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Fantasy Football 2017: Top 10 rookie running back fits

By James Simpson

Oct 29, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back D'Onta Foreman (33) runs in a touchdown against the Baylor Bears at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Austin, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back D'Onta Foreman (33) runs in a touchdown against the Baylor Bears at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Alvin Kamara (6) scores a touchdown against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the third quarter at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Alvin Kamara (6) scores a touchdown against the Virginia Tech Hokies during the third quarter at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

As a long-term fantasy asset, Alvin Kamara has a tremendous ceiling. The Saints have enjoyed great production from running backs in their receiving role (Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles), and the team will use the Tennessee Volunteer in similar ways. Head coach Sean Payton said the team was extremely impressed by the third round pick’s ability to run routes between the numbers, and that sets him apart from veterans Mark Ingram and Adrian Peterson.

Even though he’ll be a rookie ‘behind’ the two star backs, it might not take long for Kamara to see the field and be involved. Sproles caught at least 70 balls in his three seasons with the team, and before that Bush had 70-plus receptions in his rookie and sophomore seasons. Future Hall of Famer and star fantasy quarterback Drew Brees has missed an asset like Kamara in recent years, and the first year player will scoop up a ton of easy receptions and rack up the PPR points.

Kamara has home-run potential when he touches the ball, and although he won’t be a traditional workhorse and every-week fantasy starter, he could be a great boom or bust flex option. Don’t be afraid to start him in deeper leagues.

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