Rookie Running Backs are a big-time dynasty commodity. Dynasty owners get in on the ground floor, lock them up as they ascend (not decline) in their NFL career arc, and there are bound to be some values late in rookie and startup drafts.
In this installment, I filter the projection model by running backs with:
- Incoming weights of 220+ pounds
- Receiving scores >0% (above-average)
56 running backs since 1999 fit the criteria, 8 of which are from the 2015 NFL Draft class. While no big hits from the 2014 class, there was value to be had with 4 UDFA backs, 3 of which escalated in value at some point from the NFL Draft and the end of the 2014 season:
- Stephen Houston
- Damien Williams
- Antonio Andrews
- Zurlon Tipton
Houston was the only one to not stick on a depth chart or flash a little bit on the field as a rookie. The other three were, at minimum, a #PackageUp player to churn the roster spot for a profit.
Historically this list of big backs that can catch has done very well in relation to their raw draft tier score. Some highlights from the Day 3 and UDFA mix include:
- Joique Bell
- Andre Brown
- Rashad Jennings
- Arian Foster
- Ryan Torain
- Peyton Hillis
The 2015 Inductees