassan Haskins
FA (BYE)
|
|
148.
Frank Gore Jr.
BUF (vs . NYJ)
|
|
149.
Roman Hemby
LV (at KC)
|
|
150.
Michael Burton
CLE (at CIN)
|
|
151.
Lew Nichols III
PIT (at BAL)
|
|
152.
Noah Whittington
HOU (vs . TEN)
|
|
153.
Khalil Herbert
ATL (at CAR)
|
|
154.
Travis Homer
PIT (at BAL)
|
|
155.
Sincere McCormick
SF (at ARI)
|
|
156.
Raheem Mostert
LV (at KC)
|
|
157.
Carson Steele
PHI (at NYG)
|
|
158.
Adam Prentice
DEN (vs . LAC)
|
|
159.
Kendall Milton
CIN (vs . CLE)
|
|
160.
Israel Abanikanda
DAL (at WAS)
|
|
161.
Dean Connors
LAR (vs . SEA)
|
|
162.
CJ Donaldson
NO (vs . TB)
|
|
163.
Jacardia Wright
SEA (at LAR)
|
|
164.
Myles Montgomery
NE (vs . MIA)
|
|
165.
Cash Jones
FA (BYE)
|
|
166.
Nate Carter
KC (vs . LV)
|
|
167.
Jermar Jefferson
FA (BYE)
|
|
168.
Craig Reynolds
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
|
169.
Jaret Patterson
CLE (at CIN)
|
|
|
170.
Gregory Desrosiers
LAC (at DEN)
|
|
171.
Cam Akers
FA (BYE)
|
|
172.
Alexander Mattison
FA (BYE)
|
|
173.
Dante Miller
FA (BYE)
|
|
174.
Elijah Mitchell
FA (BYE)
|
|
175.
Trey Sermon
ATL (at CAR)
|
|
176.
Gus Edwards
FA (BYE)
|
|
177.
Trayveon Williams
FA (BYE)
|
|
178.
Carlos Washington Jr.
MIA (at NE)
|
|
179.
Andrew Beck
NYJ (at BUF)
|
|
180.
Jamal Haynes
FA (BYE)
|
|
181.
Eric Gray
FA (BYE)
|
|
182.
Chip Trayanum
NYJ (at BUF)
|
|
183.
Kenny McIntosh
FA (BYE)
|
|
184.
D'Onta Foreman
FA (BYE)
|
|
185.
Miles Davis
FA (BYE)
|
|
186.
Jonathan Ward
BAL (vs . PIT)
|
|
187.
Dare Ogunbowale
HOU (vs . TEN)
|
|
188.
Jordan Waters
LAR (vs . SEA)
|
|
189.
Darrynton Evans
FA (BYE)
|
|
190.
Zack Moss
FA (BYE)
|
|
191.
Avery Williams
FA (BYE)
|
|
192.
Salvon Ahmed
CHI (at MIN)
|
|
193.
Kentrel Bullock
CIN (vs . CLE)
|
|
194.
Raheem Blackshear
FA (BYE)
|
|
195.
Cody Schrader
DEN (vs . LAC)
|
|
196.
Coleman Bennett
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
197.
Montrell Johnson Jr.
FA (BYE)
|
|
198.
Jeff Wilson Jr.
FA (BYE)
|
|
199.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire
FA (BYE)
|
|
200.
Jonathan Williams
FA (BYE)
|
|
201.
Nick Bawden
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
202.
Terion Stewart
FA (BYE)
|
|
203.
Wendell Smallwood
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
204.
Davon Booth
IND (vs . JAC)
|
|
205.
Jabari Small
DET (at GB)
|
|
206.
Donovan Edwards
FA (BYE)
|
|
207.
Jashaun Corbin
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
208.
Tyrion Davis-Price
FA (BYE)
|
|
209.
Anthony McFarland Jr.
FA (BYE)
|
|
210.
Myles Gaskin
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
211.
Desmond Reid
FA (BYE)
|
|
212.
Amar Johnson
LAC (at DEN)
|
|
213.
Ahmani Marshall
CAR (vs . ATL)
|
|
214.
Gary Brightwell
FA (BYE)
|
|
215.
Jordan Mims
FA (BYE)
|
|
216.
Evan Hull
ARI (vs . SF)
|
|
217.
D'Ernest Johnson
FA (BYE)
|
|
218.
Chase Edmonds
WAS (vs . DAL)
|
|
219.
Jase McClellan
FA (BYE)
|
|
220.
Dillon Johnson
FA (BYE)
|
|
221.
Ulysses Bentley IV
NO (vs . TB)
|
|
222.
Royce Freeman
FA (BYE)
|
|
223.
Blake Watson
FA (BYE)
|
|
224.
Ian Wheeler
FA (BYE)
|
|
225.
JaMycal Hasty
FA (BYE)
|
|
226.
Deuce Vaughn
HOU (vs . TEN)
|
|
|
227.
Dominic Richardson
FA (BYE)
|
|
228.
Lucas Scott
BAL (vs . PIT)
|
|
229.
Chris Collier
LV (at KC)
|
|
230.
Chris Evans
FA (BYE)
|
|
231.
Anderson Castle
FA (BYE)
|
|
232.
EJ Smith
FA (BYE)
|
|
233.
Ja'Quinden Jackson
FA (BYE)
|
|
234.
Kevin Harris
FA (BYE)
|
|
235.
Dontrell Hilliard
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
236.
Kaleb Jackson
FA (BYE)
|
|
237.
Joshua Kelley
FA (BYE)
|
|
238.
Mike Boone
FA (BYE)
|
|
239.
John Kelly Jr.
FA (BYE)
|
|
240.
Marcus Yarns
FA (BYE)
|
|
241.
Cordarrelle Patterson
FA (BYE)
|
|
242.
Patrick Taylor Jr.
FA (BYE)
|
|
243.
La'Mical Perine
FA (BYE)
|
|
244.
Ke'Shawn Vaughn
FA (BYE)
|
|
245.
Quali Conley
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
246.
Graig Cooper
FA (BYE)
|
|
247.
Elijah Tau-Tolliver
FA (BYE)
|
|
248.
Dontae McMillan
SEA (at LAR)
|
|
|
249.
Jaden Nixon
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
250.
Anthony Hankerson
FA (BYE)
|
|
251.
Owen Wright
LV (at KC)
|
|
252.
Damon Bankston
GB (vs . DET)
|
|
253.
Brock Lampe
BUF (vs . NYJ)
|
|
254.
Kye Robichaux
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
255.
Stephen Campbell
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
256.
Sam Scott
FA (BYE)
|
|
257.
Joshua Pitsenberger
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
258.
TJ Harden
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
259.
Jackson Acker
FA (BYE)
|
|
260.
Deon Jackson
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
261.
Lincoln Pare
FA (BYE)
|
|
262.
Elijah Dotson
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
263.
Kejon Owens
FA (BYE)
|
