Rizzla takes a look at six 2019 rookie draft prospects to monitor ahead of the NFL draft and combine.
With bowl season upon us it is now time to take a look at the skill players projected to make the biggest impact in the NFL. This week we will take a look at six running backs that should be of particular interest to dynasty league owners. While this is not an exhaustive list or a ranking it does include six of the very best prospects in the upcoming class. Even though this class is rumored not to be as deep as in years past due to no truly elite Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliott or Todd Gurley types, we have six more very talented backs to discuss with you next week. There are as many as ten potential starters in this draft class so dynasty owners may want to start to pry picks away from rivals before they become wise to the true talent of this class at both receiver and running back.
Justice Hill
Justice Hill certainly looks the part of an NFL feature back. Now while some draftniks have expressed size concerns, Hill boasts an every down skillset and has a solid base which should help alleviate any pro level workload trepidation. Hill is a wild running, elusive jump cut back who is capable of shedding multiple tackles (33 missed tackles forced) on any given play. Hill appears to thrive on contact where he uses his deceptive power and good pad level to generate yards after contact (422 yards after contact). Hill has displayed solid receiving ability on tape where his proven open field skills and shiftiness could make him an RB1 at the next level.
Justice Hill is another one of these running backs who had a better sophomore season where he proved his ability both on the ground and through the air. Hill became more of a focal point of opposing defenses in 2018 but still impressed with 27 explosive runs and 45.3 percent of his total rushing yards coming after contact.
Rodney Anderson
Despite being hurt in 2018, at 6’1 220 lbs Rodney Anderson looks like a feature back at the next level. Anderson is a powerful, exciting runner who boasts an every down skillset and elite cutting ability. In 2017 Anderson highlighted his elusiveness with 28 missed tackles forced while his 34 carries of over ten yards accentuated his explosiveness. Anderson is an angry runner who looks like he has the makings of a fantasy RB1 due to his excellent receiving prowess and dynamic ability in the open field. Anderson looked special on tape especially when one considers that he weighed in at 220 lbs.
Rodney Anderson saw his college career derailed by injuries and will have to test well and prove he is healthy at the NFL combine to improve his day three draft stock. A day two talent with day one potential Anderson could easily be the best running back in this draft class if he proves to have regained his previous form. Anderson had a solid enough sophomore season to prove his NFL upside both on the ground and through the air, but his tape is where he really shines. Anderson sparkles on tape as in the passing game and presents a big play threat as a receiver as evidenced by his outside receiver worthy 16.5 yards per reception.
David Montgomery
David Montgomery is a 5’11, 216 lbs running back that has shown elite elusiveness and power and looks like arguably top prospect in this draft class. Montgomery is a slippery back who breaks tackles with ease as evidenced by his 90 forced missed tackles, whom with his great open field ability will continue to be a yards after contact monster in the NFL. Montgomery is a good receiver out of the backfield who should excel at the next level in this facet of the game due to his elite ability in space.
David Montgomery has more impressive tape then his numbers would suggest but it is clear from even glancing at his stats that Montgomery has the makings of a solid ppr running back.
Devin Singletary
Devin SIngletary is one of the most exciting prospects in the upcoming draft class. The elite level ability to make defenders miss that shows up on tape is supported by his insane 94 broken tackles on 264 attempts and 1027 yards after contact; a number higher than other backs on this list rushed for, total. Singletary displays excellent vision that he pairs with great cutting ability which helps him to be so elusive. Singletary makes a living with his elite open field ability which suggests that he could become a ppr stud in the right system as he can absolutely thrive as a receiver.
The 5’9, 200 lbs, Devin Singletary had a rock solid 2018 but was even more impressive in 2017. While his reception numbers were down this year he proved he has receiving ability in his previous two seasons which is what is important as far as his ability to stay on the field for all three downs and thus buoy his dynasty outlook.
Bryce Love
Bryce Love looks every bit the part of a potential every down back on right team. Love is an explosive, shifty runner with good feel for cutback lanes. A true home run hitter Love shows an ability to operate in space that could make the soft handed back a dynamic weapon in the passing game. Despite his 5’10, 210 lbs frame Love has a good base and a good build for his size and will certainly be able to handle a lead back role at the next level.
Bryce Love may have taken a hit to his draft stock by returning to school for his senior season as his numbers pale in comparison to his Heisman trophy runner up 2017 campaign. What Love did do however was ease concerns about his ability as a receiver by hauling in a career high 20 receptions over ten games, and with no truly elite prospect in this class Love remains in the mix to be one of the first running backs selected.
Damien Harris
The 5’11, 215 lbs Damien Harris is a powerful jump cut runner lacking top end speed. A potential day one or day two pick, Harris hits the hole hard and exhibits solid elusiveness and tackle breaking ability. Harris could be a star at the next level as he looks to leverage his plus vision and decisive power which could lead to him seeing upwards of ten touchdowns per season in a featured role in a competent offense. Harris offers plus receiving ability making him someone PPR owners will want to target in round one of rookie drafts unless he lands with the Rams, Giants, Cowboys, Bengals or Panthers.
Damien Harris saw a decrease in snaps this year due to Alabama’s wealth of backfield talent which included fellow top 2019 running back prospect Josh Jacobs. While Harris saw his yards per carry ‘fall’ to 6.1 in 2018 he improved as a receiver and also increased his efficiency on a per reception basis making him a potential day two pick.
