We released our 2014 Fantasy Football Positional Ranks as a staff in July and have been updating them throughout the offseason in an effort to provide you with the most accurate rankings to use in your draft preparations. Of course, within our ranks you’ll see a variance on different players as each of our analysts holds different viewpoints about their potential outcome this season. To that point, we’re taking each other to task here inside the locker room in an effort to justify our positions and provide you with actionable information.
[This post appears as part of our free 2014 Fantasy Football Draft Guide]
[QB Ranks Discussion] [RB Ranks Discussion] [WR Ranks Discussion] [TE Ranks Discussion]
Running Back Rankings: Jon, Chris and Mike tell you their #1 RB
In one sentence, why is your number one ranked RB the first overall selection in any given draft? (McCoy, Charles, Peterson respectively).
Jon: You can’t go wrong with either of these backs of course, but I’ll take Charles based on his do-anything role with Andy Reid’s offense. Losses along the line are frightening but this guy scored 19 times last season and was a huge part of KC’s offense… he’ll be so again, given limited options elsewhere. Mike: Adrian Peterson – Because the man’s name is All Day. All day every day for AP baby, one more year of stardom in the cards. Chris: Two words why you should pick LeSean McCoy first overall. Chip Kelly.
Toby Gerhart finds himself as the clear cut starter in Jacksonville and one ranker in particular likes his fantasy stock this year (Photo: Associated Press).
Running Back Rankings: Neil Parker is all aboard the Toby Gerhart train
Toby Gerhart as a fringe RB1 (ranked 15). Go.
This is all about opportunity. Gerhart will be one of the few bell-cow backs in the NFL. His fantasy value is limited by the offense he is attached to, though. Andre Ellington will likely be bumped up, and a strong case could be made for Zac Stacy above Gerhart. However, there is just too much to like about his projected usage. I expect him to get a lot of touches and opportunity trumps talent here. I’ll be honest, though. If I’m faced with Toby Gerhart in the third or fourth round, I’m likely going with a wide receiver over him. He isn’t a draft target.
Running Back Rankings: Mike Omelan is interested in Christine Michael
You’re the high man on sophomore of interest Christine Michael. How many carries is he realistically looking at – and what is he going to do with them?
I ranked him where I did mostly on potential. He is the #1 hand-cuff RB in fantasy football. The Seahawks live by the run, and Michael would be an absolute beast. I think we’re looking at the starting RB for the 2015-16 Seahawks but in 2014 I still think we’ll see some productive games for the sophomore. There are going to be home games where the Seahawks have a comfortable lead, and it’ll be the Christine Michael show in the 4th quarter which will result in some solid fantasy days for Michael. I think we could be looking at some similar numbers to Montee Ball’s rookie season, and even a tad better. Roughly 120-140 carries, around 600 yards, five TDs, a couple receptions to boot and always potential for much, much more.
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Running Back Rankings: Jon Collins is the high man on Trent Richardson
Trent Richardson again? Really? Why? Save your reputation.
I can’t quit him. I just can’t. Vick Ballard’s injury all but assures Richardson a long leash and a healthy workload (his contract doesn’t hurt, either). Indy is going to score a lot of points this season, and Richardson is (likely) going to be the guy working the goal line for them. I’ve shared detailed thoughts on the subject but it boils down to 1) opportunity 2) offensive context 3) he is a year more prepared for Indianapolis’ offense and 4) despite an awful season, he was still a tackle-breaking beast last year (63 missed tackles and 1.99 average yards after contact). Last year I was selling Richardson as a lock RB1, this year, you can have him much cheaper but RB2 expectations are not unwarranted. For his own part, Richardson still believes he can produce at a high level.
Running Back Rankings: Chris Meaney lists Bishop Sankey as his top rookie
Bishop Sankey is your #1 ranked rookie (according to your rookie rankings) and yet he isn’t even an RB2 according to your overall ranks (RB25). Is this a poor rookie class, or…?
To be honest, I wanted to put a few of the wide receivers ahead of Sankey in my rookie rankings, but the Titans’ back is in a great situation to succeed compared to other rookie WR and backs. Sankey isn’t even the most talented rookie back, but he will get every opportunity in Tennessee with Chris Johnson no longer around. Shonn Greene is coming off knee injury and Dexter McCluster is more of a third down option. I have Sankey just outside of RB2 range.
Running Back Rankings: Neil Parker is ranking a rebound from Steven Jackson
After a season marred by injury and an unimpressive YPC total, you’ve got Steven Jackson ranked as an RB2 (22). Why? What is a reasonable ceiling/floor projection?
Jackson’s fantasy value is tied to an improved Falcons’ offense. 2013 was a rough go for Jackson and the Falcons. 2014 should showcase a high-powered attack, with Steven Jackson having a significant role in the offense. Durability is a concern, especially considering Jackson is already dealing with a hamstring issue. Competition for touches isn’t a concern, though. Jackson is an ideal No. 3 running back, however he should post RB2 totals. Playing 16 games could be pushing it, but approaching 1000 yards and eight touchdowns isn’t a stretch. 10 touchdowns aren’t out of reach, either. Remember, Jackson scored seven times last season.
Running Back Rankings: Jon Collins is drafting rookie RB James White late
What do you want us to know about late round flier James White? You’re the only one who has him ranked. What’s that about, and does it have anything to do with you being the low-man on Stevan Ridley?
In part it does. I think Ridley is a player worth owning at the right price, he’s shown a real knack for finding the endzone in his young career, but he’s just a dropped ball (maybe two) away from a significantly reduced role, opening touches up for White. Beyond that, Shane Vereen’s ability to stay on the field is in question and there seem to be a number of reasonable scenarios that get White on the field more often than expected this season. He has the hands to contribute in the passing game, the blocking ability to stay on the field, and New England regularly gets three running backs in the mix so the opportunity is there as well.
Running Back Rankings: Chris Meaney sees a productive season coming from Mark Ingram
You have Mark Ingram at 37 (our consensus is 44) and Khiry Robinson at 60 (consensus 48), clearly, you’ve got a strong believe that Ingram is the breakout candidate/biggest beneficiary of Darren Sproles’ departure. Why?
Ingram will have the first crack at the carries behind Pierre Thomas, who I don’t think will have many carries to begin with. Thomas will be doing a lot of pass catching and Ingram and Robinson will run the ball. Ingram was first up ahead of Robinson last season and he will be this season too. The Saints could use all three equally, but Ingram had a strong finish in 2013 and his numbers are great when he touches the ball. He just needs the touches and he has a golden opportunity this season to get them. He should also get the goal-line carries on a team that is in the red zone often. We’re not putting too much stock into preseason games, especially the first one, but it bodes well for Ingram that he ran wild for New Orleans in round 1.
Have a question about our ranks that hasn’t been covered? Hit us up on twitter @LRFantasySports or ask away in the comments below.
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