In Part 2 of our fantasy football rookie watch following the NFL combine is a peak at the running backs. Like the wide receiver group, this is a deep draft class with the possibility of a handful of running backs being able to step in as Day 1 contributors.
We’ve used the data collected from hours of watching combine workouts and game footage to project the fantasy relevance of many of the top prospects.
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Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin (5’10”, 226 lbs.)
Combine Results
40-yard dash: 4.39 seconds
Vertical leap: 36 inches
Taylor led all running backs with the fastest 40 time at the combine, clocking in at a blistering 4.39 seconds. Drill tests aside, this Wisconsin Badger is an immediate NFL-ready bellcow. Taylor’s collegiate production is incredible, rushing for consecutive 2,000-plus yard seasons and handling a heavy workload that averaged out to more than 300 carries per season over three years.
Fantasy owners should mark down this physical freak as their top rookie running back to draft, and hopefully he lands on a team that is willing to hand over the keys to their backfield. Wear and tear from all those touches in college is going to be a real concern for those in keeper leagues. However, possible injury from overuse is a risk worth taking.
Taylor isn’t shifty, more of a run past or through you type who can rip off for a touchdown at any moment. He’s a willing pass protector, but needs to improve as a receiver to truly grow into the desired three-down back who’s successful in any fantasy format.
D’Andre Swift, Georgia (5’8”, 212 lbs.)
Combine Results
40-yard dash: 4.48 seconds
Vertical leap: 35.5 inches
Georgia is a running back factory, pumping out the likes of Nick Chubb, Sony Michel and Todd Gurley in recent years. Just like his fellow alumni, Swift is a polished back who can run, catch and protect. He never needs to come off the field, which is what prospective fantasy owners like to hear.
Swift isn’t as explosive as some of the others in this rookie class, but his agility and patience to hit the hole, cut and make opponents miss in space instantly puts him as a rookie-of-the-year candidate. Sloppy ball security at times is a bit of a concern, but not enough to stop anyone from having him near the top of their fantasy rookie list.
J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State (5’9”, 209 lbs.)
40-yard dash: N/A
Vertical leap: N/A
Dobbins did not participate in any of the combine events because of an ankle injury he sustained during Ohio State’s playoff game, but it’s nothing long-term to be concerned about.
The Buckeye doesn’t have as much of a talent ceiling as the first two prospects, but definitely the highest floor. He’s a wear-you-out every-down type rusher who’s excellent in pass protection, catching out of the backfield, and gives full effort on every snap.
Dobbins’ vision and patience to follow blocks is stellar, leading to a 2,003-yard season on 301 carries for an elite yards-per-carry average of 6.7. The junior La Grange, Texas native’s durability should also be remembered as he never missed a game. That’s a valuable note to be aware of because in fantasy football one of the best abilities is availability.
Cam Akers, Florida State (5’10”, 217 lbs.)
Combine Results
40-yard dash: 4.47-seconds
Vertical leap: 35.5-inches
A thick powerful frame with phenomenal leg strength to push the pile, coupled with incredibly quick feet to cut on a dime is what stood out about Akers. The Florida State junior is elusive in space, works in a nasty spin move, and can change direction without losing speed.
Fumble issues need to be addressed and he fights the ball as a receiver, but is good enough in that department and is a willing pass protector. Hopefully Akers gets a chance to be the go-to option for a team because this is someone who has fantasy sleeper star written all over him.
Best PPR-only running backs
DeeJay Dallas, Miami (5’10”, 217 lbs.)
Combine Results
40-yard dash: 4.58 seconds
Vertical leap: 33.5 inches
Dallas is a fascinating player. A former high school quarterback who went to college as a wide receiver and converted into a running back – hello gadget plays! We consider him an amped-up Duke Johnson who runs better between the tackles.
He’s also the best pass protector in the draft class, which of course provides the potential for more snaps and therefore more opportunities to deliver fantasy points. If given the chance Dallas could become an unsuspecting PPR dream.
Tony Jones Jr., Notre Dame (5’10”, 220 lbs.)
Combine Results
40-yard dash: 4.68 seconds
Vertical leap: 32.5 inches
Arguably the second-best pass protector to Dallas, Jones’s possible upside is 100 per cent PPR-only. Jones can catch and may be able to become a goal-line vulture on plow-straight-ahead handoffs. No need to take him in rookie fantasy drafts, but keep an eye on the burly rusher as the 2020 season progresses.
Honourable mentions for keeper leagues
AJ Dillon, Boston College (6’0”, 247 lbs.)
Notables: Tested first amongst RBs in vertical leap at 41 inches
A nasty, physical in-between-the-tackles runner à la Leonard Fournette and a smaller Derrick Henry. Dillon will burn out a defence, punish linebackers, and is also fast enough to get around the edge (ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at Combine).
Depending on which team drafts him, Dillon could start his career as part of a backfield committee and work his way up to a bellcow as time goes on.
Zack Moss, Utah (5’9”, 223 lbs.)
Notables: 4.65-second 40-yard dash
Moss looks for contact as a violent runner that combines patience and elusiveness. His style brings wear and tear concerns especially after meniscus knee surgery in 2018. Moss possesses a great first burst and is a sneaky good pass-catcher, but he does not have pull away speed.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU (5’7”, 207 lbs.)
Notables: 39.5-inch vertical leap
Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State (5’10”, 203 lbs.)
Notables: 4.41-second 40-yard dash
Anthony McFarland, Maryland (5’8”, 208 lbs.)
Notables: 4.44-second 40-yard dash
