Grading the Top Running Back Dynasty Landing Spots

Anthony Santigate Posted On April 25, 2018

Alvin Kamara lit the NFL on fire in 2017. He broke records left and right while leading the potent New Orleans Saints offense, and our fantasy teams, to season-long success. Despite a terrific Combine and a vote of confidence from the Saints via their draft-day trade up, Kamara was still only a late-first round rookie pick in dynasty drafts last off-season.

The aspect that a lot of dynasty owners missed – including me – was just how good of a fit Kamara was in the Saints offense. His receiving ability and explosiveness paired historically well with future Hall of Famer Drew Brees, a stout offensive line and creative play-caller Sean Payton. Kareem Hunt fell into similar luck. Andy Reid and the rest of the Kansas City Chiefs offense made life easy on the rookie.

If you need an edge in your rookie drafts this off-season, don’t look just at 40-yard dash times, market share or even game tape. Take a long hard look at the teams and offenses these rookies will fit into. Here are my thoughts on some of the likely landing spots for 2018 rookie running backs.

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Cleveland Browns: B

Current RBs: Carlos Hyde (FA), Duke Johnson, Matt Dayes

America’s darling Saquon Barkley has been frequently mocked to the Browns in the pre-draft process and with their surplus of later picks, an RB could definitely be in the cards. The Browns run an effective man blocking scheme, anchored by their two stellar guards, Joel Bitonio and Kevin Zeitler. Although the Browns do need offensive playmakers, the presence of Hyde and Johnson make this a muddled situation for most rookies. The Browns offense is certainly looking up but I would be more optimistic if Hue Jackson was out of the picture.

Best Rookie Fit: Nick Chubb – Powerful inside runner who could give the Browns an offensive identity for the first time in a decade. Chubb is a versatile back who could fit in multiple schemes as a lead or change of pace back.

New York Giants: B+

Current RBs: Jonathan Stewart (FA), Wayne Gallman, Paul Perkins

The only thing holding me back from a higher grade for the Giants is their offensive line play. Signing LT Nate Solder was certainly a step in the right direction, however they need serious help on the interior. What the Giants lack in offensive line play, they make up for in opportunity and offensive skill.

With Odell Beckham, Evan Engram and Sterling Shepard on the field all at the same, any starting back for the Giants will see favorable looks from the opposing front-seven all game. Pat Shurmur brings over a zone run scheme that ranked fifth in the NFL in rush percentage. And with only Stewart in the way, it is certainly reasonable to think a rookie could come in and run away with that job.

Best Rookie Fit: Ronald Jones – Experience running zone scheme, inside and out. Similar to Dalvin Cook, who fit well in Shurmur’s offense last season.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A

Current RBs: Jacquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber

In my opinion, the Buccaneers are the ideal landing spot for any of these rookie running backs. This off-season the Bucs brought in center Ryan Jensen (PFF’s ninth-ranked center) to pair with standouts guard Ali Marpet and right tackle Demar Dotson to form a very strong offensive line.

With the departure of Doug Martin, the Bucs leave a glaring hole at RB in their otherwise talented offense, led by Jameis Winston and Mike Evans. Winston tends to lean on his backs in the passing game, as the lackluster cast of Charles Sims, Martin, Rodgers, and Barber combined for 69 receptions in 2017.

Best Rookie Fit: Saquon Barkley – Tampa Bay has been using multiple backs for years with moderate success. With Barkley, they would become a less predictable offense that can score from anywhere on the field.

Indianapolis Colts: C+

Current RBs: Marlon Mack, Matt Jones, Christine Michael

Essentially since the Colts drafted Andrew Luck, dynasty owners have been clamoring for an RB to come in and have a huge year for Indy. But due to lack of investment and Luck’s injury saga, we’re still looking. New head coach (and offensive guru) Frank Reich could really help but any and all predictions of the Colts offense lie squarely on the shoulders of Luck. If he does play, a rookie runner or Mack could have a breakout year.

Without Luck, the outlook is not good. Reich had success with a running-back-by-committee in Philadelphia and I expect him to attempt to form the same. Aside from LT Anthony Castonzo and center Ryan Kelly (injured for his rookie year), the Colts offensive line needs serious help. Looking back in the coming months, this could be a low grade if things break right for Luck and the Colts.

Best Fit: Derrius Guice – With the Colts looking to move back in the draft, Guice certainly could be on the table as someone who could shoulder the load with a below average OL and open up the deep passing game for Luck.

Honorable Mention Quick Hits

The Detroit Lions are in need of a running back who can do it all and make the offense less predictable. Sony Michel would be a great fit as a player who could contribute in both rushing and receiving, with experience running out of a one-back, spread offense.

The Washington Redskins have been looking heavily into Guice. With Samaje Perine and Chris Thompson, any rookie RB would likely begin in a timeshare but have room to grow.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are dealing with the ongoing Le’Veon Bell situation. It is likely Bell stays a Steelers for a long time, but if for some reason it doesn’t happen, the Steelers would be an extremely valuable spot for an RB to fall into with one of the best offenses in the NFL.

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