The NFL draft is rapidly approaching, and all anyone can talk about is this running back class. It has the rare combination of elite prospects, solid day-two options, and intriguing late-round fliers that allow it to be compared to the legendary 2017 class. These RBs also enter the league at an important time because many of the best backs are starting to get long in the tooth as NFL general managers and dynasty fantasy managers search for the next great crop of rushers.
With all the new talent set to enter the league soon, let’s look at the NFL’s current depth charts and assess the current backfields in danger of being usurped by younger talent in this year’s draft class, and assess some 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, only their danger level. In short, the earlier you see a player’s name on this list, the less likely they are to lose value at the end of this month.
James Cook is in such a tricky spot this offseason and was the most difficult running back to place on this list. On one hand, he’s coming off a career year and has two mediocre backups on the roster behind him. This should mean his position is extremely secure heading into the NFL draft.
However, there’s been a ton of uncertainty clouding his future with the Bills. They haven’t opted to extend Cook past the last year of his rookie deal in 2025. There are a lot of potential paths for Cook's future; he could play out the remaining year of his contract and hit free agency next summer, he could be traded on draft night, or the Bills could have a change of heart and extend him following a league-leading 18 touchdowns.
Either way, Cook is in danger of his situation changing drastically this offseason, and the Bills could easily look towards the future and draft his replacement. I find it unlikely that they keep Cook and draft an RB with meaningful draft capital with Ty Johnson and Ray Davis on the roster, but something’s likely to put a dent in Cook’s dynasty value this offseason.
