By Chet Gresham – @ChetGresham
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Below, I have compiled a list of very late-round running backs to target in your fantasy drafts. You’ll see their ADPs near their names and my analysis that follows. I’m a big proponent of drafting multiple lottery-ticket running backs late, while getting stud wide receivers early, so these will be guys you will see on my teams.
Shaun Draughn, 49ers – RB 85, 256 overall Draughn is the only proven pass catcher for the 49ers, who are underdogs in 13 games this season. He will be needed to catch the ball in Chip Kelly’s offense, and if the 49ers are trailing as often as Vegas believes, then he’ll be needed in catch-up mode as well. Grab him late in PPR leagues.
Khiry Robinson, Jets – RB 80, 272 overall Robinson is somewhat of a forgotten man, but is in a nice position in New York. The Jets picked up Matt Forte and kept Bilal Powell, and both will be involved of course, but Robinson is their only true goal-line/short-yardage back and he should be used in that capacity. In his three seasons with the Saints, Robinson had 10 carries inside the opponents’ five-yard line and scored six touchdowns. So, he has the ability and the Jets will be looking for that from him.
Tyler Ervin, Texans – RB 71, 233 overall Lamar Miller is one of my favorite running backs this season, but he is going to get more work than he ever has and could have trouble staying healthy. Bill O’Brien is great for running back production, so if we can draft the player who would replace Miller in case of injury, we are in a good spot. Of course, it isn’t 100 percent clear Ervin would get the job, but his ability is more fantasy friendly than Alfred Blue or Jonathan Grimes. I’ll take the risk on Ervin late.
Chris Thompson, Redskins – RB 69, 217 overall Washington’s backfield is hard to decipher, as Matt Jones was not that good last year, but is slated as the lead back. I like rookie Keith Marshall, and almost put him on this list, but I also like Thompson, who will see work in the passing game no matter what Jones or Marshall does. I like Thompson in PPR, but also think he could be the main guy if Jones doesn’t work out.
Spencer Ware, Chiefs – RB 66, 235 overall Last year, Ware took over after Jamaal Charles and Charcandrick West were hurt, rushing 72 times for 403 yards and six touchdowns. That’s a nice 5.6 yards per carry compared to West’s 4.0. I believe Ware would get the majority of the work if Charles were to get injured, and in that offense, I want to own the backup.
Josh Ferguson, Colts – RB 64, 242 overall Frank Gore has a lot of good things going for him this year now that Andrew Luck is back and he doesn’t have much competition for carries, but the one player who seems poised to be Gore’s backup is Ferguson. We know Gore is on the downside of his career, and I’ll be happy to draft any player who might start on a high-powered offense like the Colts.
DeAndre Washington, Raiders – RB 62, 173 overall Washington has already mixed in with the first team in practices, and the Raiders have shown they aren’t completely satisfied with Latavius Murray and his 4.0 yards per carry from last season.
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