NFL DRAFT ROOKIE GUIDE IS NOW LIVE!

Running Backs in the News: (June 20, 2019)

Leonard Fournette Jacksonville Jaguars
Source: Icon Sportswire

Benny Cunningham RB (JAX)

Benny Cunningham Looking good for roster spot: Cunningham's pass-catching skill gives him a good chance to make the 53-man roster in Jacksonville, Daniel Popper of The Athletic reports.

What it means: Cunningham primarily has served as a special teams player and third-down back throughout his career, handling 191 carries and 147 targets. He was barely used last season in Chicago, but he still has an area of expertise that differentiates him from the other running backs on Jacksonville's roster. Alfred Blue has 673 career carries and just 69 receptions, while rookie fifth-round pick Ryquell Armstead (hamstring) caught 29 passes for 175 yards (6.0 average) in four seasons at Temple. It appears the Jaguars will use either Cunningham or starter Leonard Fournette on passing downs.

Cunningham isn't currently being drafted in fantasy drafts right now.

Nyheim Hines RB (IND)

Nyheim Hines Seen as third-down back: Hines is expected to handle third-down duties with Marlon Mack as the lead back, head coach Frank Reich told the Indianapolis Star Tribune.

Fantasy impact: Reich made his comments after Indy's recent minicamp as Hines has retained his third-down role during spring practices despite the Colts adding Spencer Ware to the backfield. Ware will battle Jordan Wilkins and Jonathan Williams for the No. 2 RB role.

It's possible to track the change in Nyheim Hines's fantasy value over time by looking at where he's drafted. According to the latest PPR average draft position data, he's being drafted in at the 12.01 spot.

Keep an eye out on his value going forward.

Nyheim Hines Average Draft Position PPR

David Fluellen RB (TEN)

David Fluellen Bulks up: Fluellen gained 16-17 pounds in the offseason, Jim Wyatt of the Titans' official site reports.

Our take: Fluellen won't factor heavily into the offensive gameplan barring injury, with both Derrick Henry and Dion Lewis firmly ahead of him on the depth chart. However, his added muscle will give him the chance to also work as the team's fullback -- another avenue for him to stick on the roster. Last season, Fluellen carried the ball just four times for 16 yards.

Fluellen isn't currently being drafted in fantasy drafts right now.

Carlos Hyde RB (KC)

Carlos Hyde Eyeing pass-catcher role: Hyde has lined up with Damien Williams in the backfield on occasion and has been frequently used as a receiver at minicamp,

Fantasy impact: With Damien Williams already being named the team's starting running back to open 2019, Hyde will have to settle for, at best, the top backup role. Although he's new to the squad, Hyde's experience likely means he will face less of a learning curve than rookie Darwin Thompson. The veteran seems like the favorite to slot in as the No. 2 back and could see a healthy dose of targets if he can prove to the coaching staff he's a reliable pass-catcher. Considering he's just a year removed from 59 receptions in 2017, it shouldn't be too difficult of a task for him.

Up until now, Carlos Hyde has been drafted at the 10.05 in PPR leagues.

Keep an eye out on his value going forward.

Carlos Hyde Average Draft Position PPR

Wayne Gallman RB (NYG)

Wayne Gallman Involved in RB competition: Gallman has competition in the form of Rod Smith and Paul Perkins for the backup job to starting running back Saquon Barkley, Lance Medow of the Giants' official site reports.

What it means: Barkley laid waste to the NFL as a rookie, earning the highest offensive snap share (83 percent) of any RB not name Christian McCaffrey . With few reps available to the rest of the backfield, no other Giants back made much noise, but Gallman did manage 265 yards from scrimmage and one TD on 65 touches. The group was bolstered in the offseason with the addition of Rod Smith via free agency and the return to health of Paul Perkins after a year away from the field due to a torn pectoral. Because Barkley handles most of the reps, the team may consider keeping just three running backs on the final 53-man roster, which may mean Gallman, Smith and Perkins are competing for two spots.

Gallman isn't currently being drafted in fantasy drafts right now.

News and analysis powered by RotoWire.


Filed under: Free Articles