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When planning for fantasy football drafts, it’s always important to evaluate backup running backs. Sadly, injuries and poor play are part of the game and no position is more impacted by them than running back. This can wreak havoc on fantasy rosters. However, if you can identify the correct backup running backs to target, it can make all the difference in your season.
There are two rookie backs we are going to analyze today. MarShawn Lloyd of the Green Bay Packers and Kimani Vidal of the Los Angeles Chargers are similarly priced in FFPC drafts. Both are intriguing players and could be very fantasy-relevant in the right situation.
So, which player should fantasy football managers target this year? Let’s take a few minutes and discuss.
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Lloyd was arguably the best running back in the 2024 draft class on pure talent. The biggest blemish on his resume is that he had a major fumbling issue in college.
Scoop n score after a Marshawn Lloyd fumble and UCLA leads #USC 28-10 with 9:29 left in 3rd Qtr @On3USC pic.twitter.com/VNkUiuwvW9
— Scott Schrader (@SSchraderOn3) November 18, 2023
Lloyd put the ball on the ground once every 32 touches during his collegiate career. This is a very high rate. Fumbling issues can derail careers if they aren’t addressed, but it’s not necessarily a death sentence. Tiki Barber is a good example of a player who overcame fumbling woes to eventually become one of the best running backs in the league. Lloyd will have to work hard to correct this issue as NFL defenders are extremely skilled at stripping the football.
Despite his fumbling woes, Green Bay has stated that it sees “shades of Aaron Jones” in Lloyd’s game. That bodes well for the rookie. With new starter Josh Jacobs coming off a poor 2023 and never being a particularly efficient player, Lloyd could carve out an immediate role. If Jacobs struggles, then Lloyd is in a position to capitalize. However, he must address his ball security issues to do so. If he doesn’t, then he won’t get anywhere close to the field.
Kimani Vidal 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Vidal was taken in the sixth round by the Los Angeles Chargers. While that is certainly not ideal draft capital for a running back, the rookie did finish second in the country in rushing yards in his final collegiate season.
Q4 8:13 | 🧢 trick‼️
Kimani Vidal makes it touchdown No. 3, taking the direct snap 69 yards to the house.
🐺: 0
⚔️: 37#RiseToBuild | #OneTROY ⚔️🏈 pic.twitter.com/mPYU77DNGj— Troy Trojans Football 8x⚔️ (@TroyTrojansFB) October 7, 2023
The competition on Los Angeles’ running back depth chart is why many fantasy players are bullish on Vidal’s prospects. Former Baltimore Ravens running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards were brought in this offseason. They are the main competition standing in Vidal’s way. Dobbins has had major durability concerns and is coming off a torn Achilles tendon. Edwards had a career year in 2023, but he is now 29 years old and has never handled more than 198 carries in a season.
Former Chargers back Austin Ekeler let it be known that he parted ways with the club because the new regime is looking for a back that can carry the ball 300+ times. Based on that statement, neither Edwards nor Dobbins fits that mold. That brings us to Vidal, who is an unknown in this area. He did handle 315 touches last year at Troy and might be the back new head coach Jim Harbaugh prefers for the lead role.
Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?
While Lloyd is undoubtedly the more talented player, it just feels like Vidal is more likely to become his team’s RB1. We will give the edge to him as a result. Lloyd has to overcome two major hurdles in his fumbling problem and Jacobs’ presence on the depth chart. The path for Vidal feels easier. If he takes over RB1 duties in a run-heavy Greg Roman offense, then he can be a league winner. He’s worth a flier late in drafts and could be the key to a fantasy title if the stars align.
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