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.
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.
Wide Receivers to Targets Inside the Running Back Dead Zone
ADP via FantasyPros
Many believe Pickens will have a breakout season after the Steelers traded away Diontae Johnson. The former Georgia star was outstanding in the four games without Johnson last year. He was the WR13, averaging 14.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game during those four weeks, posting the eighth-highest fantasy points per route ran rate (0.49) among wide receivers with at least 110 routes (per Fantasy Points Data). Expect Pickens to be significantly better on downfield throws after the Steelers upgraded at quarterback with Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason.
The Texans have arguably the most talented wide receiver core in the NFL. While Houston traded for Stefon Diggs and gave Nico Collins a massive extension, don’t forget about Dell. The explosive receiver missed the final five games of his rookie year with a broken fibula. However, he was the WR16 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 12.9 half-point PPR fantasy points per contest, posting a higher average than DK Metcalf, DeVonta Smith and Rashee Rice. While Collins should get drafted ahead of him, Dell is underrated at his WR29 ADP.
Kirk is the perfect combination of safe floor and upside at the wide receiver position. He was the WR11 in 2022, averaging 11.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game as Trevor Lawrence’s No. 1 guy. Furthermore, Kirk was the WR16, averaging 11.7 fantasy points per game from Week 2 through Week 12 last season, despite Calvin Ridley seeing a 20% target per route run rate during those contests (per Fantasy Points Data). He should dominate the middle of the field with Gabe Davis and Brian Thomas Jr. challenging defenses downfield.\
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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.
