The Easiest Way To Draft The Perfect Running Backs

JJ Zachariason identifies Aaron Jones as one of the industry-consensus true lead backs projected across aggregate fantasy projections; included in the tier of backs Zachariason would love to have at least two of on most fantasy teams this year, accessible from any draft slot (4th through 12th pick). However, at 31 years old, Jones is competing with Jordan Mason in the Minnesota Vikings backfield, likely to lose touches to the younger, better runner in a more run-heavy offense.

AJ Dillon is classified as a pure handcuff in JJ Zachariason's running back portfolio framework.

Alvin Kamara is classified as a bridge guy in JJ Zachariason's running back portfolio framework, serving as a passing down back for the New Orleans Saints.

Classified as an anchor running back with a projected 64% carry share in his offense.

Classified as an anchor running back with a projected 64% carry share in his offense.

Blake Corum is on JJ Zachariason's 'live ticket' of league-winning running backs, meeting the criteria of at least 34% of rushes and at least 8% target share. The market has narrowed the gap between Corum and Kyren Walker; while Zachariason doesn't love Corum personally, research shows he is definitely a target at current ADP, suggesting value relative to market perception.

JJ Zachariason identifies Breece Hall as one of the industry-consensus true lead backs projected across aggregate fantasy projections; included in the tier of backs Zachariason would love to have at least two of on most fantasy teams this year, accessible from any draft slot (4th through 12th pick). Zachariason notes Breece Hall could serve as an anchor back even from the 11th or 12th pick, still positioning a team correctly in the game tree for championship-level expected points.

JJ Zachariason assesses that it is very unlikely that Brian Robinson Jr. will earn a larger stand-alone role in his backfield; he does not fit the contingent value running back profile with realistic outs to point-scoring opportunity.

JJ Zachariason identifies Cam Akers as one of the industry-consensus true lead backs projected across aggregate fantasy projections, with a projected 64% carry share in his offense. Zachariason includes him in the tier of backs he would love to have at least two of on most fantasy teams this year, accessible from any draft slot (4th through 12th pick). Zachariason notes Cam Akers could serve as an anchor back even from the 11th or 12th pick, still positioning a team correctly in the game tree for championship-level expected points.

Classified as an anchor running back for 2026 with a projected 64% carry share in his offense.

JJ Zachariason targets Chris Rodriguez Jr. as a contingent value running back with the ability to theoretically earn his way into a point-scoring role on his offense; he represents the type of running back two that can earn a larger stand-alone role.

Positioned as the anchor back in multiple elite running back room constructions, appearing at the top of sample stacks that JJ Zachariason describes as 'almost just the objectively perfect running back room in fantasy football this year'; CMC paired with Achane, Rhamondre, Dowdle, and Harvey represents an optimal draft architecture. Zachariason uses CMC as an anchor running back in multiple sample draft rooms from different ADP slots (five slot and later), pairing him with backs like Achane, Rhamondre, Dowdle, and Harvey to demonstrate functional roster construction.

Chuba Hubbard is dealing with a hamstring injury that is opening up opportunity for Jonathan Brooks to assume a larger role. Hubbard is also going to be in a committee with Jonathan Brooks, limiting his role and opportunity in the Carolina Panthers backfield.

JJ Zachariason identifies DeAndre Swift as being in a clear time share with the Chicago Bears, positioned as the lead part of the committee alongside Khalil Herbert and Guy, limiting his standalone upside.

JJ Zachariason is not in love with David Montgomery as a fantasy football target this year, viewing him as basically fine but comparable to a classic projectable volume player who moved to a new team. Zachariason is not nearly as certain as the market that Montgomery will be a good fantasy football option, despite believing he is a better player than Mike Davis; expresses skepticism about his fantasy viability.

JJ Zachariason prefers Gentry Walker over Devon Achane at this draft slot; Achane is also flagged as an injury contingency risk (knee injury scenario mentioned).

JJ Zachariason identifies Derrick Henry as one of the industry-consensus true lead backs projected across aggregate fantasy projections; included in the tier of backs Zachariason would love to have at least two of on most fantasy teams this year, accessible from any draft slot (4th through 12th pick). Henry is the primary back for the Ravens; Justice Hill will not see increased opportunity if Henry is unavailable, indicating Henry is the clear lead back.

Gabe Nabers is classified as a pure handcuff in JJ Zachariason's running back portfolio framework.

Isiah Pacheco is classified as a pure handcuff in JJ Zachariason's running back portfolio framework.

Dobbins is in a committee with R.J. Harvey, limiting his role and opportunity in the backfield.

Classified as an anchor running back with a projected 64% carry share in his offense. JJ Zachariason notes that despite similar touch volume, Price and other anchors will not score identical fantasy points due to differences in scoring efficiency, passing game involvement, and points-over-expectation factors.

