Rookie running backs are key draft targets in dynasty leagues. Getting the right one can catapult your team from ruin to riches. Having a starting running back for a team is gold for everyone but to get one cheaply is even better. Everyone knows that drafting Clyde Edwards-Helaire or Jonathon Taylor will get you a starting running back but who are the cheap guys that will make the difference. They might not be the starter in week one but here are the guys you should be drafting.
Rookie Running Backs To Draft: Zack Moss (BUF)
Moss was taken by the Buffalo Bills in the third round of the draft. You can see why as he has got all the attributes needed to succeed. He has the size and the vision to get through many defensive lines. He also has the right situation to become a starting running back sooner or later.
Buffalo currently have Devin Singletary as their starting running back but that is about all that stands between Moss and the job. Last year Buffalo had Frank Gore who had 166 rushing attempts that need to be filled. Although you might expect Singletary to take some you have to feel that Moss will get a large amount from the first week.
His ADP is currently around 12.06 in dynasty which means he will be filling a bench spot in your team. This is exactly where you want him to be so that you can have plenty of starters already. If Moss settles and copes with the demands of the NFL you could have a starter very quickly.
Rookie Running Backs To Draft: Antonio Gibson (WAS)
Gibson was taken by Washington in round three of the draft and he looks like a star in the making. He has the elusiveness that you need in the passing game but also the strength to be a top running back. This guy can run, receive and is a supreme athlete.
At first it looked as though he would have to wait a while to get a lot of reps. However, with Derrius Guice being released the spot is available. There are other running backs in the team, like Adrian Peterson, but if he settles in he will be the starter very quickly.
He is going at a low round like all of these guys are and it means that he will be in your taxi squad or bench. Gibson is exactly the type of guy you need to be drafting to give yourself the starting running back for Washington over the next few years.
Rookie Running Backs To Draft: A.J Dillion (GB)
Dillion is a big strong guy who will be the ideal running back any NLF team needs. His strength is when he is a couple of yards away from the goal line. The hope for Green Bay is that he will be able to be the new Derrick Henry. He has the speed and athleticism to cause many defences problems.
Although Aaron Jones had his best-ever season last year you have to think that Dillon will see plenty of action. He will make a good one-two punch style with Jones. You can see Jones being the pass catcher and Dillon being the main runner. Jones has his contract coming up at the end of the season which might open up more reps for Dillon.
Rookie Running Backs To Draft: Ke’Shawn Vaughn (TB)
Vaughn was taken in round three of the draft and is a solid runner. He is good at bursting through the defensive line with his speed. It has been said that all he will be is a blocker but he is much more than that. Although Tom Brady will love the extra time in the pocket.
His ability to get the main job is a little more problematic than the previous guys but he will have the opportunity to show what he can do. Ronald Jones looks to be the main guy currently but Bruce Arians will want to see what he can do and so he makes a great choice for your bench/taxi squad.
Rookie Running Backs To Draft: Anthony McFarland (PIT)
McFarland was a fourth round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers and has plenty of ability to cope in the NFL. He has speed to burn and also possess the balance and power to really make a difference.
At first he doesn’t have an obvious path to become the starter but when you look at the running back room he does have a good chance. James Conner is back this year but he has had injury problems and his contract is up soon. Benny Snell and Jaylen Samuels are not that great and McFarland could become a great option for your team sooner rather than later.
Rookie Running Backs To Draft: LaMical Perine (NYJ)
Perine was drafted in the fourth round of the draft for the New York Jets and has some great pass catching ability. He doesn’t have an easy route given that he is behind Lev Bell but he should get a chance to show what he can do.
Perine is a complete punt and you shouldn’t be drafting him for anything other than your taxi squad. The Jets don’t have the greatest offensive line which will make it tough for any new running back. Perine wont do much this year but he could make an impact in years to come.
Rookie Running Backs To Draft: Eno Benjamin (ARI)
Benjamin was taken in the seventh round by the Arizona Cardinals and does have potential to become something in time. He has some dynamic moves but he has very little chance of beating Kenyan Drake to the main job and he will be competing with Chase Edmonds for the number two spot.
Benjamin is purely a taxi squad option and you shouldn’t expect any more from him in his first year. The Cardinals are an up and coming offence and it would be worth a punt on a potential running back option in the next couple of years.
So that’s it! What do you think? Let us know if you disagree! You can find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Image Credit: Daniel Dunn – USA TODAY Sports
