Who Should I Start? Najee Harris or Raheem Blackshear

Tuesday, March 18, 2:34 PM

According to Los Angeles Chargers reporter Daniel Popper of the Athletic, the team is likely to target a running back in April's 2025 NFL Draft. "The Chargers will be adding an explosive player to this group in the draft to complement Harris, Popper wrote." Perhaps as early as the 22nd pick in the first round." Harris signed a one-year, $5.25 million deal to join Justin Herbert's offense during the first week of free agency, but the depth chart behind him consisting of Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins leaves a lot to be desired. The 2025 NFL Draft class is loaded at the running back spot, and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton or Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson could fit what L.A. is looking for. While Harris would have immense upside in the Chargers' offense in a workhorse role, he could be related to early-down work depending on if L.A. pulls the trigger on a ball carrier on Day 1 or Day 2. Harris has missed just one game in his NFL career and has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons, but his contract value and lack of explosive play-making signals he could be at risk of falling into a committee-back role.

Sunday, December 29, 9:12 PM

Carolina Panthers running back Raheem Blackshear rushed for 20 yards on eight carries during Sunday's Week 17 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was not targeted in the passing game. Blackshear earned his first start of the season after Chuba Hubbard (calf, knee) was placed on injured reserve Saturday morning. While Blackshear did lead the Panthers in carries and rushing yards, his inefficiency and lack of productivity certainly proved unfortunate for any fantasy managers streaming him in Week 17. Even with a slightly more favorable matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18, Blackshear will remain off the fantasy radar going forward. The same goes for his fellow running back, Mike Boone, who had just 11 rushing yards on two carries.