Fantasy Football Draft Strategy 2012: Valuable RBs You Can Steal in Later Rounds

Running backs aren't nearly as valuable in fantasy football as they used to be, so be smart—wait on these guys. 

You can steal them in the later rounds and still have a successful fantasy season in 2012. 

Ronnie Hillman, Denver Broncos

Hillman was the Broncos' third-round pick, so 2012 rookies like Trent Richardson, Doug Martin and David Wilson will probably garner more fantasy attention.

Don't waste an early pick on anyone in that trio. The intelligent move, especially if you're in points-per-reception league (PPR), is to wait on Ronnie Hillman. 

Sure, Willis McGahee is the team's starting back, but he's certainly not going to carry the rock as much as he did last season. 

Knowshon Moreno is a likely candidate to start the season on the PUP list, according to the Denver Post. That means Hillman should be the primary third-down back who'll be catching a lot of balls out of the backfield. 

With his big-play ability, he'll be a fantastic flex option too. 

C.J. Spiller, Buffalo Bills

Spiller came on strong at the end of the 2011 season when Fred Jackson went down with injury, but he'll be relegated to a backup role this season. 

That doesn't mean he'll never touch the football. 

I'd be shocked if the Bills don't run more in general after experiencing what can happen when Ryan Fitzpatrick throws the ball too often during the second half of last season.

Chan Gailey loves Spiller's explosive acceleration, and that'll lead to the former Clemson star getting the ball on swing passes and screens—plays that'll allow him to make huge gains down the field. 

Isaiah Pead, St. Louis Rams 

Pead is one of the most versatile runners in the 2012 draft class, and he will be a great complement to the powerful Steven Jackson in St. Louis. 

Cadillac Williams is the team's No. 2 runner right now, but he's dealt with injuries, and the Rams wouldn't have used a second-round pick on Pead if they didn't plan to frequently use him this season. 

He'll be another guy who'll haul in a good amount of catches—checkdowns when receivers are covered.

The former Cincinnati Bearcats standout is dynamic in the open field and should pick up tons of YAC. Another ideal selection in PPR leagues. 

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