Washington running back Alfred Morris has been one of the top rushers in the league the past two years, and 2014 looks to be more of the same. In addition to his usual rushing skills, Morris seems to have improved as a pass catcher. Fullback Darrel Young noted that Morris is "catching everything" and head coach Jay Gruden praised his work ethic, via the Washington Post:
Alfred Morris improving as pass catcher, should continue being strong fantasy asset
Alfred Morris is having another solid training camp and is drawing praise for his improved ability in pass catching. We break down the fantasy implications.
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“He just comes to work every day, he makes his reads, he makes his cuts, does what he’s supposed to do,” Gruden said. “Just about everything about him is an impressive to me - the way he prepares, the way he works, the way he practices.”
A sixth-round pick in 2012, Morris rushed for 1,275 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He has been less of a factor in the passing game, however, recording just 20 receptions in two years.
Fantasy impact: Fantasy owners have good reasons to be skeptical of Morris this year, namely the lack of pass-catching involvement and the loss of offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan. Still, Morris should continue to get volume as Washington’s workhorse, and if he continues improving on catching the ball he might even hold off Roy Helu on passing downs. Morris is a steady RB2 in standard leagues, although PPR owners should bump him down a few spots in their rankings.
