Top 15 Sophomore Running Backs
This may be one of the greatest sophomore running back classes I can remember in all my years playing fantasy football. I honestly finished my Top 15 wondering if I left some quality backs out that just missed the cut. I believe whole heartedly that there are more than 15 sophomore backs that either have the talent or are in the right situation to make a fantasy impact, whether it be in 2014 or the not too distant future. Ordering them was very difficult, I could have easily switched anyone from 1 to 5. I had a lot of fun researching and writing this article, so I hope you enjoy reading it.
RB Eddie Lacy, --- - Stud (low risk)
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Lacy slipped in both the NFL and fantasy drafts in 2013. This was because of injury and weight issues. If you look back now at his play in college (particularly the BCS National Championship game), everyone that passed on this guy has to be kicking themselves. He is the definition of a power runner that caught the ball better than many thought he would. The scary part is he can still get better from here, much better. As long as Lacy stays healthy, he has every opportunity to be an elite back in Green Bay. That passing game only helps by pulling players out of the box and opening holes, and they know they are better when they feed him. He brings something to the Packers they haven't had in years, and it will show. I expect them to use him more than a kid uses a new toy.
RB Montee Ball, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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Not only is Ball super talented, but Peyton Manning is his quarterback. When Manning is the QB, running backs play well. It may be because of the pressure they put on the D with their passing game, how he reads a defense and audibles, or all of the above. He has had a year to work on his blocking and ball security (which kept him off the field at times in 2013) for the more trustworthy Knowshon Moreno. Ball has more than proven to be a versatile back that has the ability to find the end zone in his college days. I expect him to be a significant upgrade to Moreno. Just look at his numbers from last year!
RB Le'Veon Bell, --- - Stud (low risk)
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Bell is a workhorse back that can run inside, outside, block, and catch the ball. The Steelers got him for one reason: to pound the ball. They wanted an old school back that can carry the ball 30 times(if needed) and catch the ball out of the backfield. He was hindered early last year with a foot injury, but has proven to be durable over his college career. I expect a huge year out of Bell, and have no worries about any other backs taking his touches. The Steelers historically love this type of back, and have been searching for him for a while now. Expect Bell to get Pitt back to what they do best.
RB Andre Ellington, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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Andre Ellington is the man of the hour. I've received more messages about Andre Ellington than any other player. Some people love him and some hate him, but everyone wants to talk about Andre Ellington. As you can see by the fact that he's number four on this list, I'm high on him. If he gets the 25-30 touches they claim he will, he can be elite. He has almost no competition in Arizona and their O-line is expected to be improved. He had great numbers last year with limited touches; if that translates, he's a top fantasy back. Everything is set up for Ellington to have a MONSTER year; the only concern is if he can handle the major workload they intend on giving him. *FFToolbox Breakout Candidate
RB Giovani Bernard, --- - Stud (low risk)
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I believe Bernard is the most talented back on this list. However, his situation pushes him back to the five slot. He's in a somewhat crowded backfield after the Bengals drafted yet another running back this year (and the Law Firm is still in the mix). His talent may very well overpower all of that. This guy is quick, explosive, can catch, run, and make plays all over the field. He can make defenders miss and is a big play threat every time he touches the ball. Bernard was my favorite rookie last year; if not for other backs being in better situations, he would be my top sophomore. If all things were even, Bernard would be the most talented back on this list.
RB Zac Stacy, --- - Solid/Safe Pick
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Stacy was arguably the most surprising and impressive rookie back of 2013. He did a lot with a little. He had to earn his place as starter, and boy was that offense bad without him. With Bradford out, Amendola gone, and Tavon Austin unproductive, it was all on Stacy. He only averaged 3.9 YPC, but he was all they had. Defenses quickly began to key on him, and the Rams just kept pounding him into the D. However, there is a lot of rumblings about rookie Tre Mason. Stacy (who looked to be a sure fire top back) now has some competition.
