To be clear, I do not like going with a Zero RB strategy. However, depending on how the draft falls, I might need to target some RBs late. Here are 5 zero RB targets to look at.

In case you don’t know, Zero RB is a strategy some people use to zig when others zag. Almost everyone gets an RB or two in the first two rounds, so aiming for other positions can help you to gain advantages at the other roster spots. It can also be a way to reduce injury risk as top RBs rarely play a full season. People using this strategy may aim for RBs after the 4th round in a 12-team league when the solid RBs are usually gone.

These are running backs who should have a good enough floor to be safe to start while having an attractive ceiling that could help you win weeks.

I will assume a half-PPR redraft league with 12-teams and a roster of QB, RB, RB, WR, WR, TE, FLEX, K, DST and I will be using FantasyPros ADP. So let’s look at some zero RB targets.

Mike Davis [ADP: 57 (round 5)]

The Falcons running back finished as the RB15 last year on a different team. He showed that he could do quite well for fantasy as the workhorse once Christian McCaffrey went down. With very little competition for touches and the ability to catch as well, Mike Davis should have a solid RB2 floor. He should also have a good ceiling if he manages to catch a few balls and score a couple of touchdowns in a game.

Javonte Williams [ADP: 63 (round 6)]

The Broncos traded up to snipe him away before the Dolphins could snag him. Javonte Williams looks set to be their top RB after this season when Melvin Gordon‘s contract expires. Melvin Gordon is good competition, but there is definitely a possibility that Javonte can outperform him and start taking over the role this year.

Travis Etienne [ADP: 65 (round 6)]

James Robinson showed himself to be a really good back, but Travis Etienne was drafted in the first round and they didn’t do that to have him play backup all season. Add in his pass-catching ability from a QB who already loves him and if he takes most of the carries, he could have Ekeler-like upside.

Ronald Jones [ADP: 71 (round 6)]

He finishes as the RB16 last year but I wouldn’t expect that again. Ronald Jones isn’t a very attractive name but his biggest issue is that he doesn’t have great hands. He did decently last year when sharing the load with Leonard Fournette. Giovani Bernard‘s arrival may take away touches, but I think it could hurt Lenny more since they would both be fighting for those receiving downs.

Gus Edwards [ADP: 109 (round 10)]

J.K. Dobbins and Lamar Jackson may have more carries than Gus Edwards yet still, he could still be a running back worth starting. The team likes to run and they’re good at it. Even as the third RB on the team, they’ve shown they’re willing to give him enough usage to be fantasy-relevant. And if Dobbins goes down, Gus’ value will skyrocket.

Wrap-Up

This article is being written in July. Any injuries or additions could drastically affect this list. But hopefully, this helps you to find some zero RB targets.

If you found this article helpful, check out other Belly Up Fantasy Sports articles at Belly Up Fantasy and you can follow me at @liuac.