Summer is in the air, which means all of us fantasy football fanatics are getting that drafting itch. Whether it’s a friendly mock draft with league mates feeling the same itch, a way-too-early redraft league draft or a dynasty start-up draft, this is the time of year to get back into the groove and ready for the season ahead.
When heading into drafts, most managers come to the table with a strategy. There are many different approaches, all with fancy names to indicate the heart of the plan. As an analyst and fanatic, I’ve tried them all a few times. Zero-RB, Zero-QB, Robust-WR, and the list goes on. However, there’s one that I keep going back to time and time again; Hero-RB.
Hero-RB strategy is simple. Get a stud in the early rounds of your draft, then punt on the position until later. This allows you to load up at WR, TE and QB while still rostering an elite ball carrier. Sound scary? I get it. It can be. However, don’t judge a book by its cover.
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Hero-RB Strategy (2023 Fantasy Football)
Why Hero-RB?
Most leagues these days are Superflex, point-per-reception (PPR) format leagues. In this style of fantasy football league, QBs, WRs and pass-catching RBs have a much higher value than your run-of-the-mill, 20-plus carries per outing halfback who doesn’t see much work in the passing game. Therefore, loading your roster with an elite signal-caller and high-volume WRs is paramount to success.
By adopting the Hero-RB philosophy, you can stack your team with players like Garrett Wilson, Ja’Marr Chase and George Kittle while still rostering an elite RB such as Christian McCaffery or Jonathan Taylor.
What About RB Depth?
It’s all fun and games to have a loaded receiving corps on your fantasy roster, but what about backfield depth? Well, friends, I have good news. Hero-RB works because the position has plenty of value in later rounds. In 2022, Tony Pollard (RB8), Rhamondre Stevenson (RB7), and Jamaal Williams (RB13) were all being drafted in the seventh round or later. Furthermore, D’Onta Foreman (RB34), Jerick McKinnon (RB20) and Samaje Perine (RB34) were going largely undrafted.
Who Should You Be Targeting in 2023?
Of course, late-round success in 2022 doesn’t guarantee the same this upcoming season. However, there is still plenty of quality RB value to be had late in drafts in 2023. Once you’ve rostered your hero with an early-round pick, here are some later-round steals you should consider when drafting Hero-RB.
ADP referenced using FantasyPros consensus Best Ball ADP
Rachaad White (RB – TB) | ADP 86, RB26
White, the clear RB1 in Tampa Bay, is currently valued as a high-end RB3 in drafts. In 2022, he was the PPR RB25 from Week 13 on despite sharing the backfield with Leonard Fournette in the most pass-happy attack in the league. 2023 will see a shift to a more ground-based approach with either Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask behind center.
Antonio Gibson (RB – WAS) | ADP 110, RB35
The curious case of the elusive Antonio Gibson breakout may finally be solved in 2023. The Commanders moved on from RB J.D. McKissic and have chosen to roll into the 2023 season with Brian Robinson and Gobson as their primary weapons in the backfield. While Robinson showed he is a grinder, Gibson has a skill set that some have compared to a discount Christian McCaffery. Whether the team rolls out Jacoby Brissett or Sam Howell at QB, Gibson will be more involved in the offense than in years past.
Damien Harris (RB – BUF) | ADP 112, RB36
Damien Harris had a down year due to injuries in 2022, playing only 11 games and finishing as the PPR RB48. However, it’s a new world for the fifth-year ball carrier out of Alabama. Harris is joining a Buffalo Bills squad desperately needing RB help in short-yardage situations and the red zone. In 2021, Harris scored 12 red zone touchdowns for the New England Patriots, finishing with 929 rushing yards and 15 total end zone visits. Buffalo is the perfect place for him to catch that old feeling and jump up the RB rankings.
Jamaal Williams (RB – NO) | ADP 129, RB43
Last season was one to forget in New Orleans. The team finished 7-10 and tied for last place in the NFC South with the Atlanta Falcons. One of the Saints’ more significant issues was scoring in the red zone. Enter Jamaal Williams, who led all RBs in red zone attempts (53), rushing touchdowns (14) and total touchdowns (17). Only Austin Ekeler (18) scored more in 2022 than Williams. Furthermore, fellow Saints RB Alvin Kamara could be suspended for part or all of the season, leaving Williams as the RB1 in an offense that needs to score more inside the 20.
Devin Singletary (RB – HOU) | ADP 153, RB48
The overall PPR RB23 has a new home in Houston. The Texans signed Devin Singletary this offseason to pair with second-year ball carrier Dameon Pierce. Singletary isn’t what you would call an elite RB, but he has plenty of value, especially in PPR formats. In 2022, he was targeted 52 times by Buffalo QB Josh Allen in addition to earning 178 carries.
Now in an offense with rookie QB C.J. Stroud, who is assumed to be the starter in Week 1. Singletary’s reliability as a pass-catching back is the perfect match for a young signal-caller learning the ins and outs of the NFL.
Leonard Fournette (RB – FA) | ADP 194, RB60
It’s always a risk to hang your hat on a player who doesn’t have a home, but sometimes it’s a risk worth taking. That’s certainly the case with Leonard Fournette. In 2022, Uncle Lenny finished as the overall PPR RB12, averaging 14.2 fantasy points per game. While he may not have a team as of this moment, it’s more likely due to Fournette taking his time to find the right fit.
Some managers might shy away from the 28-year-old veteran, but that’s a mistake. Sure, last season saw a decline in his rushing volume thanks to White’s significant progress. However, Fournette saw 83 targets in the passing game. He converted the high target volume into 73 catches for 523 yards and three touchdowns. Wherever he ends up, he will see enough passing volume to be relevant in 2023.
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Nate Polvogt is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Nate, check out his archive and follow him @NatePolvogt.
