Anthony McFarland (RB, PIT) - 2020 Fantasy Football Draft Sleeper

4 years ago by Brandon Murchison

BALLER MOVE: Target Around ~170 Overall

CURRENT ADP: 180+ (Undrafted

ANALYSIS: Maryland's product Anthony McFarland saw a big step back in production in 2019 as he was playing banged up on a high ankle sprain. It caused him to lose a lot of his speed and run more tentatively. But what we saw in 2018 was a back that was one of the hardest runners in the country who rarely would lose his balance, getting to 1,034 yards on 131 rushing attempts (7.9 YPC) to score four touchdowns as a freshman.

The landing spot with the Steelers after they drafted him 124th-overall this past draft is rather intriguing. James Conner is the current starter for the team but he is often injured and also in the final year of his deal. McFarland will have a path to playing time early on in his career if he gets a lucky break with Conner's injury history.

In a featured role, behind Pittsburgh's offensive line, McFarland could produce steady RB2 numbers. We will see where he lands in the passing side of the game, though, with Jaylen Samuels also in the depth chart. It might make sense that McFarland is going mostly undrafted these days, but given Conner's potential health issues and the lack of another true bull-rusher in Pittsburgh make the rookie a good last-round flier and handcuff to target late.