I’ve got news for you, folks. It may be shocking to read. I regret to inform you, the workhorse running back is DEAD! We know the handful of backs that will get the bulk of carries, but let’s talk about two underrated options. You should draft these running backs. Whether it be through injuries, or gameplans, they’re going to get their touches.
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Dangerous Duo
Projecting Over 600 Rushing Yards + 5TDs On The Season For Each Of These Talents
Gus Edwards
Mark Ingram is gone now, so this is going to be a two-headed backfield. I’m not as high on JK Dobbins as other people, considering he really is the backup RB to Lamar Jackson, rushing for 200 fewer yards, last year. On top of that, he has to split carries with our guy, Gus Edwards.
Edwards will earn a true split, as there is no designated goal-line back. Harbaugh tends to go with the hot hand. Edwards finished with under 100 yards less than Dobbins last year (on ten more carries). He also had six TDs. Only three less than Dobbins. Edwards just signed a new deal and I think Harbaugh is more likely to call Edwards the 1B, rather than the 2nd string running back. He’s not some passing-down back. He’s very talented. The Ravens are going to get plenty of red zone opportunities so I don’t think you can go wrong drafting Gus Edwards if you don’t want to spend up on Dobbins’ ADP.
Jaret Patterson
People want to assume an Antonio Gibson workhorse role since he finished RB13 last year, and he’s young, but I think he’ll get a very similar workload to last year. Remember, he opted to not get surgery on the pesky and incredibly painful turf toe injury. He’s going to be one of those guys that may carry a questionable tag every game this year. Enter Jaret Patterson. The 5’6″ 200lb back made his name in college last year with the INSANE 409 yards and 8TD performance in a SINGLE GAME. The dude is simply electric, and to be honest, I think people are way too high on Gibson this year. The league has long been gravitating toward RB by committee and I don’t think Gibson will escape that. Patterson reminds me so much of Kareem Hunt, it’s crazy. The hometown kid will get plenty of touches. Keep your eye on him!
For more Rankings and Analysis please check out our full 2021 Fantasy Football Draft Kit.
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