Waiting in the Wings: Fantasy NFL Running Backs

In part two of our Waiting in the Wings series, we move on to the RB position.

Just like that of the QBs, we’re not talking about high profile rookies, high ADP No. 2 RBs, or aging superstars with new teams.  We’re focusing on younger backs who are likely to get a shot at a starting position within the next few years, either with their current team or with a new team after their existing contract expires.

A successful dynasty coach should always perform a scan for these types of players no less than twice per year. As a rule of thumb, checking once prior to your league’s trade deadline and at least once in the offseason when your waiver wire is open is wise.  The most successful coaches never stop looking for these candidates.

Depending on positional need, careful selection, and patience these players can be very rewarding.  Recent names such as Michael Turner, Marion Barber III, Willie Parker, and Ryan Grant are just a few who rose from fantasy obscurity to fantasy stardom.

Here are five players for immediate roster consideration.

No. 1  Brandon Jackson, GB

5’10″  216 lbs.
Age:  24

I’ll admit, Jackson has been one of my favorite RB sleepers for some time.  So long, in fact, that it seems I often forget that I have him rostered in my main dynasty league.  That is not normally something that bodes well for future production, especially at the coveted RB position.

Jackson has never been able to secure a starting position when given the opportunity, mostly due to his inconsistent blocking ability.  However, the light came on for Jackson in 2009 and he has drawn praise from the coaching staff for his increased recognition and growth.

Playing behind somewhat fragile Ryan Grant could allow for another chance for significant carries in 2010. Either way, Jackson will find himself as a free agent in 2011.  With good size, a professional 4.0 yards per carry average, and extremely adept at receiving out of the backfield, Jackson could well find himself the target of multiple teams.

Green Bay also drafted Ryan Grant clone James Starks out of Buffalo in the 2010 NFL draft, almost certainly preparing for the likelihood of a departing Jackson.  While Green Bay may seek to retain Jackson, it is very likely that greener pastures will beckon.

Jackson must be off your waiver wire for the 2010 season.

No. 2  Danny Ware, NYG

6’0″  234 lbs.
Age:  25

Much like Brandon Jackson above, third string RB Danny Ware will enter free agency in 2011 unless the Giants can lure him back to the team with a more lucrative contract and a promise of more playing time. The latter will be more difficult to sell if both Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw remain on the roster.

Jacobs recently signed a four year contract and is likely secure in his position.  The Giants will have a difficult time retaining both Bradshaw and Ware as Bradshaw, too, is scheduled for free agency in 2011. It’s likely that Ware will be the odd man out.

Similar in size to Chris Wells in Arizona, Ware should have no problem finding quality suitors in 2011.  Whether or not he is competing for a starting role is another question altogether, as he is more of a between the tackles runner than he is a dynamic three down back.  That said, he does possess enough "wiggle" to be productive in the right offense.

Ware is a hard worker, has good character traits, and has too much ability to not be rostered at this time.

No. 3  Tyrell Sutton, CAR

5’8″  213 lbs.
Age:  23

If not for the emergence of Sutton in 2009, Mike Goodson’s name would be in this spot.

Sutton, who is a Maurice Jones-Drew clone at least in appearance, immediately made an impression on the Panthers’ coaching staff in 2009, and quickly replaced Mike Goodson as the third RB, behind both Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.  Unfortunately for Sutton, he is not a free agent until 2012, meaning that he will have to bide his time and make his few opportunities count in 2010.

Without an injury to the aforementioned Williams or Stewart, there just aren’t enough balls for Sutton to make a big impact.  In 2011, however, Williams is scheduled for free agency and will certainly be looking for his last big contract, not likely to be in Carolina.

Sutton is a dynamic big-play threat, runs with good power, and is particularly good out of the backfield as a receiver.  The third-string RB in Carolina will be one to watch in 2010, but Sutton gets the nod as Williams’ replacement in my book.

Consider adding him now if you have an open spot, especially if you have Stewart or Williams.

No. 4  Albert Young, MIN

5’10″  209 lbs.
Age:  25

I feel bad for Young.

With good size, passable hands, and a nice running style, he seems to be worthy of a larger role than he has been receiving thus far.  Stuck behind uber-stud Adrian Peterson and accomplished third down back Chester Taylor, Young still did his best to stand out in 2010 with his 12 carries.

Fast forward to 2010.

After Taylor left to reside in the windy city, Young moved up the depth chart into the number two RB role.  Just after that transpired, the Vikings used an early draft pick on Stanford standout Toby Gerhart, who is certain to garner immediate consideration as Peterson’s backup.

Young is a restricted free agent (RFA) in 2011, and it isn’t likely the Vikings would put a high tender on him with a very capable Gerhart signed for the next four years.  Young will attract some attention in 2011 and could be given a chance to compete for a starting role. He reminds me a lot of Tampa Bay’s Cadillac Williams and the timing would seem to fit as well.

Keep an eye on him in 2010 and give him serious consideration if roster space allows.

No. 5  BenJarvus Green-Ellis, NE

5’11″ 215 lbs.
Age:  25

A number of considerations for our fifth RB stood out, but I’m giving the nod to Green-Ellis.

As a 2011 free agent and not without some level of productivity as a backup, Green-Ellis should find a number of suitors.  I’m not overly excited about his prospects, but this choice is more about his upcoming free agency status than it is a dynamic running style.

Green-Ellis has a workman’s like attitude, is a willing blocker, and possesses a nose for the end zone.  He would seemingly fit more as a complementary back than that of a three down back, but his size and skill set allow for greater upside in the right system.

No need to rush out to add him at this point, but stay abreast of the New England running game, and add him at the first sign of an increased workload.

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Article written by Jeff Haverlack
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