3 Rookie Running Backs That You MUST Draft in Fantasy Football

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Betting on rookie running backs is a huge gamble. They can make or break your fantasy team, luckily for me, I love to gamble (responsibly of course). As I mentioned in my last blog, last year I was all over Kenneth Walker and Breece Hall, and if Breece didn't tear his ACL I probably would have ran away with my league last year. Rookie running backs are the ultimate wild card in fantasy football. A lot of the gems won't even be the week 1 starter so don't panic, just play the hand you were dealt.

Before I give you my 3 backs I want to make it VERY clear that I believe Bijan Robinson is by far the best running back in the draft, but since he's going so high in all my mock drafts I'm going to leave him off this list.

3. Chase Brown - Cincinnati Bengals

If you draft Joe Mixon in your draft you NEED to have the Chase Brown handcuff. This kid is a fucking savage. Brown recorded the fourth-most rushing yards in the NCAA, with 48 runs of 10+ yards. This kid is an absolute nightmare to bring down. If you watch his tape two things will stick out like a sore thumb. The first being his ability to cut on a dime, leavings defenders picking the turf out of their turf burn, and second is his balance. When you watch him play, count how many guys it takes to bring him down. No matter how hard he gets hit he always finds a way to stay on his feet, he's like a cat. Coming in at 5'9 209 pounds with 4.4 speed, Chase Brown has everything you need to make it in the league. If Mixon misses time and you don't have Chase on your roster you're going to be sorry.

2. Devon Achane - Miami Dolphins

As a Miami Dolphins fan I've consumed every ounce of footage from the Dolphins training camp and let me tell you something, this kid can run. Devon was the fastest running back in his class, and was an absolute beast at Texas A&M. Brandon Jones, safety for the Miami Dolphins compared him Chris Johnson. To be honest with you, I believe that comparison is a little much, but I can see him being a Darren Sporles type player in Mike McDaniel's offense. He won't be a 3 down back, but he will be a PPR monster. If there's anything that Mike McDaniel loves, it's speed, and Devon Achane has ALOT of it. Mike will find a way to put that 4.3 40 to use.

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1. Jahmyr Gibbs

I know this one is basic but this kid is a fucking stud. His pass catching ability, and shiftiest reminds of of Alvin Kamara. The Lions didn't draft him in the first round for no reason. In fact, they drafted before they even traded Deandre Swift. I know the Lions signed David Montgomery, but that doesn't changed how I feel about Gibbs one bit. Gibbs is faster, more elusive, and has better hands. Gibbs might have some TD's stolen from him but he'll also have 6-7 catches a game to make up for it. If you watch his tape you could argue he was the best running back in the draft. I still think Bijan is number 1 but if someone wanted to argue it, I wouldn't look at them like an idiot. The lions offense was electric under OC Ben Johnson, and there’s no limit on Gibbs can bring to this team. If you're playing in a PPR league Jahymr Gibbs is a must draft.