You can view my previous article in this series discussing the quarterbacks of the 2021 draft class here.
The 2020 draft class blessed us with a deep running back room. It brought in an incredible list of players; Jonathan Taylor, J.K. Dobbins, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Cam Akers, D’Andre Swift, James Robinson, and Antonio Gibson. The 2021 draft class doesn’t offer the same depth, but does have a few guys who stick out to me.
These players below are ones to watch for on your fantasy football draft board this offseason, and no I’m not a Travis Etienne fan.
For these players listed, I looked at five key things that help RBs translate the best to the NFL.
- Vision
- Acceleration/Speed
- Contact Balance
- Pass Protection
- Hands
1. Najee Harris
Najee Harris is the best running back in this class, and honestly there isn’t another way to split it. Being a superstar isn’t new for Harris, as he was also highly touted exiting high school.
At 6’2 230, it’s rare we see a guy with elite receiving skills, but Harris breaks that mold. He’s a bulldozer through initial contact, while having great contact balance. He brings all the necessities it takes to be a premier back in today’s NFL.
Harris should be the first RB off the board come April. Whether he ends up reunited with Tua Tagovailoa (as he’s been projected to through numerous mock drafts) or heads elsewhere, he should have a pretty sizable role heading into 2021 and beyond.
Najee checks every one of my boxes, and in the right system could find himself in that low RB1 tier right out of the gate.
2. Javonte Williams
The UNC backfield was fun to watch this past season, and Javonte is a big reason why. Javonte Williams took an extra leap in 2020, averaging over 8 yards per carry and 23 touchdowns.
Javonte Williams does it all, and does it by using his vision and balance to create extra yards. He’s on the shorter side (listed at 5’10), but that didn’t seem to stop him. Even at 5’10, he’s a bigger guy (weighing 220), so he’s in no means tiny. He tore the ACC up, and with his creative route tree and great contact balance he can fight off defenders both inside and outside the numbers.
The only knock on Williams is his long distance speed. He isn’t the quickest nor the fastest RB in this class, but does make up for it with his ability to create extra yards.
Williams will look for a role right out of the gate. While he isn’t as dynamic as Harris, he does have that power and vision to create plays out of nothing.
3. Michael Carter
Turning from one UNC running back to the other, Carter isn’t on the same level as Williams. However, Michael Carter does bring a unique skill set to the table.
The first thing that stood out to me was his ability to pass protect and catch. Being able to block as a rookie running back is the most underrated aspect to get increased playing time; and the inability to do so can keep a player on the bench. Carter can work well out of the backfield and became a sturdy rock for UNC on 3rd downs. His ability as a receiver should warrant some play time in year one, and provide rotational snaps as a pass catcher.
He’s also good at zone runs and change of direction, which usually go hand in hand. The ability to control his body and still maintain speed is really good, as he can make defenders miss in the open field but doesn’t bring the size or power to run them over.
Carter’s knocks are just that. He isn’t the biggest nor the strongest, but with the right role he should find fantasy football relevancy even in year 1. In PPR leagues, his value is boosted due to his pass catching upside.
4. Kylin Hill
Kylin Hill missed a part of the 2020 season due to a locker room incident, but when played, he shined. He also showed some really good pass catching while at Mississippi State.
Hill has good size weighing in at 215; using that to create running lanes that his offensive line couldn’t.
Hill looks like a natural with the ball, using both power and quickness to make plays in the open field. He has some fine tuning to do, and should find himself as mid-round grade.
Hill brings intangibles with him though, as he has good vision and proper mechanics. He’s still super raw, especially after not playing most of the 2020 season. He’ll need time to develop but in the right scheme, Hill can thrive. Kylin Hill shouldn’t be ignored.
5. Demetric Felton
WR turned RB, Demetric Felton is the most unique prospect to watch come 2021. He’s a matchup problem against linebackers, as his advanced route tree helped exploit the holes in college defenses.
Felton also saw touches as a true running back, and made things happen. His ability to see the field and get open is great, but his raw running back ability doesn’t seem to translate to an every down back.
Felton will come in as a RB, but there isn’t a doubt in my mind he will see work as a slot wide receiver. His versatility and ability to run with the ball make him a dream for most NFL scouts. His receiving upside is very intriguing as a 3rd-round pick in your fantasy football rookie drafts, and should see rotational snaps wherever he lands.
There’s a possibility that Felton could make the full switch to WR; where he brings good crisp route running and speed that isn’t to be doubted.
These are not my RB rankings, moreso the players to keep an eye on. I really like this RB class contrary to the popular belief, but it’s not as good as the 2020 class. The 2020 class brainwashed us, as we saw super values slip late into the 3rd and even undrafted.
If you’re looking to address depth at RB on your fantasy football team, these five guys should be on your radar. They all bring strengths that NFL coaches know how to utilize, and it should be fun to see where they land.
As always, leave your thoughts and comments below!