JJ Zachariason has Judarian Price ranked ahead of average draft position, but acknowledges he is one of the committee guys in his backfield, limiting ceiling despite value positioning.

Classified as an anchor running back with a projected 64% carry share in his offense. JJ Zachariason notes that despite similar touch volume, Gibbs and other anchors will not score identical fantasy points due to differences in scoring efficiency, passing game involvement, and points-over-expectation factors.

Classified as an anchor running back with a projected 64% carry share in his offense.

JJ Zachariason identifies Javonte Williams as one of the industry-consensus true lead backs projected across aggregate fantasy projections; included in the tier of backs Zachariason would love to have at least two of on most fantasy teams this year, accessible from any draft slot (4th through 12th pick).

JJ Zachariason explicitly excludes Jaylen Warren from the consensus true lead back tier, indicating he does not project to be the clear lead back on his team based on aggregate industry projections. Warren is going to be in a committee with Rico Dowdle, limiting his standalone opportunity and role clarity. Zachariason notes Warren is priced 20 to 30 picks higher than Rico Dowdle in ADP despite the Steelers viewing both backs as relatively interchangeable, suggesting potential overvaluation relative to his role.

Classified as an anchor running back with a projected 64% carry share in his offense.

Jonathan Brooks is on JJ Zachariason's 'live ticket' of league-winning running backs, meeting the criteria of at least 34% of rushes and at least 8% target share. Brooks is worth buying all the way up into the 6-7 turn (rounds 6-7) given the quality of the role he could be in; his price will increase as a result of Chuba Hubbard's hamstring injury opening opportunity.

Jordan James is classified as a pure handcuff in JJ Zachariason's running back portfolio framework.

Mason is on Zachariason's 'live ticket' of league-winning running backs, meeting the criteria of at least 34% of rushes and at least 8% target share. Competing with 31-year-old Aaron Jones in the Minnesota Vikings backfield, Mason is probably the better runner for a more run-heavy version of the Vikings with Kyler Murray at the helm.

JJ Zachariason identifies Josh Jacobs as one of the industry-consensus true lead backs projected across aggregate fantasy projections; included in the tier of backs Zachariason would love to have at least two of on most fantasy teams this year, accessible from any draft slot (4th through 12th pick).

Justice Hill is the classic bridge guy in JJ Zachariason's running back portfolio theory; he has no contingent value and will not play more if Derrick Henry is out, with a carry share of only 10%. However, if forced to start him, he could produce around 11 points on a good week.

JJ Zachariason identifies Keaontay Ingram as a good pick this year; he fits the contingent value running back archetype where he has a place in fantasy football and potential to earn a larger stand-alone role, making him one of the handcuff guys specifically worth drafting.

JJ Zachariason explicitly excludes Kendre Miller from the consensus true lead back tier, indicating he does not project to be the clear lead back on his team based on aggregate industry projections.

Kenny Gainwell is the passing down back for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in JJ Zachariason's running back portfolio framework.

JJ Zachariason identifies Kenneth Gainwell as a bridge running back that keeps popping up across multiple sample draft rooms, functioning as a contingent value piece that connects anchor backs to the rest of the roster construction.

Classified as an anchor running back for 2026 with a projected 64% carry share in his offense.

Herbert is on JJ Zachariason's 'live ticket' of league-winning running backs, meeting the criteria of at least 34% of rushes and at least 8% target share; recommended as one of two running backs to target in every draft.

JJ Zachariason found that Kyren Williams has only a 52% carry share of the Los Angeles Rams offense on average across industry projections, which was a surprising finding that differed from his initial expectations. Despite this ambiguous backfield role, Zachariason still views him as an anchor running back, though he would target Blake Corum more than this research would indicate.

Burden is banged up heading into the season, creating uncertainty around his availability and role in the Bears offense.

Marshawn Lloyd is classified as a pure handcuff in JJ Zachariason's running back portfolio framework.

JJ Zachariason assesses that it is really unlikely Mike Washington Jr. will earn a larger stand-alone role in his backfield; he does not fit the contingent value running back profile with realistic outs to point-scoring opportunity.

JJ Zachariason identifies Miles Sanders as one of the industry-consensus true lead backs projected across aggregate fantasy projections; included in the tier of backs Zachariason would love to have at least two of on most fantasy teams this year, accessible from any draft slot (4th through 12th pick).

JJ Zachariason identifies Quentin Johnston as one of the industry-consensus true lead backs projected across aggregate fantasy projections, with a projected 64% carry share in his offense. Zachariason includes him in the tier of backs he would love to have at least two of on most fantasy teams this year, accessible from any draft slot (4th through 12th pick).

White is in a committee with Jacquory Crosswell Merritt, limiting his role and opportunity in the backfield.

JJ Zachariason includes Rachaad White (referenced as 'Buy Shel Tuden' in the transcript, likely a transcription error for a running back option) in a sample draft room from the five slot as part of a functional running back construction.

