MarShawn Lloyd vs. Jaylen Wright – Who Should I Draft In 2024 Fantasy Football?

Should fantasy players draft MarShawn Lloyd or Jaylen Wright during their 2024 fantasy football drafts? Mike Fanelli examines the case for both running backs.

The 2024 NFL Draft class didn’t have any superstar running back prospects. While the draft class lacked a Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs-like prospect, there were several talented mid-round running backs.

MarShawn Lloyd and Jaylen Wright were two of those draft picks in 2024. Lloyd was a third-round pick by the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, Wright was a fourth-round pick by the Miami Dolphins.

While both players should have a role behind the starting running back this season, which rookie rusher should fantasy players target in their draft? Let’s dive into it.

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MarShawn Lloyd 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

The Packers signed Josh Jacobs to a four-year deal in free agency. However, that didn’t stop them from using a top-100 pick on Lloyd. The rookie running back had 291 rushing attempts for 1,621 yards and 19 touchdowns in three years at USC and South Carolina, totaling nine scores in back-to-back seasons.

While Jacobs will be the lead running back, Lloyd will have a role in the backfield. The coaching staff wants to make him a weapon in the passing game. Furthermore, Lloyd has shown off his explosive play-making abilities during training camp.

Packers rookie RB Marshawn Lloyd rips off a big 50yd run in practice! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/teytD1KutR

— Alexander Basara (@Basaraski) August 1, 2024

Jaylen Wright 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Miami had arguably the best one-two punch at running back last season. Raheem Mostert led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns. Meanwhile, De'Von Achane averaged 7.8 yards per rushing attempt as a rookie. Yet, the Dolphins coveted Wright. They traded away a 2025 third-round pick to acquire the former Tennessee star during the NFL Draft.

Wright had 368 rushing attempts for 2,297 yards and 18 touchdowns in three years at Tennessee, averaging over six yards per rushing attempt. He recently earned praise from Achane, and while he is the third running back on the depth chart, Wright should have a role in the backfield.

🎥 De'Von Achane on Jaylen Wright: "He's great. I tell him, he's doing better than I was last year as far as camp wise and picking up stuf pretty fast. He's learning, he's a quick learner... he knows what he's doing." (@MiamiDolphins) #GoFins pic.twitter.com/ckIaQcxK9G

— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) August 3, 2024

Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?

Both rookie running backs are lottery ticket-like draft picks. However, if either team’s starting running back suffers a significant injury, the rookie could be a league winner. That said, fantasy players should draft Lloyd first. He has less competition for touches, and the coaching staff has discussed making him a focal point of their passing attack out of the backfield. Ultimately, he has a clearer path to fantasy production in Year 1.

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