Five Late-Round Fantasy Football Running Back Sleepers in the 2024 NFL Draft

April 21, 2024

Which late-round running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft could eventually emerge as fantasy football sleepers? Dave Ventresca analyzes five rookies who could emerge as sleepers in 2024.

We are less than a week away from the 2024 NFL Draft. There is a lot of uncertainty regarding who NFL teams are targeting. These questions will soon be answered.

For fantasy football purposes, the NFL Draft allows us to spot potential sleepers who can make an impact in our leagues. Running backs are always coveted assets. There are sleepers in the draft at this position every year. If you can identify a few, it can mean the difference between a potential title run or an embarrassing punishment.

Make sure you keep up to date with all your NFL Draft and fantasy football needs by following RotoBaller on X and checking out RotoBaller.com. Here are several late-round running backs who could emerge as fantasy football sleepers during the 2024 season.

Will Shipley, Clemson

Shipley is the best receiving back in this class. Depending on his landing spot, he could immediately carve out a role as a pass-catching specialist. He does lack strength and his pass protection needs work. These flaws could limit his upside. However, if he can improve in these areas, Shipley has the prerequisite skills to emerge as a lead back in the right situation.

Dylan Laube, New Hampshire

Laube is right there with Shipley in terms of best receiving backs in the class. He can emerge as a passing-down specialist right away as well. Laube is also a better between-the-tackles runner than some think.  Lacking the same explosion as Shipley, it might be difficult for Laube to emerge as a starter. In an ideal scenario, the former New Hampshire Wildcat can provide a safe PPR floor and become a Danny Woodhead/James White type of player for fantasy gamers.

Ray Davis, Kentucky

What Davis lacks in size he makes up for with excellent footwork and vision.

What a touchdown by Ray Davis! #BBN pic.twitter.com/Hrk5O8yL9U

— Rare Rookies #BBN (@rarerookies) November 19, 2023

The big issue is his pass protection. He struggled with it at times at Kentucky. NFL coaches notoriously do not like exposing their quarterbacks to unnecessary hits and have little patience when backs struggle in this area. This could ultimately be the difference between Davis emerging as a starter or being relegated to a reserve/special teams role. Despite the risks, he’s a good dart-throw pick late in rookie drafts.

Bucky Irving, Oregon

Irving’s draft stock took a hit with an underwhelming performance at the NFL Combine. Still, there's plenty to like about Irving's tape.

Oregon defeats Washington State 38-24:

Bo Nix
• 18/25 (72%)
• 293 yards
• 2 touchdowns

Bucky Irving
• 15 carries
• 129 rushing yards
• 2 rushing touchdowns
• 3 catches
• 51 receiving yards
• 1 receiving touchdownpic.twitter.com/UyLEFsxghl

— Ensign Gridiron (@EnsignGridiron) October 21, 2023

He lacks elite top-end speed but displays great burst and balance. There’s no doubt his Combine metrics raise a red flag. However, this might be another Kyren Williams situation where a team believes enough in his film to take a shot on him. He’s got flaws, but Irving does have talent and could flourish in the right environment.

Tyrone Tracy Jr., Purdue

Tracy Jr. spent the majority of his career playing wide receiver. He’s still a work in progress as a back. Because of this, he still struggles making reads and finding the correct holes. However, he’s a natural athlete and is a problem in the open field. Tracy can really shine if he learns the nuances of the position. He’s a project but is well worth an investment as a late-round dart throw in rookie drafts or as a post-draft free-agent addition.

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