It is officially draft season! Everyone knows you need to have good running backs if you want to win a championship. Let’s take a short look at my Top 24 Running Backs (PPR scoring) for the 2020 season.

Tier 1: Elite AF

1. Christian McCaffrey: This one doesn’t require much explanation. Odds are against him to repeat as the RB1, but it’s a bold move to fade him with your #1 pick. Does he see the same ridiculous workload under the new coaching staff?
2. Saquon Barkley: Another straight forward one. You could make a case for Zeke here but Barkley is one of the most dynamic backs ever and the offense should improve. Update: Limped off the field at practice today but returned. Something to keep an eye on.
3. Ezekiel Elliott: Consistency is Zeke’s middle name. Actually it’s Elijah but just go with it. You know exactly what you’re going to get when you pick him and that’s a player that’s going to be among the top 24 running backs every week.

Tier 2: Probably Elite but…

1. Alvin Kamara: 2019 was a down year, no doubt about that. He was injured though, perhaps more than initially thought. I’m feeling a big bounce back this year. It is a little concerning he went vegan this offseason. You can hedge your bet by drafting Latavius Murray.
2. Dalvin Cook: I would put him in the third spot if I knew he was going to play 16 games, the injury risk is real though. His contract situation is also a question mark. Grab Alexander Mattison if you draft Cook.

Tier 3: High Ceiling Studs with Receiving Upside

1. Clyde Edwards-Helaire: His upside is through the roof as the lead back in the Chiefs offense. Rave reviews coming out of camp. Candidate to catch 60 plus passes alongside his rushing production.
2. Kenyan Drake: Smashed after being traded to the Cardinals last season. Has always been electric when he gets touches. Will be running against light fronts in this spread offense. Update: Drake was spotted wearing a walking boot after writing this. The Cards say it’s precautionary, but something to keep an eye on. You can handcuff with Chase Edmonds if that’s your style.
3. Miles Sanders: The hype train hit a speed bump when the Eagles listed Sanders as week-to-week with a lower leg injury but it sounds like they’re just being careful with him. Should be close to an every-down back.

Tier 4: High Floor RB1s with Questionable Pass Catching Involvement

1. Derrick Henry: A good bet to lead the league in rushing yards, just doesn’t see the receiving volume other RB1s do. Still a safe pick due to rushing volume.
2. Josh Jacobs: If the Raiders signing Theo Riddick scares you off Jacobs, you should re-evaluate your process. Was excellent as a rookie with a broken shoulder.
3. Joe Mixon: If the Bengals truly do decide he needs more touches I might have to move him up. Lack of involvement in the passing game makes me hesitant. He is more than capable of catching passes though so maybe that changes?

Tier 5: High End RB2s

1. Austin Ekeler: I don’t expect the workload to change much from last year despite Melvin Gordon leaving. Also, I wonder if the Chargers offense regresses a bit with Tyrod Taylor running the show?
2. Aaron Jones: Will probably get hit with a lot of touchdown regression from last year. Likely to be Green Bay’s second option in the passing game though.
3. Jonathan Taylor: Yes, Marlon Mack is a good player. Yes, they’re going to split some carries. Yes, he will lose some passing downs to Nyheim Hines. I don’t care though. Taylor is an animal and will make it harder and harder to take him off the field as the season goes on.
4. Le’Veon Bell: Bell was not very good last year but he also wasn’t that terrible. Reportedly in amazing shape and with a (hopefully) improved offensive line, he could be in for a bounce back.
5. David Johnson: Honestly I think he looked just fine last year before his back injury. He’s now on a team with a ton of vacated targets and rushing attempts available. If he can regain his usual form he will outperform this spot.
6. Nick Chubb: I’ll probably get ridiculed for having Chubb this low, but I’m just not really on him this year. Kareem Hunt’s presence caps his ceiling.

Tier 6: Low End RB2s

1. Leonard Fournette: Volume is the name of the game with Lenny. He’s going to get a lot of it. Should also see an uptick in touchdowns from last year.
2. Todd Gurley: Lead back on a strong offense. Will he be more involved in the passing game like he is capable of? Could get ran into the ground on a one year deal.
3. James Conner: If he manages to stay healthy, which he hasn’t shown he can, I have him way too low. Pittsburgh’s offense should be much better this year with Big Ben returning.
4. Chris Carson: Another guy I might be too low on. He’s always produced throughout his career but the injury history and fumbles make me leery of him.
5. David Montgomery: Supposedly in much better shape this year, if he can improve on his efficiency and keep the same high volume he’ll beat his draft position.
6. D’Andre Swift: Kerryon Johnson has basically said Swift is better than him. At some point Swift is going to explode, it’s just a matter of how long the Lions coaching staff takes to unleash him.
7. Ronald Jones: I don’t care that he dropped a couple of passes in practice and neither should you. Should be the lead back in a high powered offense with a lot of touchdown opportunities.
   

Well, there you have it, my top 24 running backs. Follow me on Twitter @JimJamFF and let me know who you agree or disagree on! Check out the other articles we have at Belly Up while you’re here. Happy drafting!