The NFL Draft is finally upon us, and despite a highly touted RB class, the 2023 class is slightly disappointing for the RB position. However, it's not for the lack of incoming talent but the current depth and lack of available jobs. We've witnessed the position lose value in both fantasy and real NFL, and it's safe to expect a few of your favorite rookies to slip to Day 3.
Despite the lack of available snaps, the current landscape isn't so safe either. So we'll look at the NFL's current depth charts and assess the current backfields in danger of being usurped by the younger talent in this year's draft to assess value for the future.
A team unlikely to draft a running back means their current starter would rank low on this "danger scale," while a team almost certain to draft a running back means their current back is very dangerous to own right now. We'll go in reverse order, meaning these are some of the "safer" backs to own in dynasty leagues. Remember, this is not a ranking of the value of these backs but only their danger level.
The Texans are in full reset mode, and a Day 3 RB is likely just as unsafe as any. Moreover, Pierce was drafted by a lame-duck coaching regime, and when a roster is devoid of talent, a team is free to draft the best available, and all it takes is another Day 3 RB in a talented draft class to tank his value.
The Bills don't really value running backs, even if they do burn 2nd round draft picks on them (if usage tells us anything). The signing of Damien Harris could spell the same watered-down cheap copy of the Lion's backfield as far as "stability" goes. Still, we're using that term loosely when you consider they have easily replaceable talent. Harris and Cook aren't likely to be what wins your league anyway, so I'd move them for somebody else who may value them.
We're clearly in the "Ugly Committee You Want No Part of" Zone of this list. Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson are already difficult talents to move in a deal, and a likely Day 3 back like Sean Tucker could make their situation worse. We've seen that Ron Rivera and company don't value Gibson as an every-down back, and Robinson is worse at the only things Gibson is good at. A shakeup seems inevitable, so I'd cut your losses if you're holding these assets.