RB Khiry Robinson, --- - Sleeper (undervalued)
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Robinson had a limited role last season, but looked good when he got his opportunities. With Sproles gone and Mark Ingram being almost completely useless, Robinson should get plenty of opportunities in 2014. He will most likely end up splitting touches with Pierre Thomas; which ever player has the hot hand will most likely be getting the most touches. Robinson is definitely a back to keep your eye on in 2014. *FFToolbox Breakout Candidate
RB Mike James, DET - Fantasy Handcuff
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Who? Mike James! Who? Mike James! Hopefully someone gets my Mike Jones reference. Mike James (another fine product of "The U") played shockingly well last year when given the opportunity. However, it was short lived. After getting the starting nod due to injuries, he also succumbed to injury. With a new coach, healthy Doug Martin, and the Bucs drafting a rookie back, a lot is up in the air in the Tampa backfield. The talent is there, but health and situation is a big question. As usual, my admitted Miami bias may have moved him up this list a little bit, but I've been watching this guy for years and know what he's capable of.
RB Christine Michael, --- - Fantasy Handcuff
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Everyone talks about how much they love his talent. And I believe the talent is there, but he has one major issue: "Beast Mode". There is a skittle eating, injury cart stealing, dreadlocked monster that must be fed ahead of him on the depth chart. There have been conflicting reports out of Seattle. Apparently they want to get Michael more touches without decreasing Lynch's touches. Michael could be a very good back, but unless Lynch gets injured, I don't see the Seahawks going away from Lynch all that often.
RB Knile Davis, --- - Fantasy Handcuff
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The jury is still out on Davis for me. Charles isn't the most durable back (and they do give other backs the chance to get some touches), but Charles is the undisputed top guy in KC. Davis will get some touches, but he is nothing more than a handcuff with a lot of upside at this point. I do expect him to get more touches than most handcuffs would.
RB Johnathan Franklin, --- - Fantasy Handcuff
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Franklin is a very talented running back out of UCLA. He is another guy that may not get much opportunity. They will run Eddie Lacy until the wheels fall off, but that's when Franklin comes in. Lacy has had durability issues, and I believe Franklin (if given the opportunity) could be a very strong handcuff for Lacy.
RB Latavius Murray, --- - Dynasty Only
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Murray is completely unproven, but a lot of people liked him as a rookie sleeper last year. I like his situation more than backs 8-11, but since he has as many NFL carries as me (after going on IR last August), I have a hard time putting him any higher. He is a very big back, and could very well get plenty of opportunity in Oakland. The backs ahead of him are the rapidly aging MJD and the oft injured Darren McFadden (who may be injured by the time this article comes out). He may very well take the reins and at some point become the Raiders' starting back. He does have one huge flaw though: He plays for the Raiders, and I have such a hard time trusting them. Please someone name me a reliable Raider since Tim Brown. I know that may be an exaggeration, but you get my point. *2015 Starting RB Candidate
RB Marcus Lattimore, --- - Sleeper (undervalued)
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If healthy, he is talented enough to be as good as anybody on this list. However, that's a huge "If". Lattimore really destroyed his knee, and could very well never be the same. That, coupled with the fact that the 49ers have one of the most crowded backfields in the NFL, puts Lattimore at 13. He is a guy with huge upside that you can most likely draft very late.
RB Kenjon Barner, --- - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)
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I love this kid. Barner looked very good last preseason before getting injured. He really never worked his way back into a crowded rotation, but Stewart and Williams aren't what they used to be, and Tolbert is what he is. Barner may be a dark horse, but I'm telling you right now: do not let this kid fall off your radar. I have a hunch that this kid will get a shot this season and make the most of it. This is one of my deep sleepers that I really like. Don't forget the name Kenjon Barner.
RB Mike Gillislee, --- - Not Draft Worthy
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Gillislee is a talented back coming out of Florida that I really like. He is in a crowded backfield, but the silver lining is that crowd isn't all that impressive. Thomas and Miller struggled last year, and I expect Gillislee to jump Thomas (if Thomas even makes the roster). Knowshon Moreno is expected to be the top guy, but he has had his own injury issues and we really aren't sure if he is good or a product of Peyton Manning's offense. Gillislee is a long shot, a very long shot, but I like his talent more than I liked some other sophomores who are in better situations. If you get a back in a great situation that just isn't good, that really doesn't help you. Sometimes we forget that opportunity isn't the only thing to look at when it comes to running backs, you also need talent.
Gillislee edged out Stepfan Taylor, Joseph Randle, and C.J. Anderson for the last spot on this list. Stepfan Taylor, CJ Anderson, and Joseph Randle are all in great handcuff situations. Taylor because he is the top backup, Anderson because he will be the second or maybe third guy in a Peyton Manning offense, and Randle because DeMarco Murray is so injury prone. Those are some other guys to look into that could have very easily been on this list.