So far this offseason I have already written several articles highlighting some teams that I believe offer great fantasy football values at the RB position. I did my best to not repeat any of those players already covered in this article. But in the middle of the draft there is really only one player that I believe is criminally undervalued. If you want to read about any of my other targets check out my articles about the Ravens and Chargers.
The remainder of this article will identify four running backs that offer values compared to their fantasy football ADP. These players are all available in different ranges of the draft, so you can follow any draft strategy you choose.
Early Draft
Alvin Kamara, RB11, 17th Overall
Since being drafted by the Saints in 2017 Alvin Kamara has never finished the season outside of the top 12 in fantasy football. His involvement in both the passing and running game has made him one of the most valuable fantasy assets.
Throughout his career Kamara averages nearly 850 rushing yards and 650 receiving yards per season. In addition, Kamara averages 13.4 touchdowns per year. Through the first four years of his career Kamara was one of the most efficient running backs in the league. However, the same could not be said for 2021.
According to PlayerProfiler, Kamara finished outside of the top 20 RBs – according to their efficiency metrics. Kamara’s fantasy football managers were relying on his heavy involvement in the passing game. In 2021, Kamara saw 20.2% of the Saints targets. Even when Kamara or the Saints have trouble rushing, he will be involved in the passing game.
The biggest reason that Kamara is so low in ADP right now was his offseason legal problems. But as the summer continues, it seems less likely that he will face any legal trouble this season.
It looks "more and more unlikely" that #Saints RB Alvin Kamara will be disciplined this season, according to @AdamSchefter
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) August 15, 2022
With his potential legal troubles looking like they will not impact the 2022 season, now is the time to get the discount on Kamara. I would be happy using my early 2nd round pick, but right now you can get him in the middle or end of the round instead. This will likely move up as the offseason continues, but for now he is a value in fantasy football.
Middle Rounds
Tony Pollard, RB32, 83rd Overall
Earlier this offseason I highlighted the Cowboys as a team that I felt comfortable targeting both of the primary running backs. In that article I discussed a lot of the reasons that I am into Pollard this season.
Throughout his career Pollard has been an efficient and explosive runner out of the backfield. Even with Zeke on the field he has been able to maintain some fantasy football relevance.
Outside of his effective use in the rushing attack, Pollard has been solid in the passing game. Earlier this offseason, Cowboys coaching suggested that they would be using Pollard more as a WR this season to allow him and Zeke to be on the field at the same time.
Sometimes it is hard to decipher between coach speak and actual strategy, so it is important to take comments like these with a grain of salt. But so far this preseason, it seems like Pollard has been getting in a decent number of reps out wide.
And here is Cowboys RB Tony Pollard aligned at wide receiver with RB Ezekiel Elliott in backfield. It’s not just lip service from Cowboys. They are actively working more chances for Pollard into offense. Story from last week: https://t.co/sHbhDqiuo5 pic.twitter.com/dg0TdczZZC
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 18, 2022
The end of the 7th round seems pretty fair for Pollard at this point. With his projected pass usage, and efficient and explosive running I am more than happy to use an early 7th to draft him.
Late Rounds
Brian Robinson, RB56, 156th Overall
Even though Robinson is a rookie this season, he is just nine months younger than Antonio Gibson. This is because Robinson played for five years at Alabama due to a crowded backfield in his first four seasons. That backfield included tons of future NFL RBs including Najee Harris, Josh Jacobs, and Damien Harris.
In his 5th season at Alabama, Robinson rushed for 1337 yards and 16 touchdowns. Robinson was targeted 43 times for 296 yards and 2 touchdowns. This was his first season with over 11 targets. With his ability to perform in both the rushing and passing game Robinson is likely to find ways onto the field early.
As camp continues, Robinson is getting more intriguing for fantasy football each day. In his preseason debut, Robinson showed his ability as a pass catcher and rusher and was able to find the end zone.
BRIAN ROBINSON SCORES THE FIRST TOUCHDOWN IN COMMANDERS HISTORY!! pic.twitter.com/WDt5riYmEW
— NBC Sports Commanders (@NBCSCommanders) August 13, 2022
With more negative Antonio Gibson news each day, it is hard to ignore Robinson. At his current draft price, it is worth the high upside risk to draft Robinson. But if he moves up much the risk is just far too high.
Undrafted
Dontrell Hilliard, RB85, 276th Overall
When it comes to running back handcuffs, I like to look for players on run-heavy teams behind older running backs coming back from an injury. The Titans offer both of those things. Unfortunately, we really do not know who the RB2 for the team is at this point.
Rookie Hassan Haskins has been getting decent camp hype. But Hilliard has been a part of the team before and has been somewhat successful as a backup. Hilliard is currently being drafted after Haskins, and I am happy to put my faith in the veteran over the 4th round pick.
Last season when Henry missed time due to injury, Hilliard got several starts. He played pretty well and had over 400 all purpose yards. According to PlayerProfiler, Hilliard ranked first in true yards per carry with 5.5 yards per carry. This metric does not account for rushes over 10 yards which puts a premium on consistency. This was by far Hilliard’s best season, but it appears that he showed enough to secure his spot on the roster. Hilliard and Henry were the only RBs on the depth chart to not suit up for the first preseason game of the year.
If you play in a fantasy football league that does not require you to fill all roster positions, you should draft Hilliard with your last pick instead of a kicker. Hilliard will catapult in value if Henry gets injured before the start of the season, giving you either a flex worthy player, or a great trade piece. If Henry stays healthy, you cut Hilliard and add a kicker.
