13 Deep Sleepers at Running Back

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A fantasy draft is all about obtaining the most value with each selection. Value is available throughout a draft, and grabbing it is one of the most important keys to a successful fantasy team. This article specifically targets deep sleeper value (players that can be found very late in a fantasy draft). To point out this value, we asked our staff to look deeper than the Top 150 and identify players that should significantly outperform their late draft position. These players should be your targets after the 12th round of your draft.

Here is the player who received the most votes:

• Brian Robinson and it wasn't even close

And here are all of the players mentioned and the reasons why.

Player Receiving 7 Votes

Brian Robinson, Washington

Anthony Amico: Robinson has the requisite size (226 pounds) to be valuable in short-yardage and scoring situations, and his pass-blocking was highly regarded during the draft process. He has contingent value to gain on an injury to either Antonio Gibson or J.D. McKissic. If Ron Rivera's commentary about him (paraphrasing) being his new Jonathan Stewart come true, there could be quite a bit of standalone value without an injury. Recently, Gibson spent some time on special teams and the third-string offense after fumbling in the first preseason game. The ice is thin, and that bodes well for Robinson.

Jason Wood: Coach Rivera can't go a day without singing Robinson's praises. The first preseason game had Robinson taking over for a fumbling Antonio Gibson and then making plays as a runner and receiver before capping off a drive with a touchdown scamper. He seems set to be a part of a running back committee, at worst, but could become the Commanders' new feature back if the dominoes fall into place.

Gary Davenport: After Robinson's preseason debut, Commanders head coach Ron Rivera said that the bruiser from Alabama "showed us kind of why we drafted him" while lauding his "downhill, physical presence on the inside." Meanwhile, Antonio Gibson is getting special teams reps and spending time on the practice field with the reserves. Does this mean that Gibson's days as the No. 1 back in Washington are over? No—at least not yet. But ignoring the weather forecast because you don't like it isn't going to stop it from raining. The winds in Washington are blowing toward a committee in the backfield. And if Gibson can't stop putting the ball on the ground and Robinson continues to impress, the rookie could find himself on the right side of that committee in relatively short order.

Will Grant: When I drafted Robinson in my local league last weekend with my last draft pick, a couple of guys asked, "who the heck is that guy?" I had to smile because they said the same thing two years ago when I drafted Antonio Gibson. Camp reports have Robinson tearing it up, and he will push for more time as the season gets closer. Gibson is not having a good camp, and he was seen working with the third-team offense after fumbling the ball during the preseason opener. J.D. McKissic is also there, making Washington a good running-back-by-committee candidate, but that's great for Robinson, who could outshine the veterans when it matters the most.

Jeff Haseley: Brian Robinson is making a name for himself in training camp while Antonio Gibson is struggling to stay healthy and stay atop the depth chart. Robinson has a good chance to see some goal-line touches, but if he continues to progress, he may start to eat away at Gibson's carry-shares. Robinson's needle is pointing up while Gibson's is pointing down.

Andy Hicks: It is obvious that something is brewing in the Washington backfield. Consistent reports of Antonio Gibson failing to meet expectations must be treated seriously. The positivity surrounding third-round rookie Brian Robinson must be taken as a sign that he will have more use than expected. Add in J.D. McKissic, and it all points to a committee backfield. The one with the most upside, however, is Robinson. His cost is negligible so is more than a shot in the dark expected with his draft slot.

Jordan McNamara: I suspected something was up with Antonio Gibson in April when Washington was meeting with the heads of state of the running back draft class. They ultimately selected Brian Robinson in the third round, which did not move the fantasy market as much as it should have. Now, Gibson is returning kicks while Robinson is taking first-team snaps. I don't think Robinson has clearly won the job, but it would not surprise me if he did during the 2022 season, and he could outperform his cost.

Players Receiving 3 Votes

Khalil Herbert, Chicago

Jason Wood: Herbert acquitted himself well in David Montgomery's stead last season as an inside runner and receiver. His ability to handle all facets of the game as an undrafted rookie free agent speaks volumes and should have everyone excited about his potential entering training camp as the clear No. 2.

Will Grant: Nothing excites me about the Chicago offense this season, and I think the Bears will struggle to win six games this year. However, Herbert had a couple of solid games as a rookie and is the clear #2 now with Damien Williams in Atlanta. David Montgomery will still get the bunk of the touches in Chicago, but you can bet that Herbert will get his fair share as well. Herbert will go undrafted in many fantasy leagues, and he's the perfect guy to grab with your last pick or have on waiver wire speed dial once the season starts.

Christian Williams: Luke Getsy has brought the wide zone to Chicago, and Khalil Herbert is the back on the roster with the most upside on such runs. Herbert's blend of decisiveness and burst off his first cut offer a tad more than David Montgomery, and even if Montgomery assumes the No. 1 role, Herbert could produce. Getsy has traditionally operated committee backfields dating back to his time at Mississippi State and most recently to his stint with the Packers in 2021. Herbert could see the field a ton, and at RB54, he's well worth the risk.

Isaih Pacheco, Kansas City

Jason Wood: Ronald Jones II has failed miserably in his attempt to carve out a role and may not even make the 53-man roster. Meanwhile, 7th-round rookie Pachecho has stood out since the first day of camp. Pacheco has all the tools to be an NFL contributor but was unfairly discounted because he played at Rutgers and had to run behind a bad offensive line against elite Big Ten defenses.

Jeff Haseley: The Chiefs running back room is not set in stone. Clyde Edwards-Helaire has disappointed compared to expectations, while others have thrived. Enter Isaih Pacheco. The 7th-rounder from Rutgers has 4.3 speed and is the ideal size for a running back at 5-foot-11 and 215 pounds. He has impressed at camp and shows signs of being used more among the starters. He is worth a flyer anytime after all of your position starters have been selected.

Jordan McNamara: Clyde Edwards-Helaire is the best bet to be the starter in Kansas City. But rookie Isiah Pacheco appears to have passed Ronald Jones II in the backfield and set himself up with a chance to be the injury-away player behind Edwards-Helaire. In the event Edwards-Helaire misses time, Pacheco could fill in one of the best offenses in the league.

Players Receiving 2 Votes