What’s Next for Day Two: Quarterbacks and Running Backs
With over twelve hours now to rest, recover and reflect about the exciting happenings of the first round of the NFL Draft, it is now time to look ahead to what we can expect over the next two days as dynasty fantasy footballers.
The Jaguars and Panthers found their running backs of the future and many teams are hoping they’ve solved their long-term quarterback concerns, but there are many teams left with holes to fill at the four key fantasy football positions and fortunately for them, there is plenty of talent remaining on the board.
With the beginning of the second round just a few hours away, here is a look at some teams who still have specific needs at the quarterback and running back positions, along with some rookies who could fill those openings.
Quarterback
New York Jets
Although the Jets have become well-known for drafting quarterbacks, they still have a major question mark about the position both in 2017 and down the road. They signed veteran Josh McCown to potentially bridge the gap, but they could once again use a second day pick to find their future, because all signs seem to point to a lack of confidence in either Bryce Petty or Christian Hackenberg.
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Cleveland Browns
The Browns were rumored to be making a play for Mitchell Trubisky, but the Bears beat them to it. We do not know how much interest the team had in the other rookies, but they did trade down out of the 12 spot with Deshaun Watson on the board. Cody Kessler showed a bit of promise during his rookie season and the Browns are also stuck with Brock Osweiler after the trade with Houston.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Clearly, the Steelers are not as desperate for help at the quarterback spot as the Jets and Browns, but starter Ben Roethlisberger has been hinting at retirement and always seems to be nicked up. There is little behind him on the depth chart, so the Steelers could follow the path laid out by the Chiefs last night and attempt to find their future starter a year, or more, early.
Jacksonville Jaguars
We all know about the struggles of Blake Bortles, who despite posting impressive fantasy numbers during his short career has been highly ineffective as a quarterback. The Jags must feel like they have every piece in place…except for the quarterback. I don’t think any rookie would be handed the job at this point, but don’t be surprised to see a quarterback competition in Jacksonville.
New York Giants
For the Giants, it is nearly the identical story as the Steelers. An aging quarterback and a team looking to find his eventual replacement before it is too late. Unlike with Big Ben, we’ve heard no hints of retirement from Eli Manning, but there has been a dip in his performance on the field. Manning will be the team’s starter in 2017, but the G-Men should also be looking ahead and that could start tonight.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cards are yet another team with reported interest in finding an eventual replacement for an aging quarterback, though they might be more motivated. Carson Palmer is already 37 years old and there have been rumors he and Larry Fitzgerald could retire following the 2017 season. Arizona had been linked to Patrick Mahomes pre-draft, but the Chiefs big move up squashed that plan.
San Francisco 49ers
Despite not having a long-term answer at the position, the 49ers have not seemed all that interested in adding a quarterback. They did sign Brian Hoyer, who is currently penciled in as their starter and the new leadership in town is obviously viewing this is a long-term project, so maybe the Niners are simply willing to ride out the 2017 season with Hoyer and Matt Barkley rather than using a pick on this quarterback class.
Best Available
Deshone Kizer, Notre Dame
Davis Webb, California
Nathan Peterman, Pittsburgh
Brad Kaaya, Miami
Joshua Dobbs, Tennessee
Running Back
New York Jets
This is a team that needs everything. Both veterans Matt Forte and Bilal Powell have contracts that essentially keep them in town for at least another year, but neither can be viewed as the long-term answer for a team only worried about the long-term.
Baltimore Ravens
It is difficult to know what the Ravens might do. Of course, they drafted Kenneth Dixon a year ago, but only used a Day Three pick, then signed veteran Danny Woodhead earlier this off-season. If the Ravens use a Day Two pick on a back, that could be a bad sign for Dixon, who is currently set to serve a four-game suspension to open the season.
Cincinnati Bengals
At first glance, it might look like the Bengals are set in the backfield with Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill, but just because they are once high draft picks means little now. The pair have been a combined disappointment and many are projecting Cincy to use their early second round pick to add a back.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have survived, but not thrived, the past couple of years with veteran Frank Gore, but there is little depth behind him and no plan for the future. This team must add a back on Day Two and whoever that player is will see a spike in dynasty value and the opportunity to earn a starting job out of the gate.
Denver Broncos
The Broncos were reportedly very interested in trading up to draft Christian McCaffrey, but that didn’t happen. Instead, they’ll likely use a Day Two pick on a back with starter CJ Anderson coming off an injury and last year’s rookie, Devontae Booker, disappointing.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs parted ways with veteran Jamaal Charles after last season and both Spencer Ware and Charcandrick West experienced a drop off from their surprising play in 2015. The Chiefs can’t be happy with their current depth chart and this rookie class offers plenty of options. This is one team I can see waiting until the draft’s final day before making a move.
New York Giants
The Giants run game has struggled for years and they finally dumped veteran Rashad Jennings after the 2016 season – that leaves Paul Perkins and Shane Vereen, who can’t seem to stay healthy. A team that is set to win now must be looking to improve at the running back position.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles offense was a huge disappointment last season and much of that had to do with their running game. Darren Sproles was his usual productive self, but Ryan Mathews once again couldn’t stay on the field. The Eagles have been linked with former Florida State back Dalvin Cook and he would certainly make an immediate impact on this team.
Washington Redskins
The Redskins continue to try and fill the void left by Alfred Morris. They thought Matt Jones was the answer, but he flopped and although undrafted free agent Robert Kelley was a nice surprise, it is difficult to see him as a long-term play.
Green Bay Packers
With Eddie Lacy now gone, the Packers can’t be too confident in their depth chart. Currently, former wide receiver Ty Montgomery is listed as their starter. He certainly earned a backfield role based on his impressive performance last season, but he belongs in a committee, not in a backfield all to himself. The Packers will add a back and with the first pick in Round Two, they have their choice of anyone left on the board – this choice has the potential to really shake up dynasty rookie drafts.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs offense is looking to be a fun one for fans and fantasy players alike. Along with young talents like Jameis Winston and Mike Evans, Tampa added tight end OJ Howard in the first round. Now they just need to figure out the running back spot. Both Doug Martin (injury, suspension) and Charles Sims (injury, poor play) were disappointments in 2016 and there is a good chance Martin might be cut. The Bucs are another team rumored to be interested in in-state star Cook.
San Francisco 49ers
This is more about pre-draft reports than anything else, but with a new regime in town, it is difficult to know how they view and value Carlos Hyde, who has had trouble staying healthy throughout his career. The Niners were rumored to be interested in Leonard Fournette and that clearly didn’t happen, but I won’t be surprised to see them use some of the extra picks they added last night on a running back.
Best Available
Dalvin Cook, Florida State
Joe Mixon, Oklahoma
Alvin Kamara, Tennessee
D’Onta Foreman, Texas
Kareem Hunt, Toledo
Marlon Mack, South Florida
Jamaal Williams, BYU
Samaje Perine, Oklahoma
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