2021 Dynasty Running Back Values
It is dynasty startup season folks. Everyone is starting to get that itch and drafts are popping up everywhere. If you are choosing to partake in some of these you are in the right spot. I am here to discuss finding values at the running back position based off of May’s DLF ADP chart. The running back position goes early and often. This makes it hard to grab two-three solid starters. Let’s take a look at a few later round targets who could help you win leagues this year and beyond.
David Montgomery
David Montgomery is carrying a crazy low ADP currently. He finished RB4 last year in 17 games, now compare this to his RB20 ADP. This is shocking to me however the best part about this is, you can take advantage of this. He is being taken in about round 5 of startups, to me adding a player of his caliber here is a steal. Most people are worried about the aging Damien Williams and Tarik Cohen stealing work from him. I do not see this happening to the extent that will drop him outside the top15 for RBs this year. The Bears will lean decently on the run game again this year as they will need to nursing in a rookie quarterback. Montgomery should be on your radar if you choose to go for other positions early in the draft.
Chris Carson
Chris Carson returned to Seattle in free agency this year on a one year deal. This is great for Carson as the Seahawks have come out and said they want to return to the run game more this year. Carson is currently the RB23 off of boards in startups. This is fairly low to me, he is the clear work horse in Seattle. The only other players rostered are Deejay Dallas who looked okay last season, and first round bust Rashad Penny who has had injury concerns. He has always been very productive in his time on the field. However his injury history could be the reason behind this late ADP. In round six I am whiling to take a risk on a player who could easily finish low RB1 high RB2 this season.
Damien Harris
Damien Harris emerged last season as a bright spot in the Patriots backfield. With this and the fact they only added a late round pick in Rahmondre Stevenson to compete for snaps, Harris is the front runner of this committee. He is a huge boom or bust type pick however, this could be the reason he has a round 9-10 ADP. This is huge value to me if I am getting a potential low end RB2 as the RB32 in drafts. There is huge upside here with Harris, especially if he gets most of the work. He flashed in his opportunities last season and proven he can play, the biggest concern will be health. The Patriots will need to lean on the run game this season as they may be starting a rookie quarterback at some point this year. So keep an eye out late in the draft and see if you can snag a share of Harris.
David Johnson
All jokes aside that the Texans are collecting all the oldest free agent running backs they can. David Johnson is a very good value in startups currently. He is RB39 currently, after he finished as the RB21 last season. The worry of the age cliff is there for sure, however the Texans may need to lean on a run game a touch more this year. Johnson is the led back in this backfield and carries huge PPR upside. Johnson has always proven to be a threat out of the backfield in the passing game. He look fresh and was very effective last season, so I believe he has one more season left in him. Over his career he has never carried a huge work load so he is not your typical 29 year old running back. If I can add a possible mid level RB2 at RB3-4 value, I would be smashing that draft button.
Jamaal Williams
I know all the Swifties out there will hate to hear this but Williams is a thorn in the side of any running back in the league. Williams has proven he can sustain a solid role in an offense and have some fantasy relevance to him. Currently he is being drafted as the RB52! He has finished in the middle of RB3 range in back to back years. Now he goes to a situation where the team loves him and wants him as a RBa, yes thats correct he is not a back up. He will see a decent work load in Detroit, he has proven he can catch and run between the tackles effectively. He will not take over the job from Swift however he will cap his ceiling. I think Williams has a chance to finish as a high RB3 and possible low RB2 this season. So adding him late feels like free money to me.
