Dynasty Fantasy Football Outlooks for Rookie Running Backs (Part 1): Jonathon Brooks, Trey Benson, Blake Corum and More

Discussing the landing spots for rookie running backs and how their dynasty league values look now.

It’s time to continue my series on landing spots for NFL rookies and how their dynasty values were impacted as a result.

We covered quarterbacks in the first story, and will now turn our attention to the running back position. With so many backs being drafted, I decided to split the position into two stories. Here’s part one.

Jonathon Brooks Fantasy Outlook

With Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders on the roster, I was curious to see if the Panthers would draft a RB or not. They were the first team to grab a back, getting Brooks with the 14th pick in the second round.

Hubbard and Sanders were pretty uninspiring in 2023, so this seems like a job Brooks could win immediately. Carolina’s offense got a few new athletes to help out Bryce Young, but it still doesn’t look that great on paper.

If the Panthers endure another rough season, the team could be playing from behind a bunch, which wouldn’t do Brooks any favors. But, as far as his dynasty outlook goes, he looks like he’ll have a good chance to be the lead back with Carolina for several seasons. He’s my top rookie RB in dynasty drafts.

Trey Benson Fantasy Outlook

Arizona took Benson with the second pick in round 3. 

James Conner still showed he can be a productive back when healthy, but the Cardinals needed a better backup option if Conner were to miss more time. I see Benson battling Emari Demercado for the backup role and eventually claiming the job. Benson will likely be a complementary piece to Conner in year one, and then will have the chance to be the lead back starting in 2025.

Conner should be a good mentor to Benson, and if Benson can indeed be the lead back in 2025, he could be a great fantasy option on an up-and-coming Cardinals’ offense.

Blake Corum Fantasy Outlook

The Rams took the third back in the draft, getting Corum with the 19th pick in round 3.

This is a bummer for Kyren Williams owners, but is smart for LA in case Williams gets injured again. Running backs serve a critical role in the Rams’ offense, and Corum will probably get a decent amount of work each game, as long as he can beat out Ronnie Rivers for the backup role.

We all know that running backs are cycled through every few seasons, and Corum could either be the next in line in LA, or a way to keep Williams fresh for the long haul.

MarShawn Lloyd Fantasy Outlook

Green Bay got the next back, taking Lloyd with the 25th pick in round 3.

The Packers brought in Josh Jacobs this offseason, while retaining AJ Dillon, but Lloyd could be the RB of the future in Green Bay. The Packers will need to pay Jordan Love soon, and that could mean Jacobs only lasts a season or two there. The best way to shed salary would be to have Lloyd be the top back.

As far as his fantasy outlook in year one, Lloyd will likely have a role, but a small one behind Jacobs. I’m not sure if Dillon makes the active roster to start the season.

Jaylen Wright Fantasy Outlook

Miami took Wright with the 20th pick in round 4.

Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane are the top backs there, but the drafting of Wright might mean Mostert is on the way out at some point. Wright’s role likely isn’t going to be too big in year one (unless there’s an injury), but in year two and on, he and Achane could be a dynamite 1-2 punch.

That makes Wright a draft and stash guy in my eyes.

Bucky Irving Fantasy Outlook

Tampa Bay needed a backup for Rachaad White, and got it with the 25th pick in the fourth round with Irving.

Most teams need two backs to get through the season, and this should help spell White at times, which should help him get through seasons. Irving might not have a huge role early in his career, but there’s a chance he could be a flex option in fantasy because the Bucs need more offensive playmakers.

Will Shipley Fantasy Outlook

I wasn’t a huge fan of this landing spot for Shipley, but there’s a chance he could be the Eagles' No. 2 back at some point this season.

Saquon Barkley will be RB1 there, but he’s dealt with injuries his entire career. Kenneth Gainwell is who Shipley will have to beat out for the backup role, but it’s definitely not out of the question.

Dynasty owners that own Barkley should target Shipley if they can. Maybe Shipley could be a flex fantasy option at certain points this season.

Ray Davis Fantasy Outlook

This was a really nice landing spot for Davis. Buffalo took him with the 28th pick in round 4.

James Cook is the top back there, but Davis might already be RB2 - Ty Johnson is another option. The Bills’ offense is going to look quite a bit different in 2024, and Davis might be able to carve out a sizable role early on and be one of the better fantasy rookie backs this season. 

Because Cook is there, Davis might be a steal in the later portion of rookie/offseason drafts.

Isaac Guerendo Fantasy Outlook

Guerendo fell to San Francisco late in round 4. 

Christian McCaffrey is clearly the lead back there, but Guerendo will have the chance to win the backup role - Elijah Mitchell is viewed as the backup for now. Guerendo won’t have a massive role unless McCaffrey is hurt, but as McCaffrey ages, the Niners might look to utilize a backup RB more, and that could be Guerendo.

#dynasty-football #2024-fantasy-football