The running back dead zone has generally been between the third and sixth rounds. Running backs in this range have struggled historically compared to wide receivers and even tight ends in the same span.
A couple of factors go into the running back dead zone. The top one is fantasy players pushing running backs up in the ADP after seeing an early run at the position in the first two rounds. However, that has changed over the past few years. The general public has become more willing to draft wide receivers early in their fantasy drafts.
With more wide receivers getting drafted in the first two rounds, running backs have been more appropriately ranked and drafted. While the dead zone isn’t as significant as in the past, there are several wide receivers that fantasy players should target running backs in this range.
Let’s look at my favorite wide receivers to draft inside the running back dead zone this year.
- 2024 Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Dynasty Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2024 Best Ball Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- Free Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
Wide Receivers to Targets Inside the Running Back Dead Zone
Jaylen Waddle (MIA): ADP 29.6 | WR16
Waddle is coming off a disappointing 2023 season. He was the WR34, averaging 11.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, the former Alabama star missed three games because of injuries and left others early. Yet, Waddle averaged 7.4 targets per game, up from 6.9 in his first year playing alongside Tyreek Hill. More importantly, the explosive receiver is an outstanding route runner. Waddle posted the fifth-highest yards per route run (2.93) average among wide receivers with at least 25 targets last season (per Fantasy Points Data).
Malik Nabers (NYG): ADP 43.3 | WR24
The Giants will have one of the worst passing offenses this year because of their quarterback situation. However, Nabers will succeed because of his expected high target share. The team lacks a proven pass-catcher following Darren Waller’s retirement. Meanwhile, Nabers ranked first in the NFL Draft class in yards per route run (3.64) among wide receivers with at least 20 targets last season (per PFF). The former LSU star has made several highlight-reel receptions during practice. Don’t be surprised if Nabers is a top-15 wide receiver as a rookie.
Amari Cooper (CLE): ADP 46.7 | WR25
Cleveland started five quarterbacks last year. Yet, Cooper was the WR18, averaging more half-point PPR fantasy points per game (12.7) than Davante Adams, Michael Pittman Jr. and Chris Olave. Furthermore, the veteran was outstanding playing with any quarterback besides Dorian Thompson-Robinson. Cooper averaged 15.1 fantasy points per game in the 12 contests he played that Thompson-Robinson didn’t start, which would have made him the WR6 on a points-per-game basis. If Deshaun Watson stays healthy for all 17 games, Cooper could be a top-12 receiver despite the addition of Jerry Jeudy.
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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.
