Players to Target: Khalil Herbert, Jaylen Warren, Tank Bigsby (2023 Fantasy Football)

Whether you’re taking a hero running back approach, a robust running back strategy, or a zero running back plan, there are values to be had across the board. If the offseason told us anything about running backs, it’s that the NFL values them differently than ever before. Because of that, there are many backfields with question marks and many backfields with a relevant second or third option.

Finding the values at running back and squeezing extra juice out of the position can turn a quality roster into an elite one. Here are some of my favorite picks at the position that are currently being undervalued.

Consistency Series: QB | RB | WR
Draft Targets for Every Round: Early | Middle | Late
Fitz’s Draft Primers: QB | RB | WR | TE
2023 Fantasy Football Draft Kit

Undervalued RBs Based on ADP

Khalil Herbert (RB – CHI) 95 Overall, RB33

Khalil Herbert can currently be found in the discount bin in a crowded backfield in Chicago. While the distribution of touches remains somewhat unpredictable, that is often where we see breakout running backs come from. It’s the unpredictability that leads to a lower sticker price, and even in committee approaches, we often see one backleap his way to the top of the mountain. Herbert, entering his third season in the NFL, is the one mainstay in the Bears backfield, giving him the upper hand over D’Onta Foreman and Roschon Johnson. The current staff got to witness Herbert’s explosiveness last season and benefit from his remarkable efficiency. It’s one reason they opted not to pay David Montgomery this offseason.

Herbert led the entire NFL in yards per attempt last season with 5.67, but what really stood out was his 3.67 yards after contact per attempt. In other words, he wasn’t only taking advantage of what was blocked for him but creating yards after contact. The questions surrounding Herbert come in the form of the passing game. Pass blocking isn’t his calling card, and he’s managed just 153 receiving yards through two seasons, but he’s not incapable, evidenced by his 56-yard touchdown reception in the Bears’ first preseason game. Foreman and Johnson will undoubtedly get a piece of the pie, but as long as Herbert can maintain a sizeable share, there’s no reason he can’t surge into RB1/2 status.

Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT) ADP 166, RB49

The Steelers backup running back has generated plenty of buzz lately with a strong preseason showing, but Jaylen Warren has quietly been the best back on the roster for the last calendar year. While Najee Harris butters his bread with volume, Warren makes his touches count with efficiency. Last season, Warren finished 10^th among all running backs in yards per carry with 4.92 and 16^th in yards after contact per attempt with 3.08. He was 16^th in yards per target with 6.69 and 17^th in yards after catch per reception with 8.43 while receiving a PFF receiving grade of 79.8, the third-highest mark among running backs.

He scored on a 62-yard scamper in the Steelers’ second preseason game, showcasing his big play ability, and has taken some early down snaps with the starters this summer. I anticipate Warren’s role to continue growing throughout the season, particularly when the offense needs a big play, an element that’s missing from Harris’ game.

Tank Bigsby (RB – JAC) ADP 169, RB50

One of my favorite running back prospects heading into the NFL Draft, Tank Bigsby, has showcased my reasoning throughout training camp and the preseason. Although it’s unlikely that he overtakes Travis Etienne, I can see a solid tandem forming between the two. Bigsby is certainly capable of doing the dirty work and picking up tough yards, but his pass-catching ability is also an underrated aspect of his game. I was hopeful that the rookie would land in an offense with a path to a three-down role. While that’s not the case in Jacksonville, it’s encouraging to hear Doug Pederson talk highly of him, a coach with a history of utilizing multiple backs. The Jaguars offense is in a position to take a big leap forward this year, and Bigsby appears capable of taking advantage and enjoying some fantasy success.

Serious question: why isn’t Tank Bigsby getting more love?

His 976 rushing yards last season don’t stand out, but 740 of those came after contact. That’s 76% of his rushing yards after contact❗️

Contact balance is one of my biggest green flags for RBs, but that’s not all he has

— Fantasy Football Stoic (@tweetsbychad) April 21, 2023