Fansided

Fantasy Football 2020: Dynasty rookie running back rankings

By Benjamin Main

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 07: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs the ball in the Big Ten Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - DECEMBER 07: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs the ball in the Big Ten Championship game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 07, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Running back Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN – FEBRUARY 28: Running back Jonathan Taylor of Wisconsin runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 28, 2020 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Running Back Rankings: Tier 1

1. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin (projected: late 1st – early 2nd)

5’10” 226lbs, 4.39 40yd

Taylor is by the best running back prospect in this draft. His measurables are on par with guys like Ladanian Tomlinson and Ezekiel Elliott. The speed, the size, the college production; these stats all bode well for a smooth transition to the NFL. He will be one of the first 3 running backs off the board in April. The knocks on JT are ball security and how he projects as a pass catcher. Thomas caught 26 passes last year, almost doubling his catches from his prior two seasons. I believe that Jonathan Taylor is the clear-cut top pick in Dynasty rookie drafts in 2020.

2. D’Andre Swift, Georgia (projected: late 1st – early 2nd)

5’8” 212lbs, 4.48 40yd

Swift is another very talented Georgia running back that enters the NFL draft fresh. Nick Chubb and Sony Michel hawked a lot of his targets as a Freshman, but Swift was able to put together 2 really solid seasons prior to forgoing his Senior season for the NFL draft. The Georgia product has great hands and plus speed. He is a true 3 down back, but must continue to improve in pass blocking if he wants a 3 down role. A proper comparison to Swift is Miles Sanders or Jamaal Charles with more juice between the tackles.

3. JK Dobbins, Ohio State (projected: 2nd – 3rd)

5’10” 209lbs

The COVID-19 pandemic is hurting JK Dobbins stock. The Ohio State product chose not to participate in running drills at the combine nursing an injury. Then his pro day was cancelled due to social distancing. It is difficult to project athletic performance, so I will not attempt to. We do have athletic measurables from High School that present promise, but are purely speculative. I would have preferred him measuring closer to 220lbs, to solidify his 3 down back potential. Hopefully we will get a pro day prior to the draft, otherwise it will make fantasy speculation more difficult.

4. Cam Akers, Florida State (projected: 3rd – 4th)

5’10” 217lbs, 4.47 40yd

Akers sets up to be a 3 down back in the NFL. He has solid size, speed, and hands. The Florida State product had 30 receptions in s senior season, while producing 18 total touchdowns behind an inconsistent offensive line. Akers landing spot is very important. His comparable players are Ryan Matthews and Marlon Mack. That is a volatile range of outcomes.

Home/Fantasy Football