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 allows 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.
Harris seemingly won the free agency sweepstakes at the RB position when he landed with the Chargers with almost zero competition. However, I find it highly unlikely that LA doesn't draft another back this week. They only gave Harris a one-year, $5.25 million dollar deal this off-season. The only RB on the roster beyond the 2025 season is Kimani Vidal who struggled to find the field last season.
Not only would it make all the sense in the world for the Chargers to draft an RB, they’ll also be in position to draft elite ones at the top of the draft. They have the 21st pick in the draft which is right in the range for Omarion Hampton or one of the other backs at the end of the first round. They also own both their second and third-round picks which could easily be used on a back.
Harris has relied heavily on volume throughout his career in Pittsburgh; all of his advanced rushing statistics have been pretty poor over the last four years. If/when the Chargers add competition, Harris could be out of a job come Halloween.
