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My draft strategy has changed over the last few years – I usually want the most dynamic receiver room, wideouts that start themselves. In the meantime, I tend to go for a hero RB build, a major back as an anchor, and the others are budget.
That doesn’t mean running backs are unimportant. It’s just an indication of the volatility and changing workloads. The middle class at that position has more acceptable answers than it did an era ago, and we’re accepting fewer points from our RB2s and RB3s. Still, if a ghost emerged who would only provide answers at one position, I’d beg for the running back roster.
With that in mind, let’s play a game of “green light, yellow light, red light” for running backs. 🚦
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Green light = Backs I will draft with confidence. Proactive picks around market cost (maybe even slightly above).
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Yellow light = I could take backs at cost or at a discount, but I won’t put any special effort into selecting them.
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Red light = I avoid backs. It’s often about the price and not the player.
Don’t agree? I’m all ears.
👍 Green light RBs
Breece Hall, Bijan Robinson: Two elite players running behind excellent offensive lines and linked to teams likely to make the playoffs. They are also players on the escalator; Hall enters the season at 23, Robinson is a year younger.
Isiah Pacheco: He proved in the Money Weeks that he can be a three-down back, and Andy Reid’s offense should experience positive regression after a surprisingly average performance in 2023.
Devin Singletary: He surprisingly exceeded expectations in Houston and is now reunited with Brian Daboll, who relied on Singletary in Buffalo. The lineup is unproven after Singletary.
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🤔 Yellow light RBs
Kyren Williams: An undisputed league winner in 2023, but the Rams likely have a role in mind for third-round pick Blake Corum.
Rachaad White: A volume monster last year, but without the departure of offensive coordinator Dave Canales, it’s harder to trust the offense.
Rhamondre Stevenson: A potential bellwether, but the Patriots’ young passing game could have trouble sustaining on offense.
🛑 Red Light RBs
Saquon Barkley: He won’t miss NYG’s leaky offensive line, but Jalen Hurts isn’t making many passes to the backs and it’s not clear who will be the touchdown hunter at the goal line. Pass efficiency is heading in the wrong direction.
Jahmyr Gibbs: David Montgomery will always be part of this backfield and Gibbs is also battling a hamstring injury. If you want a flashy young player and don’t mind a volume limit, target De’Von Achane instead – he’ll last about a round longer.
Alvin Kamara: Efficiency is slipping and the Saints may have the worst offensive line in the NFL. A series of cheap catches saved Kamara last year, but he’s an average touchdown source (10 in his last 28 games) and enters this dangerous season at age 29.
