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With the 2017 NFL Draft in the books, we can finally speculate on the rookies in the context of their landing spots. For the running backs, it was surprising as to how few rookies ended up in ideal situations that could eventually lead to playing time in 2017. However, there are a handful of rookie running backs to keep an eye on this coming season.
Here are some rookie running backs in good fantasy situations that could make an impact for owners in the 2017 NFL season.
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Rookie Running Backs in Favorable Situations
Joe Mixon, Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Mixon is in the best fantasy situation out of all the rookie running backs, simply because he is the situation. Mixon is the best running back in this draft class, but due to an unfortunate off-the-field event, he fell to the second round, and was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals. While some may question their morality, the Bengals have regularly taken chances on players with checkered pasts, and Mixon is no different.
Some may also question why Cincinnati drafted Mixon with established running backs Jeremy Hill and Giovanni Bernard on the roster. The truth is, Mixon is an absolute beast, as he provides the power running of Hill and the dynamic receiving skills of Bernard. In 2017 at Oklahoma, Mixon totaled 1,812 yards and 15 touchdowns on 224 touches, including 37 receptions for 538 yards. That’s 14.5 yards per reception for a running back, not too shabby. Mixon also gained 646 more total yards than Samaje Perine last season despite receiving only 18 more touches.
In 2017, it shouldn’t take long for Mixon to overtake Jeremy Hill and Giovanni Bernard; he’s too talented to keep off the field. Draft him with confidence.
Christian McCaffrey, Carolina Panthers
The selection of Christian McCaffrey is a sign of the evolution of offensive strategy in the NFL. As the league becomes more and more pass-oriented, teams are placing more value on players like McCaffrey, as the third down back has almost become a glamour position in the league. McCaffrey is much more than a third-down back, though. At Stanford, McCaffrey totaled 5,128 yards from scrimmage while averaging 7.0 yards per touch, and at 6’0” and 201 lbs., should be able to withstand the punishment of a heavy workload in the NFL.
The threat of Cam Newton’s rushing ability will create open lanes for McCaffrey to run through, and Carolina has enough weapons in the passing game to keep defenses honest. Don’t worry about the presence of Jonathan Stewart; he’s on the wrong side of 30, and displayed a clear lack of burst last season with only 3.9 yards per touch. Selected with the eighth overall pick, McCaffrey will get plenty of touches due to draft capital alone, and should see a ton of targets in the passing game.
Jeremy McNichols, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jeremy McNichols is an interesting prospect, and will be added to an ascending offense with no reason not to succeed in 2017. McNichols was highly productive at Boise State, totaling 4,294 yards from scrimmage, and scored a ridiculous 53 touchdowns over his final two seasons on the blue turf. McNichols also caught 103 passes in his college career, demonstrating versatility and the ability to play on all three downs.
With the Buccaneers, McNichols should have no trouble beating out the likes of Jacquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber. The selection of McNichols should also tell you how the Bucs feel about Charles Sims, who is in the final year of his contract. However, fellow Boise State alum Doug Martin currently stands in the way of a featured role, but we’ve seen this movie before. Martin has disappointed more than he’s satisfied, and McNichols was actually more productive than Martin at Boise State. Don’t sleep on McNichols, especially with reports suggesting Doug Martin is on the right track, which should be taken with a grain of salt.
Samaje Perine, Washington Redskins
Samaje Perine landed on a great offense with great opportunity, as he most likely has the clearest path to playing time outside of any running back drafted in the first round. Perine was part of a rotation with Joe Mixon in his final season at Oklahoma, but had quite a career with the Sooners, totaling 4,443 yards from scrimmage and 51 touchdowns over three seasons while averaging 6.1 yards per touch.
Perine figures to push Rob Kelley for the starting running back job in Washington, as Kelley was simply in the right place at the right time for the Redskins in 2016. Washington knew they could do better than Kelley, and Perine is a superior talent. The only knock on Perine is his lack of prolific receiving skills, as he averaged a paltry 13 receptions per season over three years at Oklahoma. Chris Thompson should continue to see third down action, but Perine should get meaningful touches in short order.
Marlon Mack, Indianapolis Colts
Drafted in the 4th round, Marlon Mack has a chance to be a steal for the Colts and your fantasy team, as his skills should allow him to carve out a role in Indianapolis. At South Florida, Mack was productive and efficient for three seasons, averaging 6.3 yards per touch and gaining 4,107 yards from scrimmage with 33 touchdowns.
In Indianapolis, Frank Gore is set to begin the 2017 season at age 34, and could break down at any time. It would be surprising if Mack failed to beat out Robert Turbin or Josh Ferguson to earn playing time behind Gore, and even if Gore stays healthy and effective, the Colts could put Mack’s receiving skills to good use. Mack caught 65 passes at South Florida on a team that averaged only 338 passing attempts per game during his tenure, as he commanded a large target share. If Mack’s receiving skills translate to the NFL, he could be very useful in PPR leagues.
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