Running Back Perfect Pairings
This years’ running back classes is one of the most interesting in recent memory with no consensus on an elite talent. While this could be looked at as a negative it opens up the opportunity for teams to pick running backs later in the draft who fit their scheme and picks perfectly. If they can land in a spot that fits it could really boost their production in fantasy.
Josh Jacobs- Alabama
Perfect Pairing: Oakland Raiders
The Raiders currently have four backs on their roster and none are anything that turns any heads. Jacobs is a versatile back who can stay on the field all three downs and can do it all. He’s an old school power runner who loves to block which is exactly the kind of guy John Gruden will love. If Jacobs does indeed land in Oakland he can cement himself as a top 5 dynasty rookie pick.
Miles Sanders- Penn State
Perfect Pairing: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last year the Bucs missed on their second-round pick with Ronald Jones and while he may still have upside he’s more of a role player than an every down back. Miles Sanders can do it all for them, he can run inside, outside, can catch passes out of the backfield or the slot. Sanders brings the Bucs already potent offense a weapon in the backfield that opens up their offense even more.
Darrell Henderson-Memphis
Perfect Pairing: Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles backfield leaves a lot to be desired and outside of DeSean Jackson, the offense lacks a lot of speed as a whole. Darrell Henderson is a home run threat who keeps a defense honest at all times. Averaging just shy of 9 yards per carry in college he would be a great addition to the Eagles offense. While Henderson could be an every-down back he wouldn’t have to in Philly which would help maximize his potential.
Damien Harris – Alabama
Perfect Pairing: Houston Texans
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The Texans have veteran Lamar Miller and the oft-injured D’Onta Foreman and yes Miller is as solid as they come — the need for an every down back with upside could pay dividends with their offense. Harris a fantastic between the tackler runner with deceptive speed and is a solid pass catcher. The other thing that’s big with Harris is he is a good blocker and with what Deshaun Watson has protecting him, that’s huge.
David Montgomery- Iowa State
Perfect Pairing: Chicago Bears
The Bears are just looking for reasons to get rid of Jordan Howard and David Montgomery could help out with that. Montgomery may have a lot of similar qualities that Howard has except for hands of stone. Montgomery gives them an every down that allows them to keep defenses honest and use Tarik Cohen in more creative ways.
Devin Singletary- FAU
Perfect Pairing: Carolina Panthers
The consensus with most for the Panthers is that they need to pair Christian McCaffrey with a power running back, they tried that last year and CJ Anderson got barely any usage. Singletary will allow the Panthers to sub out McCaffrey and give him a breather without having to change a major component of their offense. Singletary is a quick elusive runner who has the ability to be used as a weapon out of the backfield. He may not be the same caliber of athlete with breakaway speed of McCaffrey but he also isn’t going to be a top ten pick. This is the perfect depth piece to help protect the focal point of their offense.
Justice Hill – Oklahoma State
Perfect Pairing: Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens added they’re every-down back this offseason in Mark Ingram but every thunder needs its lightning. With Ingram wearing down defenses and Lamar Jackson keeping them on their toes it should open up huge running lanes for Hill where he can break off chunk plays. With Baltimore being so dedicated to the run game adding a home run threat out of the backfield makes sense to make the league’s top running game even more dangerous.
Rodney Anderson- Oklahoma
Perfect Pairing: Jacksonville Jaguars
Yes, the Jaguars have a former top 5 pick as their star running back but it hasn’t been smooth sailing as of late. With no real backup on the roster, Anderson could be a backup and then some. If not for injuries Anderson very well may be the most talented runner in the class. If he is able to stay healthy and reach his full potential he could be the guy who replaces Fournette for them. With how strong the Jaguars roster is they can afford to take a chance on such a talented player.
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