Fantasy football: 8 late round running backs with upside

David Johnson-Arizona Cardinals

Another rookie runner who could have fantasy football impact this season is Cardinals’ third-round pick David Johnson.  Johnson is similar in many ways to Andre Ellington who is slated to serve as the Cardinals primary option, but this preseason Johnson has also shown some very solid pass-catching skills this preseason.

Early this preseason, Johnson had a hamstring issue which cost him significant time and forced the team to go out and sign Chris Johnson to join David Johnson (no relation) in their backfield.  David Johnson resumed practicing last week the day after Chris Johnson was signed, and has been impressing his teammates and reporters since rejoining team activities.

A big factor that will impact Johnson’s draft stock is how he plays tonight against the Chargers in Preseason week 3.  He has been getting plenty of hype as a pass catcher and with questions surrounding Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd, Johnson could be one of Carson Palmer’s favorite new targets.  Johnson isn’t a big back who can stuff it in between the tackles, but he has been shifty in space and shown enough ability on the edges to be an effective third-down weapon.

Right now, David Johnson is being drafted as the 52nd running back off the board, but especially in PPR leagues he could be one of the best late round running backs to come off the board.

Next: Matt Jones-Washington Redskins