Late‑Round Sleepers to Target
The running back position is once again a focal point in fantasy football, as teams increasingly lean on the ground game to control the clock and wear down defenses.
Analysts are pointing to a handful of late‑round picks who could outperform their draft positions, especially with several backfields poised for higher volume.
Among them, Jonathon Brooks stands out as a potential centerpiece for the Carolina Panthers, provided he stays healthy and builds on the promise shown by his rookie campaign.
Rico Dowdle’s workload last season, which topped 275 touches under new head coach Dave Canales, sets a clear precedent for the kind of usage Brooks could receive in Carolina.
Tyrone Tracy has already demonstrated reliability, averaging 13.56 fantasy points per game from weeks nine through seventeen last year, and the Giants’ coaching staff appears ready to share the workload to maximize his impact.
Kenneth Gainwell, meanwhile, fits neatly into Tampa Bay’s offensive scheme, where his red‑zone presence and ability to score from anywhere in the backfield could translate into a sizable share of touchdowns.
Coaching Insights
Carolina’s head coach Dave Canales has publicly praised Brooks’ work ethic and potential, suggesting the team is building its offense around a lead back who can handle a featured role.
Across the league, John Harbaugh’s teams have historically ranked among the top rushing attempts, a trend that bodes well for any back who can secure a substantial share of carries.
Offensive coordinator Zach Robinson’s comparison of Gainwell to Bucky Irving underscores the belief that the Buccaneers see him as a versatile weapon capable of expanding the playbook.
The broader context of the NFL’s rushing resurgence is reinforced by the fact that John Harbaugh‑led teams have finished outside the top ten in rushing attempts only five times since 2008, indicating a league‑wide shift toward a more balanced attack.