Running backs consistently impact fantasy leagues as rookies – oftentimes leading their fantasy teams to championships. In 2016, it was first-rounder Ezekiel Elliott and fifth-rounder Jordan Howard. In 2015, it was first-rounder Todd Gurley and third-rounder David Johnson.
While higher picks are indeed more likely to have an impact, running backs drafted after the first two rounds are consistently making an impact – especially considering the rise of the Zero RB strategy. Here are three rookie running backs who could make an impact in 2017.
D’Onta Foreman, Houston Texans, Round 3 Pick 89
Averaging 184.4 rushing yards per game at a clip of 6.3 yards per rush, D’Onta Foreman dominated at Texas. An athletic power runner, Foreman easily led 2017 rookie running backs in RotoViz’s RB Prospect Lab Scores. Foreman’s comps also provide reasons for enthusiasm.
Adding fuel to the Foreman fire is Lamar Miller’s lackluster play in 2016. Miller struggled when not facing the very below-average Colts in 2016 – rushing for just 3.66 yards per carry.
If Miller continues to struggle, Foreman’s opportunity could come sooner than expected.
Joe Williams, San Francisco 49ers, Round 4 Pick 121
Handpicked by coach Kyle Shanahan, Joe Williams has been touted as his new Tevin Coleman. Williams averaged a dominant 156.3 rushing yards per game in his final season and ran a 4.41 forty-yard dash at 210 pounds. Williams draws intriguing comps that include Tevin Coleman, Jamaal Charles, and Marshawn Lynch.
General manager John Lynch has questioned how Carlos Hyde’s skills will translate to Shanahan’s system. Hyde is also no stranger to the injury bug, playing just 20 games in the last two seasons. It appears Williams will get an opportunity at some point during the 2017 season.
Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts, Round 4 Pick 143
Marlon Mack was a solid all-around player at South Florida. His speed and size aren’t great but Mack set USF all-time records in rushing yards, all-purpose yards, and touchdowns. His comps show a mixed bag.
The enthusiasm surrounding Mack should arise from his potential opportunity. Frank Gore hasn’t topped 4 yards per carry in either of his past two seasons. Turning 34 this month, his age is a near death sentence. Gore has made a habit of fading during the second half of the season.
Prior to the draft, coach Chuck Pagano recognized that adding a young running was “paramount”. It’s clear that the Colts knew they needed to add a more dynamic ball-carrier. PFF noted that Mack is one of the top big-play running backs in this draft class.
In Marlon Mack, the Colts have added one of the top big-play running backs in the 2017 NFL Draft. http://pic.twitter.com/9moGfDKOV8
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) May 8, 2017
The post Three Unheralded Rookie Running Backs Who Could Make an Impact in 2017 appeared first on Apex Fantasy Football Money Leagues.
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