DAN’S PICK: If you don’t jump on one of the top running backs early, you should probably wait until later and try to grab a bunch of the lottery ticket guys.
1. Christian McCaffrey, CAR
1387 rushing yards, 1005 receiving yards, 19 TDs, 413.2 points.
We wouldn’t expect him to play 98% of his team’s snaps again, but he’s still the consensus first-overall pick.
2. Saquon Barkley, NYG
1003 rushing yards, 438 receiving yards, 8 TDs, 218.1 points.
Even while being limited by a high-ankle sprain for a lot of the season, finished sixth in points per game.
3. Ezekiel Elliott, DAL
1357 rushing yards, 420 receiving yards, 14 TDs, 284.7 points.
Has been a top-five RB in every season except 2017, when he was suspended for six games.
4. Alvin Kamara, NO
797 rushing yards, 533 receiving yards, 6 TDs, 208.2 points.
Training camp “holdout†puts question mark on his status heading into drafts, but should work out for the best.
5. Derrick Henry, TEN
1540 rushing yards, 206 receiving yards, 18 TDs, 285.6 points.
His 18 receptions last year were a career-high, which limits his PPR value. Incredible on the ground, though.
6. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC
2020 rookie
Chiefs first-round pick steps right into starting role after Damien Williams’ opt-out.
7. Dalvin Cook, MIN
1135 rushing yards, 519 receiving yards, 13 TDs, 265.9 points.
We’re not 100% he won’t hold out for the season, but on the field, he finished as RB2 in PPR points per game.
8. Joe Mixon, CIN
1137 rushing yards, 287 receiving yards, 8 TDs, 207.9 points.
Finished as a high-end RB2 last season despite playing in one of the league’s worst offences.
9. Miles Sanders, PHI
818 rushing yards, 509 receiving yards, 6 TDs, 193.7 points.
Has the potential to put up top-10 numbers, but needs the same volume he got to finish 2019 and is already ailing.
10. Josh Jacobs, LV
1150 rushing yards, 166 receiving yards, 7 TDs, 181.6 points.
Reportedly has been in on the passing game more, which could vault him clearly into RB1 territory.
11. Aaron Jones, GB
1084 rushing yards, 474 receiving yards, 19 TDs, 290.3 points.
A surefire candidate for regression in TDs, 2019 was also the first season Jones played all 16 games.
12. Austin Ekeler, LAC
557 rushing yards, 993 receiving yards, 11 TDs, 263 points.
Was the RB2 overall until Melvin Gordon ended his holdout, now he’s the undisputed top RB for LAC.
13. Nick Chubb, CLE
1494 rushing yards, 278 receiving yards, 8 TDs, 237.2 points.
Trailed only Henry in rushing yards last season, but Kareem Hunt’s presence limits receiving opportunities.
14. Kenyan Drake, ARI
817 rushing yards, 345 receiving yards, 8 TDs, 189.2 points.
Was on fire after being traded to Arizona, finishing as the RB4 in the second half of the season.
15. Chris Carson, SEA
1230 rushing yards, 266 receiving yards, 9 TDs, 214.1 points.
He’s the starting RB for one of the league’s most run-heavy offences, but fumbles are a huge problem.
16. James Conner, PIT
464 rushing yards, 251 receiving yards, 7 TDs, 128.5 points.
Is the Steelers’ unquestioned feature back, but injuries are an issue, as is Big Ben’s return from surgery.
17. Todd Gurley II, ATL
857 rushing yards, 207 receiving yards, 14 TDs, 203.9 points.
Nagging knee issues are a massive risk, but reward could be worth it in Falcons offence.
18. David Johnson, HOU
345 rushing yards, 370 receiving yards, 6 TDs, 123.5 points.
A former elite-level fantasy performer, Johnson has a chance for a big season as the Texans lead RB.
19. Melvin Gordon III, DEN
612 rushing yards, 296 receiving yards, 9 TDs, 159.8 points.
