The “Zero RB” strategy has become more and more popular in the fantasy football industry despite the running back position still reigning supreme. The idea of Zero RB is to pass on running backs early in drafts in favor of selecting an abundance of pass-catchers, mainly of the wide receiver variety, with PPR leagues becoming the norm. It is a ploy that when utilized, is definitely met with skepticism, causing many to avoid using it altogether. With it becoming an approach that can lead to success in the right situation, there are running backs that each Zero RB savant should target in the early, mid, and later rounds of drafts.
ADPs are courtesy of FantasyPros’ ADP Consensus.
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Travis Etienne (RB – JAC) ADP: 62nd Overall, RB26
Once more, people that elect to go the route of Zero RB tend to refrain from selecting a running back in the early rounds. Given that, I would consider an early-round running back for a Zero RB build to be taken in the fifth or sixth round on average. One running back that comes to mind in that ADP range is Travis Etienne of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Following his selection by the Jaguars, I was hesitant to get on board with Etienne in fantasy football. While the rookie from Clemson was reuniting with his college quarterback in Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAC), Urban Meyer is now calling the shots in Jacksonville, and James Robinson (RB – JAC) is still a factor in the backfield. But seeing that Etienne’s ADP hasn’t ballooned much since the draft – plus he’s getting plenty of work as a receiver in training camp – I’m altering my stance on Etienne. With the Jaguars not having a daunting defense, they’ll be playing from behind more often than not, putting Etienne in a spot to thrive as a pass-catcher in Jacksonville’s aerial attack. People who want to load up on wide receivers in the early rounds wouldn’t be too upset to make Etienne their No. 1 running back given his upside in PPR formats.
Damien Harris (RB – NE) ADP: 76th Overall, RB32
It’s always dangerous to side with whoever the running back of the New England Patriots is, but Damien Harris seemingly has a stranglehold on the starting job right now. Sony Michel (RB – NE) isn’t a guarantee to make the roster ahead of the regular season and rookie Rhamondre Stevenson (RB – NE) has dealt with injuries this offseason, limiting his time on the practice field. As for James White (RB – NE), he re-signed with New England this offseason, putting him in line to carry his usual role as a reliable check-down target. Amid the other running backs on the roster, Harris flashed potential in 2020 as he played in 10 games, producing three 100-yard games behind a hobbled offensive line and alongside a struggling Cam Newton (QB – NE). While Newton figures to accumulate rushing numbers of his own, Harris is poised for a healthy number of touches in 2021. The one thing with Harris is that (crossing my fingers) he sees an increased usage in the passing game after garnering just seven targets last season. Harris showed a capability to be used as an option out of the backfield in his final year at Alabama, where he hauled in 22 passes for 204 yards. If Harris does see an uptick in targets, there’s a chance for him to be a massive value in the seventh or eighth round of drafts.
Trey Sermon (RB – SF) ADP: 93rd Overall, RB37
Everyone wants to find running backs that carry upside, but for Zero RB pundits, it’s almost a requirement to find guys that outperform their ADP. Upon loading up at wide receiver – and possibly a tight end – the margin for error grows smaller at the running back position. In light of that, taking a running back that could see his role expand throughout the season can be a perfect target in Zero RB builds. Among all of the running backs listed, there might not be one that carries the upside that Trey Sermon brings in his rookie season with the San Francisco 49ers. We all know the affinity that Kyle Shanahan has for running the ball, and the team used a third-round pick on the Ohio State running back. Raheem Mostert (RB – SF) is projected to start in Week 1, but there are reports out of training camp that suggest that Sermon could be the lead back sooner rather than later. Sermon’s improved ability to catch the ball is what makes him an intriguing stash until he starts or a high-upside player for Zero RB experts. Once we get an opportunity to see Trey Lance (QB – SF) and Sermon man the backfield for the 49ers, both of them could deliver league-winning upside at their respective positions.
Jamaal Williams (RB – DET) ADP: 126th Overall, RB45
The more and more I ponder about it, the more and more I believe the value on the Detroit Lions lies within their running back room. Everyone is attempting to pinpoint the wide receiver on the Lions that will lead the team in production. Will it be Breshad Perriman (WR – DET), Tyrell Williams (WR – DET), or Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR – DET)? Besides T.J. Hockenson (TE – DET), both D’Andre Swift (RB – DET) and Jamaal Williams could be valuable assets in fantasy football in 2021. While Swift is primed for a workhorse role under new offensive coordinator, Anthony Lynn, Williams wasn’t signed away from the Green Bay Packers for no reason. What makes Williams a viable late-round option is his ability to contribute as a receiver. Despite playing behind Aaron Jones (RB – GB), Williams has produced four consecutive seasons of 25+ receptions, 200+ receiving yards, and he’s totaled eight receiving touchdowns in that time span. He also has corraled an impressive 87.5 percent of his 80 targets in the past two years after leading all running backs with an 88.6 catch percentage in 2020. Throughout his time with the Packers, Williams also carried the ball 100+ times in each year and accrued 1,985 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. Even though he’s not the flashiest choice, Williams is going to have some sort of role in an offense that lacks weapons, which could give him a path toward being a late-round gem.
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Skyler Carlin is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Skyler, check out his archive and follow him @skyler_carlin.
