Running Back ADP Risers: Brian Robinson Jr., Dameon Pierce Shoot Up Fantasy Draft Boards
Fantasy football players are entering what some consider the most exciting time of the year, fantasy draft season! Researching stats, checking out depth charts, circling sleepers or busts, and finalizing cheat sheets are all part of draft prep. One of the most important tools fantasy football managers utilize during fantasy draft season is Average Draft Position. ADP collects data from all available public leagues and displays where an NFL player is getting drafted in fantasy. In short, it shows how fantasy players value a particular player. For example, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has an ADP of 1.0, meaning he’s being drafted as the first overall player.
Since the start of training camp and preseason, some NFL players have seen a rise or decline in their ADP. Whether it’s due to injury, changes on the team’s depth chart, or a great (or terrible) preseason performance, a player’s ADP is constantly evolving/changing.
Running Backs With Rising ADP
Isiah Pacheco, Chiefs, ADP 130:
Since the start of training camp, the Kansas City rookie has skyrocketed fantasy draft boards, jumping up 22 spots in ADP. At the start of the summer, Pacheco was drafted as the 160th overall player and now has an ADP of 130.2. That firmly puts him in Round 10 in 12-team leagues. The Pacheco hype train continues to build momentum, especially after quarterback Patrick Mahomes gave the rookie rusher some really high praise. Consider Pacheco a deep sleeper, he won’t break the bank based on his current ADP but could certainly out-perform his current value.
Brian Robinson Jr., Commanders, ADP 140:
The rookie out of Alabama is expected to take over short-yardage and goal-line work in Washington’s backfield. Weighing in at 228 pounds and standing 6-foot-1, Robinson is a big, bruising, physical rusher that excels at pushing the pile. His fantasy value will be dependent on his touchdowns as Antonio Gibson and J.D. McKissic will still have a significant role for the Commanders. Robinson is ranked in Tier 8 on Athlon’s fantasy cheat sheet.
Dameon Pierce, Texans, ADP 95:
Houston’s rookie did not play in the team’s second preseason game which led some to believe he’s already won the starting job. That’s pretty impressive considering NFL veterans Rex Burkhead and Marlon Mack are also on the squad. Pierce certainly has the skillset that translates well to the NFL but the Texans are expected to be one of the worst teams in the league. Pierce’s ADP has jumped 16 spots since the start of August and he’s now getting drafted in the late seventh, early eighth round. Pierce could be a classic example of a player’s ADP originally providing value but ultimately becomes too costly to draft.
Joshua Kelley, Chargers, ADP 209:
The consensus handcuff to Austin Ekeler, the third-year running back is listed as the No. 2 back on the Chargers' depth chart. Though he’ll play behind Ekeler, Kelley will have a consistent role as a change-of-pace back to give the stud running back a bit of a breather. If you draft Ekeler, grabbing Kelley at his current ADP is a no-brainer.
Other running backs with rising ADP: Chase Edmonds, Dolphins (ADP 83); J.D. McKissic, Commanders (177); Kenneth Gainwell, Eagles (129); Raheem Mostert, Dolphins (170); Rhamondre Stevenson, Patriots (85); Alvin Kamara, Saints (18); AJ Dillon, Packers (62)
