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Two weeks ago I brought you my first installment of late-round running backs to target if you choose to go ZeroRB in your drafts this year.
With two preseason games in the books, and more information, things have changed in the running back landscape and I am giving my first update. This article will cover running backs being drafted in the late rounds that make for excellent ZeroRB targets. Next week I will have one more update after teams play their final preseason game with the starters in the lineup.
Check out my mid-round ZeroRB targets to get an idea of where to start selecting your running backs before reaching the players listed below.
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Dropping Off
- Nyheim Hines - Four fumbles in two preseason games is not a way to win a job. Best case he is kept as a returner, worst case he is cut.
- Kalen Ballage - Seems to have a long way to go to get consistent playing time.
- Chris Ivory - The LeSean McCoy case seems to have magically vanished and there is no report that the NFL is close to suspending Shady.
Staying On
- Matt Breida - Despite a shoulder injury, he seems to be on track for Week 1. Still think he sees plenty of work this season.
- T.J. Yeldon - Clearly is Leonard Fournette's backup. Offers standalone value in the passing game and a big workload should Fournette go down.
- Spencer Ware - Still not fully back but getting closer. Has immense upside if Hunt goes down.
- Javorius Allen - Still getting no love, should have a role similar to last year's RB23 performance.
Running Back Watch List - Newcomers
Bilal Powell (RB, NYJ) ADP: 13.10
Powell is another one I regret not listing last time. While the hype was growing and growing on Isiah Crowell, Powell was quietly playing every starter snap in the first preseason game. Crowell watched from the sideline, with his helmet on, as Powell played the first 10 snaps before taking himself out. Crowell did play well in his limited time before suffering a concussion, but it's clear at best this will be a 50/50 split. There is also a very real chance Powell is the starter. Crowell is way overvalued in the eighth round of drafts, while Powell looks like a steal in the 13th/14th rounds. And if Crowell were to suffer an injury Powell would be the only legitimate running back on the roster and could offer RB1 upside in PPR formats.
Jordan Wilkins (RB, IND) ADP: 14.01
Bye bye Nyheim Hines, hello Jordan Wilkins. I wasn't that high on Wilkins before because Marlon Mack appeared to be the Colts preferred choice. But with Mack suffering a hamstring injury, and no other running back really rising up, Wilkins has as good a chance as anyone. In an offense led by Andrew Luck, getting a running back that could play significant snaps is always worth it. This backfield is still in flux, but at this price it's worth getting a piece of.
Jonathan Williams (RB, NOS) ADP: Undrafted
With the release of Terrance West, and Mark Ingram's four-game suspension, Williams has a real chance to assume a solid workload in the Saints first four games. He has looked good in both preseason games thus far and had two carries with the Saints starters last game, totaling 26 yards. Sure, he may lose all value after Week 4, or he may impress enough to maintain a role. Plus there is always the chance Ingram returns and is in Sean Payton's doghouse. Regardless, Williams is basically free and is worth a late round flyer.
