August
9th, 2017
Wednesday
Night Edition
Draft
Watch: Eyeing the Backfield
In
this year’s draft, like most from past fantasy seasons, there are your notable
stud running backs (DJ, Bell, Zeke, & Shady) that everyone will target.
They are no secret and if you have a high draft slot you’ll be in the market to
make a grab.
You’ll
hear this alot and I’ll say it here as well, when drafting beyond the obvious
picks what you should be looking for in your draft is “value.” It’s not just
who you take, but when you take them. Reaching too early can cost you a lot of
value at the top and reaching too late you’ll miss out on those players that
will pay huge dividends throughout the season.
After
the first round (in the early rounds), running backs that are not too early to
reach for in my opinion are DeMarco Murray (Titans), Jay Ajayi (Dolphins),
Jordan Howard (Bears), Todd Gurley (Rams), and Leonard Fournette (Jaguars).
With this group, what I like best about them is their potential volume. None
have a real threat in the backfield to steal their workload. Ajayi looks very
appealing with the recent change at quarterback and Fournette is expected to be
a workhorse.
Once
you hit the mid-rounds (round 4 and on), in particular in PPR formats, pass
catching running backs that I like and should reap plenty of rewards are Danny
Woodhead (Ravens), Ty Montgomery (Packers), Ameer Abdullah (Lions), Paul
Perkins (Giants), and Christian McCaffrey (Panthers). I see most of these guys
going in the 5th and 6th rounds as early RB3 with some potential as an RB2. I
believe Woodhead could set the bar for receptions this season and even as a
rookie I believe McCaffrey could make a run at 65 to 70 catches.
The
late round fliers that will come cheap and could pay-off big in my estimation
are running backs Theo Riddick (Lions), Duke Johnson (Browns), Giovani Bernard
(Bengals), and James White (Patriots). As late as these guys could be had, even
with only 40-45 catches, they are a great value as a flex options and bye week
fills.
A
couple of names that are being undervalued that owners should be able to snag
at a great price are the Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (ADP 94.3),
Ravens running back Terrance West (ADP 83), and Jets running back Matt Forte
(ADP 105.7). Now these guys may not win your league, but they are low risk with
potential.
That’s
my take.
~David
Ortega
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