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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 19, 2015; Toledo, OH, USA; Toledo Rockets running back Kareem Hunt (3) runs the ball away from Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Nigel Tribune (34) during the second quarter at Glass Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2015; Toledo, OH, USA; Toledo Rockets running back Kareem Hunt (3) runs the ball away from Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Nigel Tribune (34) during the second quarter at Glass Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs

With Jamaal Charles’ injuries in 2015 and 16, Kansas City has struggled to find a reliable star in the backfield. Charcandrick West had a spell as the lead dog, and Spencer Ware impressed last season, but ultimately they lack the all-round talent to take over (and return fantasy value). Even receiver Tyreek Hill had more 20-plus yard runs (four) than Ware (three) and West (two) last season, so they need an infusion of dynamism in the backfield.

Hunt, while not a “big-play” back, is a low-center-gravity back, whose trunk-like legs are reminiscent of former Atlanta star Michael Turner. Chiefs general manager John Dorsey said he has “incredible contact-balance” and that “the legs continue to move on so he’s getting positive yards”. He only lost one fumble over four years, and also proved in his senior season he can be a strong catcher of the ball, by accumulating 403 yards on 41 receptions.

The Chiefs used fourth and seventh round picks to move up to get him, and they called him the next best back after the top tier. He’s going to be added into the backfield rotation straight away, and should prove his superior talent by the middle of the season. Jump on board and get Hunt on your rosters.

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