The class of rookie running backs is deep in 2017. While Leonard Fournette is the clear top rookie back available to fantasy owners, there are several others who could make an impact this season. Here are the top 10 rookies in the field, with comments for the top five:
2017 fantasy football rankings: Rookie running backs
We take a look at how the rookie class of running backs stacks up in fantasy football following the 2017 NFL draft.
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He is going to make a much greater impact in non-PPR leagues, but Fournette dominated the college game in 2015 and 2016 before being limited last season by injury. He finds himself in a terrific situation in Jacksonville, where Chris Ivory and T.J. Yeldon should offer just token resistance in Fournette’s quest of the lead back role. Jacksonville’s passing attack took an enormous step backward in 2016, and having a reliable power back like Fournette to keep defenses honest could lead to a heavy workload as a rookie. Unlike perhaps any other rookie, Fournette is worthy of first- or second-round consideration.
2. Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
If Fournette is a non-PPR target, McCaffrey is exactly what we’re looking for in a PPR monster. He was an all-purpose stud at Stanford and should make serious inroads into Jonathan Stewart’s playing time. McCaffrey offers Cam Newton an entirely new look as a pass-catching back and should make a decent impact in his rookie year. He should be considered a PPR RB2.
Cook fell in the draft for myriad reasons, and he’s already got newcomer Latavius Murray and incumbent Jerick McKinnon to contend with. All that said, if Cook shows enough this summer to earn touches, he has a chance to make an impact, especially as a late-round selection or waiver pickup. Keep an eye on his camp progress, as he could be a solid sleeper.
Mixon has plenty of off-field baggage, and the Bengals already have Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard. But like Cook, if Mixon can move himself up the depth chart, he becomes a legitimate PPR option, as he possesses all the skills necessary to be a solid runner and pass catcher. Bernard is coming off an ACL injury and rumors are swirling that Hill is on the way out, so Mixon’s path to playing time might not be blocked at all.
5. Kareem Hunt, Kansas City Chiefs
Hunt is exactly the kind of pass-catching back that Andy Reid just loves, and he can be expected to earn a third-down role, making him valuable in PPR leagues. If anything happens to Spencer Ware, Hunt could become the starter here, which would make him extremely valuable in all leagues. He’s worth a mid-round look.
6. Samaje Perine, Washington
7. Jamaal Williams, Green Bay Packers
8. Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts
9. D’Onta Foreman, Houston Texans
10. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
