Links to similar discussions on other positions:
The NFL Draft can have a big impact on player values. In dynasty leagues, additional competition or support from the NFL Draft can have an impact on a player’s dynasty outlook. This article focuses on six running backs who benefitted from the NFL Draft.
J.K. Dobbins is a big beneficiary of the NFL Draft. The Ravens traded Marquise Brown for the 23rd pick. Then the Ravens traded down two spots and selected the first Center off the board Tyler Linderbaum, and did not address the receiver position or the running back position. This could signal a shift back towards a more run-heavy approach after leading the league in passing dropbacks in 2022. Gus Edwards also comes out unscathed from competition in an offseason where Baltimore flirted with the likes of Melvin Gordon.
Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert are in a potential committee for Miami at the running back position. Both were added in the offseason and did not receive additional competition in the NFL Draft. Edmonds was guaranteed 6.1 million dollars in his two-year deal compared to 1 million dollars in guaranteed money on Mostert’s one-year deal. Edmonds should be given the opportunity to start in 2022, but Mostert has familiarity with Head Coach Mike McDaniel from their time together in San Francisco.
The Eagles did not address the running back position in the draft or in free agency, which should give Miles Sanders the opportunity to start the season. Sanders started his career with two top 24 seasonal finishes before finishing as RB42 in only 12 games in 2021. Sanders has averaged 4.6 touches per game through three seasons and is available well into the RB3 range of the position.
Cordarrelle Patterson broke out in 2021 after finding a home in the Atlanta backfield. The Falcons brought back Patterson in free agency but did not otherwise address the position. Then the Falcons drafted Tyler Allgeier in Round 5, before cutting Mike Davis. This leaves Patterson as the clear lead back in the backfield for Week 1 with Damien Williams and Allgeier in a competition for the RB2 spot in the backfield. Patterson is an RB3 valuation with RB1 upside in dynasty leagues.
Tampa Bay was frequently mocked to select a Breece Hall or Kenneth Walker in the draft. They did address the position, but it was with RB4 Rachaad White in the third round. White adds a receiving element but is not an initial direct threat to Fournette’s entrenched role in the backfield. Fournette continues to have top-six upside in the offense.
Arizona was also frequently mocked to select a running back in the NFL Draft but waited until the sixth round to select Keaontay Ingram. Ingram should compete against Eno Benjamin as an injury-away role but is not much of a threat to Conner as a starter. Conner’s contract all but guarantees he is in Arizona for two seasons. Conner was a leader in expected touchdowns last year and should consolidate the role in the offense in 2022 with Chase Edmonds leaving in free agency.
