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Mike Fanelli looks at three veteran running backs who could lose their starting role if their NFL team drafts a rookie running back.
The 2024 NFL is less than a few weeks away. While fans love the event, veteran players watch the draft, hoping they still have a job come Monday morning.
Every year, veteran players get replaced or have their role on the team significantly reduced because of the rookie draft class. Unfortunately, that happens at the running back position more often than any other position.
Let’s look at three veteran running backs who could get replaced or have their role impacted by a rookie from the NFL Draft class.
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Zack Moss – Cincinnati Bengals
Moss is coming off the best year of his career with the Indianapolis Colts, totaling 794 rushing yards and five touchdowns. He also set career highs in receptions (27), targets (37), and receiving touchdowns (two) despite splitting the backfield with Jonathan Taylor.
However, Moss played well enough to earn a two-year deal from the Bengals this offseason. While he is the current starter, taking over for Joe Mixon, the veteran could lose his lead role if Cincinnati spends a Day 2 pick on a running back.
Zack Moss to sign a 2-year, $8M deal with Bengals, per @MikeGarafolo.
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) March 12, 2024
Zamir White – Las Vegas Raiders
When Josh Jacobs signed a massive contract with the Green Bay Packers this offseason, White became the new starter for the Raiders. Last year, the young running back was outstanding during his four-game stretch as the starter with Jacobs sidelined. He averaged nearly 100 rushing yards per game and 4.7 yards per attempt in those four contests.
While Las Vegas signed Alexander Mattison in free agency, many don’t consider him a threat to White’s starting role. However, a rookie running back could change that. Head coach Antonio Pierce wants to be a run-heavy team, meaning White should still have value if the Raiders draft a rookie running back. Unfortunately, his chances of being a star for fantasy players would be over if the team drafted a rookie.
Gus Edwards – Los Angeles Chargers
Edwards had a breakout season in 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens. The veteran running back had 13 rushing touchdowns, the fifth most in the NFL. Furthermore, he doubled his career total last season after totaling 13 rushing touchdowns over his first four years in the NFL.
Despite coming off a career year, the Ravens didn’t re-sign the veteran running back. He went from playing for John Harbaugh to Jim Harbaugh, signing with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency. However, many expect the team to draft Michigan running back Blake Corum on Day 2 of the NFL Draft. While Corum won’t force Edwards to the bench, the veteran running back will have his role on offense significantly reduced.
Chargers to sign RB Gus Edwards. (via @TomPelissero) pic.twitter.com/TODalUdXh5
— NFL (@NFL) March 11, 2024
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