Jeremy Hill

Like him as a runner or not, he is a certified touchdown vulture. Mixon is now in play and expected to get the brunt of the work, while Bernard lingers as the more talented back, but Hill will still get his hands on the ball and sneak into the end zone enough times to be worthy of a roster spot.

Jeremy Hill to retain role in 2017?

Cincinnati Bengals beat writer Geoff Hobson believes running back Jeremy Hill "is still going to be a factor" in 2017.

Fantasy Impact

When the Bengals selected Joe Mixon in the second round of April's draft, the writing appeared to be on the wall for Hill's days as the team's starting running back. However, although Mixon may open the year on top of the depth chart for early down work, not only will Gio Bernard likely maintain his role as the team's primary receiver out of the backfield/ third down back, but Hobson believes Hill will have a role as well. The 24-year-old RB is entering his contract year, which could trigger an uptick in his production, especially in YPC -- he averaged 3.6 and 3.8 YPC respectively in the past two seasons. His bread and butter appears to be on the goal line, however -- he scored 29 career touchdowns since his rookie year in 2014. Cincinnati's backfield could be another that is considered volatile to open the 2017 campaign. If all three RBs are healthy, Mixon and Hill could split the early-down work leaving the remaining snaps for Bernard. From a fantasy football perspective, Mixon should still be the first Bengals' RB targeted in upcoming fantasy drafts with Bernard being snagged in the latter rounds. Hill could very well go undrafted depending on how the remainder of the offseason develops.