The NFL draft is in the books. Rookie drafts have already begun throughout the land. One of the biggest questions is which running back should be the first one off the board. Without question, the running back position has been massively devalued in pro football. Even so, they still should be targeted in fantasy drafts as they provide plenty of value. The question: which one should be the first rookie running back selected? No worries, as that is where this Top Fantasy Rookie Running Back edition comes into focus.

To be sure, my selection and this entire topic will create much debate in the fantasy community. That is to be expected. Whether you agree or disagree with the pick isn’t the point. Discussing the subject in the fantasy community in depth is. With that in mind, feel free to give us all your input. With all of that out of the way, let’s get into it.

Trey Benson is This Season’s Top Fantasy Rookie Running Back

First, let me point out that many will place Jonathan Brooks at the top of the rookie running back pyramid. However, his injury mares what would be a great situation, both in real and fantasy football. As of this writing, it is unknown the impact of his ACL tear will have on Brooks. With that in mind, Trey Benson from Florida State receives the nomination.

Of ultimate importance, is Benson’s landing place. The Arizona Cardinals selected him with the 66th overall pick in the third round. He was the second running back taken, as Brooks was selected by Carolina in the second round. Even as that is the case, Benson remains the top choice. The first point that needs to be discussed is the fact that In front of him on the current depth chart is veteran James Conner.

The Skinny on James Conner

Entering his eighth pro season, James Conner has been a consistent performer for the Cardinals. In 2023, Conner rushed 208 times for 1040 yards and seven TDs. It was his first 1,000 yard rushing season of his career. Additionally, he caught 27 of 33 targets for 165 yards and two more touchdowns. It was the first time that he didn’t catch at least 37 passes in a season as a running back.

Conner has shown that he can be on the field throughout the year. He has played in at least 13 games in his last four seasons. Without question, he is the number one back in Arizona. Even with that said, Conner is entering the final season on his contract. Given the current view of the running back situation in the pro game, more than likely, he will not see another deal with the Cardinals.

Benson will have short and Long Term Value in Arizona

In the end, when all is said and done on this Top Fantasy Rookie Running Back edition, Benson has short and long term fantasy value. Even with Conner the top back in 2024, Benson offers dimensions that Conner does not. With 4.39 speed, Benson has far more big play potential than Conner has at this stage of his career.

In no way is this to suggest that Conner is washed up. He isn’t. Even so, it is not a flight of fancy to think that Benson will overtake him on the depth chart this season. Even if that doesn’t happen, Benson will still see more than simply a complimentary role in 2024. That is more than can be said for most, if not all, of the other rookie running backs taken in this draft.

In the final analysis, when taking the entire picture into focus, Benson is the top rookie at his position. When on the clock and needing a running back in rookie drafts this spring, look Benson’s way. He will make managers happy this year and for seasons to come.

The Final Word

Thank you for joining me for this Top Fantasy Rookie Running Back edition! As always. debate and discussion are highly encouraged. Agree or disagree with anything in the article? Let’s talk about it.

Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) @kevin62wilsea. Please feel free to share this article. Be sure to turn to Belly Up Sports and Belly Up Fantasy Sports for all the MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL happenings and the latest sports news!