Considering how often running back injuries occur, it’s never a bad plan to stash some high-end handcuffs on your bench in case a starter goes down.
When this is the case, rookie running backs have proven to be a wise investment to make. We saw San Francisco’s Elijah Mitchell shine in 2021 and Seattle’s Kenneth Walker III take off last season when given the opportunity.
Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are obviously the top rookie running backs, but there are several first-year pros who could be the next Mitchell or Walker if their situation unfolds correctly.
Here are three that fit the criteria.
De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins (ESPN ADP: 168.2)
In light of Thursday’s news that veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. is being placed on injured reserve, forcing him to miss at least the first four games of the season, Achane’s already high stock has risen even higher.
Despite being an undersized back (5-foot-9, 188 pounds), Achane’s speed, receiving skills, and — perhaps most importantly — opportunity give him the potential to become one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL. At Texas A&M last season, Achane rushed for 1,102 yards and eight touchdowns while also recording 36 receptions for 196 yards and three scores.
While Raheem Mostert will handle the bulk of the backfield duties, the third-round pick should see plenty of action on passing downs. Yet, what’s most exciting about Achane’s potential in creative-minded HC Mike McDaniel’s high-powered offense is that he likely won’t be used exclusively as a running back. During the preseason, Achane, who recorded four receptions for 41 yards, lined up out wide six times and in the slot twice.
Given the talent on the roster, the Dolphins’ offense will be a fantasy goldmine. Should you miss out on top weapons like Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle, take a flier on Achane to get a piece of the action.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee Titans (ADP: 170.7)
Although starter Derrick Henry is still expected to have his usual massive workload, running backs have a short shelf life. Henry, 29, has become an outlier due to his exceptional talent, though sooner or later, his age will catch up to him, and Tennessee appears to be bracing itself for the inevitable.
Tennessee spent a third-round pick in April’s draft on Spears after the Tulane product capped off his career rushing for 1,581 yards last season along with 19 touchdowns, which was tied for second-most in the country. It was unclear whether Spears could carve out a role behind Henry this season heading into camp, but the rookie put any doubt to rest with his strong preseason performances.
Across three exhibition games, Spears rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown while catching four passes for 20 yards. Since fellow backup Hassan Haskins is likely out for the season, Spears is penciled in as the second-stringer on the Titans’ depth chart and should see action as a receiving back. In the event Henry gets injured, there’s a clear path for Spears to assume a workhorse role.
Zach Charbonnet, Seattle Seahawks (ADP: 143.2)
Charbonnet will cost the highest amount of draft capital among these options, but his RB42 price tag is a reasonable one. Even though Seattle selected Walker in last year’s draft, it invested another second-round pick into its backfield in April with the UCLA standout Charbonnet.
The NFL’s perception of the running back position has been a popular topic of discussion this offseason as teams have become less willing to pay them past their rookie deals. Therefore, it’s safe to assume that the Seahawks will take full advantage of Charbonnet’s contract by making him the 1B to Walker’s 1A rather than serving as the second-year man’s backup.
With their contrasting skill sets, Charbonnet and Walker should complement each other well. However, it will cap both their ceilings for fantasy purposes, particularly that of Walker. Last season, Walker finished as the RB18 in PPR scoring formats despite catching just 27 passes for 165 yards.
Walker will see less work in the receiving game as Charbonnet, whose 37 receptions were the third-most on the Bruins in 2022, thrives there. If Walker misses significant time, Charbonnet’s pass-catching upside and a 6-foot-1 214-pound frame, suited to handle goal-line work, could make him a top-12 fantasy back.
