Three Rookie Running Backs to Target Before They Explode

The running back position is the most volatile in fantasy football. It’s the easiest to manufacture production from due to being volume-based outside of the elite talents. We consistently see players finish in the top 24 purely based on positive touchdown variance and a significant workload. Because of that, buying running backs before they clearly have hold of the starting job is the smartest way to maximize value.

Targeting rookie running backs is one of the easiest ways to achieve this. Uncertainty around depth charts in the early weeks of the season; rookies needing time to learn the playbook and get acclimatized to the NFL; or simply veteran coaches who believe that you shouldn’t start a rookie immediately - there are plenty of reasons why rookie running backs tend to produce more in the second half of the season.

Here are three rookie running backs primed to explode with a clear path to relevancy you can buy for cheaper than they’ll cost by week eight:

Jaylen Wright, RB MIA

When the Dolphins drafted Wright out of Tennessee in the fourth round, it felt like a strange fit. Not because Wright doesn’t fit the Mike McDaniel scheme perfectly - he absolutely does - but because he’s incredibly similar to both De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert. McDaniel seems to know what he wants at the running back position and has made it his mission to fill his roster with as many tiny speedy guys as possible. With the way his rushing scheme dominated the NFL last year, none of us should be willing to question that.