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Over the past month we've analyzed a ton of 2016 NFL Rookies at all positions for keeper and dynasty leagues. To cap off the series, we'll be looking at some deeper dynasty rookies who should be on your radar for 2016 fantasy football.
Here are four running backs selected in the 5th round or later to be aware of for your dynasty drafts.
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Dynasty Running Backs
The Seahawks selected C.J. Prosise in the third round, but they took a more traditional running back in Alex Collins late in the fifth round. There are uncertainties surrounding Thomas Rawls' health and Christine Michael's talent, which could pave a way to playing time for Collins this season. Still, he certainly isn't a must draft in re-draft leagues this season.
Collins doesn't possess the upside of players like Elliott or Henry, but he is a downhill, powerful runner that fits the Seahawks scheme. Thomas Rawls is coming off a nasty injury and Christine Michael likely won't be all that difficult for Collins to beat out. He will give way to Prosise on passing downs, but Collins is a good dynasty leagues stash, as he could eventually be the early down back for the Seahawks.
Williams was the first running back out of Arkansas selected in the 2016 draft, as he was taken a few picks before Alex Collins, who was arguably the better running back in college. Williams could find a role in the Bills offense this season, as there have been reports that Karlos Williams gained weight in the offseason. He isn't worth a pick in re-draft leagues, though, as he is still behind McCoy and Gillislee on the Bills depth chart.
Williams would have been a significantly higher draft pick if he weren't labeled an injury prone running back. He has the talent to become a three down running back in the NFL, but he needs to prove that he can stay healthy first. He has the talent to take over for the Bills once they move on for LeSean McCoy, but he's an extremely risky dynasty league player.
Kelvin Taylor is the son of former NFL running back Fred Taylor, and he may be a bit more NFL ready than some of the other players in the draft. He isn't a very fast player, but he is quick and could certainly handle a fair share of carries for the 49ers. He was drafted into an ideal situation, as the 49ers lack talent behind Carlos Hyde. Chip Kelly loved using multiple running backs in Philadelphia, and Taylor is a solid late round flier this season.
Taylor doesn't have the upside of some of the other dynasty league prospects because he isn't all that talented of a running back. Chip Kelly's offense focuses on running outside of the tackles, though, which is where Taylor excels. If the 49ers sour on Carlos Hyde, Taylor could take over as the lead back in a couple years, but he likely won't be able to handle a full season's worth of carries. He'll be most effective in a committee.
Smallwood was seen as a bit of a reach, as he was projected to go in the sixth or seventh round and the Philadelphia Eagles selected him in the fifth round. He should be able to work his way onto the field, especially if the Eagles are able to trade a running back. He has the ability for big plays and he has smooth hands out of the backfield. Unless the Eagles trade a running back this offseason, Smallwood isn't a re-draft consideration, though. Please note that he could make a great option if Mathews suffers an injury this season.
He has great upside, as he looked great at West Virginia. He is a big play waiting to happen, but he's also a tough running back. On top of that, Smallwood has good hands out of the backfield, and he could be a three down running back in the NFL. Ryan Mathews is the lead back for the Eagles, but he's injury prone, and Smallwood will likely be next in line for early down work. He's a great option in dynasty leagues.
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