Should be the lead dog in Denver after getting a nice contract, giving him some RB1 potential.
20. Jonathan Taylor, IND
2020 rookie
Second-rounder should work his way into the Colts’ lead role before long, which provides big fantasy value.
21. Raheem Mostert, SF
772 rushing yards, 180 receiving yards, 10 TDs, 158.2 points.
Was a top-five RB last season on a per-touch basis and figures to get a bigger workload.
22. Cam Akers, LAR
2020 rookie
Could be in line to take over Gurley’s lead role in Rams offence, or just part of a committee.
23. Mark Ingram II, BAL
1018 rushing yards, 247 receiving yards, 15 TDs, 229.5 points.
Starter for the league’s most run-heavy offence, but the Ravens are likely to spread the carries more.
24. Le’Veon Bell, NYJ
789 rushing yards, 461 receiving yards, 4 TDs, 182 points.
We’re not even sure if his own coach wants him, but he is the Jets’ most talented RB.
25. Kareem Hunt, CLE
179 rushing yards, 285 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 82.9 points.
The best handcuff in the draft, Hunt was a top-20 RB as Chubb’s backup after returning from suspension.
26. Leonard Fournette, TB
1152 rushing yards, 855 receiving yards, 3 TDs, 221.4 points.
Hard to tell how much playing time the former Jags first-rounder will be getting in Tampa.
27. Devin Singletary, BUF
775 rushing yards, 194 receiving yards, 4 TDs, 133.4 points.
Is likely to lose out to rookie Zach Moss on passing downs and at the goal line, but certainly has RB2 upside.
28. Jordan Howard, MIA
525 rushing yards, 69 receiving yards, 7 TDs, 106.4 points.
Has little competition for the featured role in Miami and has a surprisingly good track record.
29. D’Andre Swift, DET
2020 rookie
Lions didn’t utilize their RBs much last season and will likely go with a committee approach at least early on.
30. David Montgomery, CHI
889 receiving yards, 185 receiving yards, 7 TDs, 157.9 points.
Currently sidelined with a groin injury, once he gets up and running, will be Chicago’s lead back.
THE BEST OF THE REST
Antonio Gibson, WAS
2020 rookie
Seemingly has the highest fantasy upside of a very crowded backfield.
Ryquell Armstead, JAC
108 rushing yards, 144 receiving yards, 2 TDs, 44.2 points.
Will likely see the most action out of the Jaguars RBs, but that’s not for certain.
J.K. Dobbins, BAL
2020 rookie
Shaping up to have a role in the offence regardless and could step up in a big way if Ingram’s hurt.
Tevin Coleman, SF
544 rushing yards, 180 receiving yards, 7 TDs, 124.9 points.
Led Niners RBs in target share last season and was the preferred choice around the goal line.
Ronald Jones II, TB
724 rushing yards, 309 receiving yards, 6 TDs, 150.8 points.
Coach Arians gave him a glowing endorsement after the Fournette signing, but do you trust him?
Kerryon Johnson, DET
403 rushing yards, 127 receiving yards, 4 TDs, 80 points.
Struggled to stay on the field and now seems to be behind rookie Swift.
Damian Harris, NE
12 rushing yards, 0 receiving yards, 1.2 points.
Tipped as the most complete Patriots running back, we’ll wait and see.
Zach Moss, BUF
2020 rookie
Has impressed in camp and should get work near the goal line and on passing downs.
James White, NE
263 rushing yards, 645 receiving yards, 6 TDs, 164.2 points.
Has excelled as the Pats’ passing down RB for years.
Marlon Mack, IND
1091 rushing yards, 82 receiving yards, 8 TDs, 174.3 points.
At worst, we think he’ll be in a time share with Taylor to start the season.
Phillip Lindsay, DEN
1011 rushing yards, 196 receiving yards, 7 TDs, 180.2 points.
Should get some work still, but is behind Gordon looking for touches.