JJ Zachariason identifies Raheem Mostert as one of the industry-consensus true lead backs projected across aggregate fantasy projections, with a projected 64% carry share in his offense. Zachariason includes him in the tier of backs he would love to have at least two of on most fantasy teams this year, accessible from any draft slot (4th through 12th pick).

Rhamondre Stevenson is on JJ Zachariason's 'live ticket' of league-winning running backs, meeting the criteria of at least 34% of rushes and at least 8% target share. Zachariason likes drafting Stevenson and believes he will exceed the aggregate projections' 41% carry share. Stevenson has multiple ways to pay off: he can become the straight-up starting running back if Trevion Henderson continues to struggle with vision on early downs and pass protection as he did last year. Stevenson is featured as a complementary piece in multiple elite running back room constructions, appearing alongside premium backs like Christian McCaffrey and Jaylen Warren in sample draft stacks.

Rico Dowdle is on JJ Zachariason's 'live ticket' of league-winning running backs, meeting the criteria of at least 34% of rushes and at least 8% target share. Dowdle is priced 20 to 30 picks cheaper than Jaylen Warren in ADP despite the Steelers and market viewing them as relatively interchangeable in the backfield, creating a significant value opportunity.

Harvey is going to be in a committee with J.K. Dobbins, limiting his standalone role and opportunity.

RJ Harvey is the passing down back for Denver in JJ Zachariason's running back portfolio framework.

JJ Zachariason indicates Corum should be targeted more than the aggregate research on Kyren Williams' carry share would suggest, positioning Corum as a better value target in the Rams backfield than the consensus projections indicate.

JJ Zachariason has changed his tune on Roschon Johnson (Mungai appears to be a reference or nickname), suggesting a shift in his evaluation of the Bears running back.

Classified as an anchor running back with a projected 64% carry share in his offense.

JJ Zachariason identifies Tony Pollard as one of the industry-consensus true lead backs projected across aggregate fantasy projections, with a projected 64% carry share in his offense. Zachariason includes him in the tier of backs he would love to have at least two of on most fantasy teams this year, accessible from any draft slot (4th through 12th pick).

JJ Zachariason identifies Travis Etienne as one of the industry-consensus true lead backs projected across aggregate fantasy projections, with a projected 64% carry share in his offense. Zachariason includes him in the tier of backs he would love to have at least two of on most fantasy teams this year, accessible from any draft slot (4th through 12th pick).

Trevion Henderson had trouble with vision on early downs and horrible luck in pass protection last year; JJ Zachariason is uncertain if those issues will continue this year but notes they create opportunity for Rhamondre Stevenson to assume a larger role.

Trey Benson is presented as an interchangeable option in elite running back room constructions, appearing in sample stacks as a flexible complementary back that works alongside premium backs like Christian McCaffrey and Jaylen Achane.

Trey Sermon is not even the lead part of the share in the New England Patriots backfield, indicating minimal role and opportunity.

Ty Johnson is classified as a pure handcuff in JJ Zachariason's running back portfolio framework.

JJ Zachariason explicitly excludes Tyjae Spears from the consensus true lead back tier, indicating he does not project to be the clear lead back on his team based on aggregate industry projections.

Tajae Spears is the passing down running back for the Tennessee Titans in JJ Zachariason's running back portfolio framework.

JJ Zachariason classifies Tyler Allgeier as a dead ticket lottery running back archetype—a backup projected with under 35% of carries and no passing game role. Zachariason notes Allgeier has some stand-alone value but it mostly comes in an entirely contingent fashion. Zachariason assesses that it is very likely not going to be Tyler Allgeier who earns a larger stand-alone role in his backfield; he does not fit the contingent value running back profile with realistic outs to point-scoring opportunity. Allgeier is classified as a pure handcuff in Zachariason's running back portfolio framework.

JJ Zachariason targets Tyron Tracy as a contingent value running back with the ability to theoretically earn his way into a point-scoring role on his offense; he represents the type of running back two that can earn a larger stand-alone role, though he is also classified as a pure handcuff in Zachariason's running back portfolio framework.

JJ Zachariason targets Woody Marks as a contingent value running back with the ability to theoretically earn his way into a point-scoring role on his offense; he represents the type of running back two that can earn a larger stand-alone role, though he is also classified as a pure handcuff in Zachariason's running back portfolio framework.

JJ Zachariason identifies Zach Charbonnet as one of the industry-consensus true lead backs projected across aggregate fantasy projections, with a projected 64% carry share in his offense. Zachariason includes him in the tier of backs he would love to have at least two of on most fantasy teams this year, accessible from any draft slot (4th through 12th pick).

JJ Zachariason explicitly excludes Zamir White from the consensus true lead back tier, indicating he does not project to be the clear lead back on his team based on aggregate industry projections.