Eileen Blass-USA TODAY Sports
After seeing Thursday’s first round of the NFL draft go without a single running back, Friday’s action was much different.
Round two of the draft had four running backs selected, and most of them will have immediate fantasy impact heading into the 2013 campaign. With uncertain running back situations involved with the team that selected them, these young kids will have a legitimate chance at entering the season with a starting job, which is all it takes to be relevant in Fantasy Football.
Le’Veon Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers (16): I thought the Steelers were going to grab a running back in the first round of the draft, but it seems they knew what they were doing. Bell was the first runner selected this season, and with Rashard Mendenhall out of the picture, will have a terrific chance to earn a starting job. Bell has good size, but can also shift around defenders with his quick feet. Current guys on the roster such as Issac Redman and Jonathan Dwyer are strictly power runners. Also, I think Bell will be favored in the passing game more, making him more valuable in PPR formats. He’ll also get his fair share of goaline touches as well. Even if he doesn’t leave camp with the starting job, I do think he takes it at some point during the season.
Montee Ball, Denver Broncos (26): The Broncos added another Ball on Friday, drafting the former Wisconsin Badger with the 58th overall pick. Their backfield now consists of Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno, Lance Ball, Ronnie Hillman and their newly acquired rookie. Sheesh! Montee, the all-time leader in touchdowns in college football, will transition to a different play style than that of college. During his time at Wisconsin, he was the guy. Give him the ball and let him work. Now, when he is one the field for the Broncos, he will have to recognize blitzes, help out in pass protection and catch balls out of the backfield. Ball has all the talent in the world, but there is just too much going on in that Denver backfield for my liking… at least for this year. I’d definitely target him in dynasty leagues, however.
Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers (29): If I had to pick one running back I am the most high on, it would be Lacy. Being drafted by the Packers, Lacy will be a terrific fit for Aaron Rodgers and company. The Packers haven’t had a consistent running attack since the days of Ahman Green, and I think Lacy could very well be that missing piece in the offense. At 5’11′, he runs very hard, reminding me a bit of former member of the Crimson Tide, Trent Richardson. He also has a tendency of showing up during the big stages. In last year’s National Championship game, Lacy ran circles around the Fighting Irish, rushing for 140 yards on 20 carries and a touchdown, while also catching a score. The starting job will come down to he and DuJuan Harris, but if anything, I see a backfield-by-committee, where Lacy ultimately takes the job. He is my number one runner in this year’s draft class and I think he is very much worth a late round draft pick in fantasy leagues.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy sports columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
