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Which fantasy football running backs have risen in ADP so far this offseason? Craig Rondinone takes a look at three running backs whose 2024 ADPs have shifted.
Just like stock prices, fantasy football values go up and go down as player ADP (average draft position) changes throughout the summer. With NFL training camps set to begin here soon, we could likely see plenty more fluctuation taking place in the fantasy football marketplace.
This offseason proved to be an interesting one as far as running backs were concerned. While many of them saw their fantasy values take a hit due to rookies their NFL teams drafted or players their teams signed as competition, other backs had the reverse happen. Their fantasy values have shot up, especially if it means they have an easier path to rushing volume and receiving targets for the 2024 season.
So, which running backs are rising through the rankings on PPR cheat sheets? Here is a look at the running backs rising in ADP in full PPR leagues.
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Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ADP: RB15, 63 overall
Tampa Bay’s top tailback is already known as one of the premium pass catchers at the running back position after catching 64 passes for 549 yards and three touchdowns in 2023. So how could White’s fantasy value go any higher? Simply put – the Buccaneers have not acquired another key back to put pressure on White’s starting spot and snap total.
If you thought White’s fantasy value would fall because the Bucs were going to draft a pure pass catcher this April then you were sorely mistaken. All Tampa Bay did was re-sign veteran third-down specialist Chase Edmonds, who only had 63 touches last year, and draft Oregon product Bucky Irving in the fourth round. The team also did not upgrade its receiving corps or tight end position, either. White should easily run for 1,000 yards this season and could catch 70-75 passes as Baker Mayfield’s third-best target option behind wonderful wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
ADP: RB19, 79 overall
Stevenson was no Corey Dillon in 2023. He took a step back after rushing for 1,000 yards in 2022 and only supplied fantasy managers with 619 rushing yards, 238 receiving yards, and four touchdowns. This was in part due to a timeshare with veteran bull rusher Ezekiel Elliott that caused Stevenson to split snaps and touches. The other major stumbling block was that he was stifled by one of the worst offenses in the NFL due to the quarterbacking duo of Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe having a hard time keeping defenses honest and away from crowding the box.
Elliott is gone and former Washington third-down back Antonio Gibson was signed to take his place. While Gibson will take some third-down snaps away from Stevenson, the latter will not be removed in all passing situations considering he caught 107 balls over the past two seasons. New England just inked their best ball carrier to a four-year, $36-million contract and Stevenson figures to be a big part of their future. Stevenson will be the main option in the rushing attack and should get more scoring opportunities once rookie QB Drake Maye becomes the star signal caller the Patriots plan on him one day becoming.
Rhamondre Stevenson is a Patriot for life. Get used to this. pic.twitter.com/yrZqWkpiuL
— Boston Cream 🍩 (@itsbostoncream) June 20, 2024
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans
ADP: RB31, 108 overall
Tennessee’s offense took a seismic shift this offseason when the Titans decided to finally part ways with longtime cornerstone Derrick Henry and replace him with former Dallas speedster Tony Pollard. The movement in the backfield saw Spears' ADP rise after Henry wouldn't return, but then down again once the Pollard signing was announced. The good news is these developments definitely helped Spears get out from under Henry’s shadow and become Tennessee’s RB1 or RB1-A, instead of a distant RB2 like he was last year.
Spears has breakaway speed that can turn a short gain into a big play. He also can catch passes (52 receptions for 385 yards in 2023), arguably better than Pollard can. Pollard proved last year when he sported a career-low 4.0 YPC that he is better as a timeshare tailback than as a workhorse. Spears proved that the more he plays the more effective and dangerous he can become. Pollard might be paid more and is the more established playmaker, but Spears’ PPR fantasy value is the one on the way up. He will run for more than 453 yards and score more than three total touchdowns (his 2023 numbers), and do not be shocked to see him catch over 60 passes out of the backfield this season. Not to mention, Spears will inevitably see a larger workload should Pollard miss any time.
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