Phillip Lindsay 2021 Outlook: Late-Round Value with Potential to be Lead Back
3 years agoThe former Denver Broncos breakout rookie has found a new home with the Texans this season, further muddying the already abysmal Texans backfield. Last year, David Johnson was the unquestioned feature running back for the Texans, but he had mediocre rushing production (147 carries for 691 yards and six touchdowns) which was bolstered by 33 receptions for 314 yards and another two touchdowns. I expect the receiving work to go to Lindsay almost exclusively due to his elusiveness and burst in the open field, but he can certainly contribute on the ground as well. He has breakaway speed (4.39 40 yard-dash) and over his first two seasons with the Broncos, Lindsay had over 1,000 yards and 30 receptions each year, and he averaged 5.0 yards per carry doing it. The Texans also signed veteran Mark Ingram this offseason, but he only carried the ball 72 times last year and is well beyond his best years. If DJ struggles early, which is very possible given his workload and age, I'd expect the Texans to turn to Lindsay to try and generate a spark on offense. Lindsay is currently being drafted as the RB52, the 17th running back after Johnson, and he has the potential to be the most productive player in that backfield. I will probably own a ton of Lindsay shares due to the low risk and potential reward.