Running backs used to be the cornerstone of fantasy football drafts, often the first players managers reached for as they built their rosters.
That hierarchy has softened in recent years, as offenses increasingly lean on the pass and fewer backs receive a heavy share of touches. Nevertheless, the position remains potent, with four of the five highest‑scoring players last season still coming from the backfield.
The New Draft Paradigm
Consequently, strategies such as ‘Hero RB’ and ‘Zero RB’ have gained traction, encouraging managers to postpone selecting a running back or to settle for a single back early, reshaping the early‑round calculus.
The latest 2026 rankings illustrate this shift, placing prospects like Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs and Christian McCaffrey among the top choices and assigning auction values that assume a $200 budget.
The author intends to refresh these rankings throughout the summer, ensuring that any breakout performances or injury updates are captured before draft day.