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5 Late Round Running Backs To Target In Fantasy Drafts

By Bruce Matson

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Sep 8, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Chargers 18-17. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

5 Late Round Running Backs To Target In Fantasy Drafts

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Using ESPN’s ADP I made a list of 5 late round running backs that are being drafted late in fantasy drafts that could be valuable later in the season. One way to win a fantasy league is to hit on a “break out” player late in your draft, like Giants Wide receiver Odell Beckham last year. There are some key things I look for when I try to identify a break out candidate during the later portion of the draft.

  1. Is this the player highly talented but is blocked due to an incumbent starter?
  2. Could this player embark opportunity that most drafters are overlooking?

Love is blind, and sometimes we don’t see the love we have for a player due to the fact that they appear blocked or in a muddled situation. Talent is like cream and will eventually will rise to the top, so If a player “has the goods” all it takes is a situation change for him to be a starter for you fantasy team.

Most fantasy owners aren’t aware how volatile some situations are in the NFL. Take running backs for example; even if the starter is the touted as the bell-cow-back there is a chance that the starter could be pulled during passing situations in favor for the receiving back. In PPR leagues these backs are valuable, and are most often diamonds in the rough. During certain game-flow situations a pass catching back could easily rack up 3-4 points in receptions on a single drive due to catching check downs.

Next: Late Round Running Back #1

Jun 16, 2015; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns linebacker Chris Kirksey (58) and Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) during minicamp at the Cleveland Browns practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Duke Johnson, Cleveland Browns: ESPN ADP 134.7 (Rounds 10-12)

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    • Johnson is getting a lot of buzz right now due to his receiving abilities, and the possibility that he could unseat incumbent starter Isaiah Crowell. Even if he doesn’t take Crowell’s starting role he is going to get a lot of opportunities in the passing game. I don’t foresee the Browns being a head in a lot of games this season, therefore Johnson is going to get a lot of opportunities to catch passes when the Browns are in “catch up” mode. There is talk that Johnson is going to get some work playing wide receiver. The Browns don’t have much talent at wide receiver and Johnson might be the best pass catcher on the team. I expect Johnson’s ADP to rise.

    Next: Late Round Running Back #2

    Jan 24, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad running back David Johnson of Northern Iowa (7) carries the ball against the North squad in the first quarter of the Senior Bowl at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

    David Johnson, Arizona Cardinals: ESPN ADP 137.9 (Rounds 10-12)

    The Cardinals selected Johnson in the 3rd of this year’s draft. Johnson is a highly athletic running back and he’s a gifted pass catcher. He is going to be the 2nd string running back behind starter Andre Ellington, and look for him to get opportunities around the goal line and in passing situations. Johnson is going to push Ellington for the starting job, and he might steal some of Ellington’s touches. Ellington isn’t the most durable back, he was inured all most the entire season last year, and he suffered a lot of injuries while he was in college. Johnson might not be starting for your fantasy team during the first week of the season, but his value should rise during the middle of the season.

    Next: Late Round Running Back #3

    May 26, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) hands the ball off to running back Danny Woodhead (39) during organized team activities at Charger Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

    Dec 8, 2013; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers running back Danny Woodhead (39) and running back Ryan Mathews (24) before the Chargers game against the New York Giants at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

    Danny Woodhead, San Diego Chargers: ESPN ADP 140.1 (Rounds 10-12)

    Woodhead is a forgotten man. Woodhead broke his fibula and ankle during week 3 last season which eliminated any sample size of data to go off of for fantasy football this year. In the Chargers backfield all eyes are on rookie Melvin Gordon, which is putting Woodhead farther on the back burner. Woodhead excels where Gordon doesn’t and that’s in the passing game. During Gordon’s career in college (4 seasons), Gordon manage to catch 22 receptions. I’m not saying Gordon can’t catch, but I’m saying there isn’t a large sample size of him being an effective receiver. In 2013 Woodhead caught 76 receptions for 605 yards and 6 touchdowns. Woodhead has a rapport with quarterback Philip Rivers, and he’s going to get opportunities in the passing game.

    Next: Late Round Running Back #4

    Nov 2, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) carries the ball during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

    Sep 29, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Washington Redskins running back Roy Helu (29) runs the ball against the Oakland Raiders in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Redskins defeated the Raiders 24-14. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

    Roy Helu, Oakland Raiders: ESPN ADP 144.4 (Rounds 11-13)

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    Helu signed with the Oakland Raiders during the off-season earlier this year. Helu is flying under the radar right now due to Latavius Murray is in the spotlight as the starter. Helu is a lot like the previous running backs that were mentioned in this article. He is highly athletic and is a very gifted receiver. Even if Helu can’t beat out Murray for the starting job he will still be effective in passing situations. Last season with the Washington Redskins Helu caught 42 receptions for 477 yards. The Raiders are currently rebuilding and they are going to be one of the worst teams in the league, so they are going to be playing from behind a lot and Helu should reap the rewards from that in the passing game. Murray has been plagued with injuries during his career, so I wouldn’t be surprised if Helu gets the opportunity to be the starter in the middle of the season.

    Next: Late Round Running Back #5

    Sep 29, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) runs the ball as Kansas City Chiefs nose tackle Dontari Poe (92) attempts the tackle during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 41-14. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

    Aug 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots running back James White (28) against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

    James White, New England Patriots: ESPN ADP 142.8 (Rounds 11-13)

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    • The Patriots drafted White in the 4th round of last year’s draft. White has been off the radar for most fantasy owners, because he didn’t get to play much last season, and he is facing a lot of competition this off-season. There are reports stating that the Patriots are excited about what he can do in the passing game, and that he is a candidate to take over Shane Vereen’s role in the offense. White is a flier that you select at the end of your draft just in case the stars align and he materializes to be what everyone hopes for in fantasy. The Patriots are hard to predict when it comes to their usage for their running backs, but if White can obtain Shane Vereen’s old role then he will be valuable in PPR leagues.

    Need help making roster decisions? Need help on who to pick off the waiver wire? Need an opinion on that trade offer that’s in your inbox? I’m your guy, follow me on Twitter @bmatz08, and I’ll give you the guidance you need to make the best choice for your fantasy team.

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