Final Dynasty Rookie Report Card: Running Backs, Part Two

Kenneth Walker

Dan Meylor Posted On February 5, 2023

Throughout the season, the Rookie Report Card has covered some of the biggest rookies and not only looked at their performance to date – but also their long-term upside. Now that the regular season has wrapped up and dynasty managers are looking towards the future, we have an opportunity to take one last look at the 2022 season and assess the rookies - a final report card if you will.

We covered 38 rookies throughout the season, including 11 running backs. Let’s put a bow on the season by taking one more look at those ball carriers’ first shot handling the ball on Sundays, as well as a quick glimpse into their futures in part two of the running back Rookie Report Card.

Brian Robinson, RB WAS

2022 Stats: 205 carries, 797 yards (3.9 YPC), two touchdowns, nine receptions, 60 yards, one touchdown
Regular Season Rookie Report Card: Week 15

Robinson’s rookie season was a roller coaster ride. Going from dynasty sleeper in the summer to the victim of a horrific shooting in training camp and then returning to the field just weeks later, his comeback story was one of the stories of the season and is extremely heartwarming.

Nevertheless, we’re here to take an honest look at Robinson’s performance on the field as a rookie.

He wasn’t very productive early on, averaging just 3.35 yards per carry in his first seven games. He displayed average burst at the line of scrimmage and very little tackle-breaking ability. Although he had a surge of production in weeks 12 through 15, averaging 5.7 yards per carry and 15.1 PPR fantasy points per game, he never looked explosive as a rookie and often appears plodding and sluggish.

A true workhorse back late in the season, Robinson averaged 19.7 carries per game over his final seven contests. That workload translated into just one top-12 fantasy finish, two more top-24 finishes and four performances that landed him at RB29 or worse for the week.

Simply put, Robinson doesn’t appear to be more than a replacement-level tailback. The chances of him developing into anything more than a fill-in flex option are unlikely so dynasty managers should get what they can for him this off-season.