When Should I Draft Zamir White? 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

When it comes to fantasy football, you can never have too much information entering draft season, especially when it deals with drafting potential breakout candidates. 

Zamir White, the 24-year-old former fourth-round pick, has a complicated outlook heading into the 2024 season. There are many reasons to believe he will break out and thrive as the Raiders starting running back, but there is also serious risk associated with him. 

In this article, I’ll explore White's 2024 fantasy football outlook, analyzing his potential upside, key factors influencing his performance, and the optimal round to consider drafting him.

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Zamir White 2024 Fantasy Outlook

In 2023, White filled in as the Raiders’ starter for the injured Josh Jacobs during the season's last four games and faired quite well. White averaged 99.3 yards per game on the ground (4.7 yards per carry), caught nine passes for 60 yards, and scored one touchdown. It is also worth noting that he saw 44.4% of the Raiders’ touches in those four games.

Those performances were good enough for White to finish as the RB9 (PPR scoring) during that span. Now, heading into 2024 with Josh Jacobs on the Green Bay Packers, the starting job is White’s to lose. He looks to be in store for the majority of the team's carries. 

Zamir White keeps leveling up https://t.co/Rm1cctLH0A

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) August 14, 2024

The main other back that will compete with White is the newly acquired Alexander Mattison, who has had a very successful career (primarily) as a backup running back on the Minnesota Vikings. Mattison has had much more success as a pass catcher out of the backfield than White so he may see more time on third downs or if the Raiders are in the two-minute drill. Rookie Dylan Laube could also factor in there.

Apart from that, White will still be the early down runner and see most of the red zone touches, too. White should figure to be a heavy-volume back in 2024. However, fantasy managers must be cautious of the role that Mattison may have in the team’s offense, especially if he plays better early on in the season.

When Should I Draft Zamir White in Fantasy Football?

White is projected to finish around the RB23 spot and has an ADP of around 67 in PPR-scoring leagues. As a true RB1, he definitely has value as a fantasy player. However, there are risks associated with taking him too early in drafts. 

If he has success mimicking his performance over the last four weeks of the 2023 season, he should remain as a safe flex option that you’d start weekly, with serious RB2 upside. However, if he falls off (like many running backs in similar positions have), then he may be worth next to nothing on your team.

Based on all the above information, I would say that White’s value, potential, and likeness to breakout are higher than his ADP reflects. White is not elite by any means, but he is absolutely worth considering if you need a running back and he is available in the sixth or seventh round of your draft (maybe even late fifth). Barring any injuries or setbacks, he will see lots of touches in 2024. Choosing him could prove to pay dividends (and make you look like a genius) in the long run.

Are you buying or selling Zamir White? pic.twitter.com/PhYTjcLUmV

— Dynasty Nerds (@DynastyNerds) May 3, 2024

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