There are several ways to dominate your fantasy football draft. One of those ways is finding running backs outside the top 24 that end the year as an RB1.
Last year Tony Pollard (RB30), Rhamondre Stevenson (RB34), and Jamaal Williams (RB50) all had an ADP outside the top-24 running backs, according to FantasyData. Yet, all three ended the 2022 season inside the top-12 running backs. Meanwhile, Josh Jacobs was the 23rd drafted running back last season but finished the year as the RB3, averaging 17.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, a career-high.
Which running backs drafted outside the top-24 have a chance to finish as an RB1 this year? Let’s look at six potential candidates.
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- Fitz’s Draft Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
- 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit
RB3s with RB1 Potential
David Montgomery (DET) – ADP 75.7 | RB30
Last year Montgomery was the RB23, averaging 10 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, finishing with 201 rushing attempts for 801 yards and five touchdowns while splitting the backfield work with Justin Fields and Khalil Herbert. The veteran running back has been a consistent RB2 despite playing on a poor offense, never finishing lower than the RB25 any year in his career. More importantly, he is replacing Jamaal Williams. Last season Williams was the RB8 after leading the NFL in rushing touchdowns (17) and finished second in goal-line touches (22). While Montgomery won’t have the same touchdown luck, the veteran is a better player and can do more for the Lions than Williams.
James Cook (BUF) – ADP 78.3 | RB31
The fantasy football world had high hopes for Cook last season. Unfortunately, the rookie was only the RB45, averaging six half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, that will change this year with Devin Singletary in Houston. Buffalo signed Damien Harris in free agency, but the veteran has missed 28% of the games over the past three years because of injury. Meanwhile, 13.5% of Cook’s rushing attempts went for 10 or more yards last year. He also finished first in breakaway run rate (12.1%). More importantly, Josh Allen recently praised Cook, talking about how much of a role he would have in the run and pass game this season.
Antonio Gibson (WAS) – ADP 97.7 | RB35
Unlike the other running backs in this article, Gibson has been a top-12 running back twice in his short career. Unfortunately, he was a bust last season, averaging only 9.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, the lowest average of his career. Meanwhile, Eric Bieniemy turned Jerick McKinnon into a low-end RB2 last year despite having only 72 rushing attempts, thanks to his role in the passing game. With J.D. McKissic off the field, Gibson will take over the McKinnon role in Bieniemy’s offense in Washington. More importantly, the team’s coaching staff has repeatedly mentioned the veteran this offseason. Gibson could have another top-12 finish this year, even if Brian Robinson Jr. stays healthy.ed 2.75 yards after contact per rushing attempt last year. If Harris gets hurt or potentially benched, Warren will have top-12 upside.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.