You're On The Clock
It's almost time for your league's Fantasy Draft, where you'll make your most challenging choices in the middle of your draft.
Drafting a stud will be easy when you begin your fantasy football draft. But things get more complicated when you enter the seventh round or later. Therefore, you need to prepare for these challenges and know which player is the best to select in your fantasy football draft.
Being prepared is why we do Mock Drafts, but in this article, we will dive a little deeper and analyze James Conner, Zamir White, and Zach Moss while debating the best pick for your fantasy football draft. There are plenty of factors, such as common bye weeks and teams. Here are some things you need to know before your fantasy football draft. For context, we will be analyzing these players based on PPR settings.
James Conner
ADP: 57 | RB19
James Conner does not get the respect he deserves. Despite rushing 208 times for 1,040 yards and seven touchdowns, many don't think highly of Conner as a league-winning running back because he plays for the Arizona Cardinals, who have not had a good offense in recent seasons.
But people have good reasons to feel a little weary. Last year, Conner rushed over 1,000 yards for the first time despite being in the NFL in six seasons. Many consider last year's effort a fluke. Let's assume you are in a 12-person league, which means you might see Conner hanging around in the fifth round. Ultimately, whether you draft him may depend on several factors. Have you already drafted two running backs? Conversely, you may have waited and only drafted one running back, meaning the next pick will be the second running back.
Conner's resilience is truly inspiring. Despite struggling with injuries, including a knee injury that caused him to miss four games, he still managed to rush over 1,000 yards. Even more impressive, he finished as the RB13, a testament to his skill and determination. His ability to overcome these challenges is a quality that fantasy football players can admire and consider when making their draft decisions.
Conner is also in the final year of his contract. That usually means he will be more motivated to earn a new contract, especially at age 29. Conner also benefitted from being on the team with the second-best rushing percentage in the NFL. Yes, the Cards drafted Marvin Harrison Jr., and Kyler Murray will be fully healthy. But if the Cardinals want to improve, they will get Conner going to have a balanced offense. If you get to the fifth round and he is available in your fantasy football draft, he would be a good option for you.
Zamir White
ADP: 71 | RB24
Zamir White was supposed to be this electric runner when the Las Vegas Raiders drafted him in the fourth round in 2022. But it has not worked out that way. Unfortunately, he was stuck behind Josh Jacobs and did not really get a chance to showcase what he could do until last season. Jacobs endured a season-ending quad injury in Week 14, which meant it was time for White to shine. White then showed the Raiders they were right to draft him when he turned 93 touches into 457 yards from the line of scrimmage last season. Somehow, he would find a way to keep going even after the initial hit.
White rushed 104 times for 451 yards and four touchdowns for an average of 4.3 yards per carry while also catching 15 of 19 targets for 98 yards. Jacobs is gone after signing a contract with the Green Bay Packers. Assuming that the Raiders elect to use White in the same manner they used Jacobs, there is so much potential for this to be the steal of the draft. Additionally, the only competition he has is Alexander Mattison, who failed to snag the starting job in Minnesota, and Dylan Laube, a sixth-round draft pick who has drawn comparisons to Austin Ekeler.
The only concern is that the Raiders' rushing percentage was only 21st last season. However, they will also have a quarterback battle between Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew, so they may run the ball more, making him a solid option for your fantasy football draft.
Zach Moss
ADP: 78 | RB25
Zach Moss has found himself in a new home again after leaving the Indianapolis Colts to sign a new deal with the Cincinnati Bengals. Ultimately, he gained this deal after getting a fresh chance to show off last year when Jonathan Taylor was out, rushing 183 times for 794 yards and five touchdowns while averaging 4.3 yards per carry.
Moss also benefits from the Bengals' decision to trade Joe Mixon to the Houston Texans. Ultimately, that means that he has control of the starting job unless he stumbles. The only issue he might run into is that the Bengals are a passing team, as they ranked second in passing percentage last season. Plus, Joe Burrow has multiple mouths to feed and will be more likely to pass to Ja'marr Chase or Tee Higgins than check down to him.
Moss can be an electric player when it comes time to select him during your fantasy football draft. But don't overdraft him, expecting him to be the best runner in your league.
So, Who's The Best Pick For You?
Any of these three running backs would be great third options for your team. Remember, it's crucial to start your fantasy football draft with a stud running back and an above-average running back. Even if you choose to go heavy on wide receivers early, you still need a good running back before it is time to select one of these three. This reassurance should give you confidence in your draft strategy.
When looking at the best options for the season, Moss is the pick. Let me explain why. Before last season, Conner had struggled with injuries and inconsistency, which is always a significant danger in fantasy football. White has potential but is too raw and untested, and defenses might stack the box on him, especially with Gardner or O'Connell starting.
Moss is the answer because of all the amazing things he has done over two seasons and because of the team he plays on. Yes, the Bengals pass the ball a lot. But because they pass the ball a lot, defenses will not be as focused on Moss as much. Furthermore, Moss has the breakaway speed that will suit him. If he can achieve his full potential, he could easily replicate Mixon's impressive performance, who rushed 257 times for 1,034 yards and nine touchdowns. This potential for greatness should fill you with hope and optimism for your fantasy football draft.
Moss has a fantastic flex upside because of the volume he will receive and his ability to crash the goalline. Therefore, he will be an excellent selection for your fantasy football draft and a player who might help you win your league.
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