Darwin Thompson (RB, KC) - Rookie Running Back Draft Values

August 31, 2019

NFL rookie Darwin Thompson is a 2019 running back sleeper and fantasy football ADP draft value. Target him as an undervalued RB in your fantasy football drafts.

BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~100 Overall

Current ADP: ~120

ANALYSIS: When it comes to guys moving up draft boards, take a look at rookie sixth-rounder Darwin Thompson from Utah State. Thompson had great numbers in his one year playing DI football, notching a 6.8 yards-per-carry average and totaling 14 rushing touchdowns in his junior year as an Aggie. The 5'8" back is one of the most interesting sleepers at any position, as preseason usage and recent reports are pointing to him being the number two back for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, of course, went nuclear last year in Patrick Mahomes MVP rookie season and remain one of the elite offenses in the entire league entering 2019. There's a case to be made for Thompson as a sleeper on this offense in the backup role, but are we sure he's going to be operating as a backup?

Andy Reid has stated his desire to utilize running-back-by-committee multiple times this offseason, and Damien Williams has been an unappealing backup his entire career. Entering his sixth year, Williams has started a total of seven games and averaged just 3.6 YPC prior to his four-game breakout in 2018. Carlos Hyde is likely to be cut soon, while the uninspiring Darrel Williams could work into the mix for touches but isn't much of a threat. There's a non-zero chance that Thompson gets some run as the lead back this season in one of the top offenses in the NFL, and he is absolutely worth a late-round flier in most fantasy formats for that fact alone.

Thompson is a great value at his current ADP and is someone to give strong consideration to as a speculative depth pick. He should provide return-on-investment in his current projected role, but he could be a league-winner if handed the lead-back reins (which isn't as far-fetched as you'd think).