While there might not have been the same level of hype surrounding the 2018 rookie running back class as in past years, there is no doubt that the cream of the crop has the potential to make an immediate impact as potential stars right away this season. We took the time to identify the best options from a fantasy perspective in 2018. Here is a look at the five rookie running backs that will have the biggest impact in fantasy football.
Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
Barkley is clearly considered to be in a class of his own heading in to the 2018 NFL season. The second-overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft will be expected to step right in as the workhorse back in New York as a rookie. Barkley, who put up monster numbers in his college career at Penn State, should have a tremendous immediate impact for a Giants team that is desperate for him to revitalize their rushing attack behind an upgraded offensive line. Barkley should be the first rookie running back off the board in fantasy leagues this season.
Derrius Guice, Washington Redskins
Washington’s management team wasn’t convinced that they had a franchise running back on their roster so they went ahead and selected Guice in the second round. Guice isn’t an elite option as a receiver but he should feature for the Redskins as a two-down back with Chris Thompson handling duties on third down. After Kirk Cousins exited, it became clear that Washington would have to adjust its offense. The addition of Guice in the second round is a strong indication that he will be featured heavily in his rookie season.
Rashaad Penny, Seattle Seahawks
Seattle ranked in the bottom-half of the NFL in rushing yards per attempt last season and that was even with factoring in Russell Wilson’s rushing numbers. The Seahawks clearly had a substantial need at the running back position so they went ahead and grabbed Penny towards the end of the first round. Penny has substantial appeal as a three-down back that will be relied on heavily to inject some excitement in to the Seattle backfield. He should put up impressive numbers in his rookie season.
Sony Michel, New England Patriots
The only other running back taken in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft will get every opportunity to prove he belongs as the feature back in New England as a rookie. Michel, who flashed a special ability as both a runner and a receiver at Georgia in college, convinced the Patriots brass that was worth scooping up at the end of the opening round even though they might very well have had greater positions of need to address. Following Dion Lewis’ exit, Michel will be forced in to the spotlight in New England. While the Patriots lost a couple of key offensive weapons, the addition of Michel is one of the reasons this team is still favored to win the AFC, according to BetDSI.
Nick Chubb, Cleveland Browns
While Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Ronald Jones and Detroit Lions running back Kerryon Johnson are also worth considering, Chubb deserves the final spot on this list among the top rookie running backs worth investing in this upcoming season. Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson Jr. are coming off impressive seasons and have high upside. However, the consensus is that Chubb could push both of them in his rookie year. The Browns will rely heavily on their running back stable as they look to turn things around on offense with Tyrod Taylor at quarterback for the foreseeable future. The intrigue is certainly warranted when it comes to Chubb’s potential as a rookie running back this upcoming season.
