Half of the NFL Preseason is now in the books. This week we saw more of the rookie class and started to feel out who has potential to make an impact in fantasy once the regular gets underway. So to that end, here are some notable rookie running backs that looked impressive in preseason Week 2 and have the potential to make an impact for fantasy owners.
Fantasy Football 2017: Performance of Rookie Running Backs in Preseason Week 2
A look at the most notable rookie running back performances of preseason Week 2.
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Cook was stronger in the backfield for Minnesota this week. He rushed seven times for 40 yards and caught a pass for 10 yards against the Seahawks. Cook once gain started the game and payed every snap with the first team against a notable first team Seattle defense.
It is safe to say Cook has won the starting role for the Vikings and neither Latavius Murray or Jerick McKinnon’s return will change that. The Vikings second-round pick just became the hottest fantasy find. The Vikings still have a weak offensive line is weak and Cook is bound to feel the effects of that, but he is shaping up to be the Viking work horse. Owners should get a good pay off from Cook this season.
Fournette missed the second week of preseason with a foot injury. The fourth overall pick struggled with foot and ankle problems throughout his college career. The Jaguars are planning to take things slow with Fournette, however he is still expected to start Week 1 of the regular season.
Fournette’s debut was strong enough that fantasy owners should not be too concerned that he sat Week 2. However, his injury history is something to keep in mind. As long as he can hold up, the first round pick will carry the rushing load for Jacksonville. He stock may have dipped a little, but Fournette is still a high-end RB2 if not RB1.
Chris Carson, Seattle Seahawks
Carson, a very under-the-radar draft pick, once again looked good in the Seahawks backfield rushing for 27 yards on six carries and catching one pass for 17 yards. He also played nine snaps with the first team offense in preseason Week 2. The 249th overall pick made his career debut rushing seven times for 19 yards and two touchdowns against the Chargers.
Carson, a seventh round draft pick for Seattle, looks to have worked his way into a Rushing Committee with Eddie Lacy. The rookie is heating things up in camp while the rest of the backfield is struggling or battling injuries. Carson is a sleeper with a lot of potential. Owners should keep an eye on him and the state of the running backs in Seattle.
McCaffrey backed up his solid NFL debut with another powerful performance in preseason Week 2. He rushed three times for 33 yards and a touchdown and also caught two passes for 39 yards. The eighth overall pick made the most of his four snaps with the starters breaking off two back-to-back double digit runs.
McCaffrey is a player to watch in Carolina. He is showing that he will be a factor for the Panthers this season and could challenge Jonathan Stewart for the starting role at some pint this season. He will get a good amount of touches for sure and is a very strong mid round draft pick.
