In the ever‑evolving landscape of fantasy football, a new draft philosophy has taken root, reshaping how managers allocate their early picks. The traditional model, which emphasizes selecting elite running backs in the first few rounds, is being questioned as backfield uncertainty and depth at other positions create fresh opportunities.
The Zero‑RB Edge
Last season, 49 different running backs logged at least 100 carries, yet the conventional wisdom that early rounds are the only path to a reliable rusher is being challenged. In fact, five backs selected in the eighth round or later last year finished among the top 24 in total points, underscoring the upside hidden in later rounds.
The approach, colloquially called Zero‑RB, hinges on waiting to draft a running back until the middle or late stages, freeing up premium selections for quarterback, receiver and tight end. By doing so, managers can shore up depth at positions that historically drive the bulk of scoring.
Among the names surfacing as prime Zero‑RB targets for the 2026 season are Rachaad White, whose dual‑threat skill set makes him a natural fit for pass‑heavy offenses, and Jonathon Brooks, who could see a surge in touches if he displaces Chuba Hubbard in Carolina. Chris Rodriguez, projected to thrive in Jacksonville’s system under coordinator Liam Coen, brings a blend of efficiency metrics — ranking 15th in yards per carry, third in yards after contact per attempt and eighth in avoided‑tackle rate among backs with 150 carries since 2023 — that suggest both standalone value and contingent upside.
The Jacksonville Jaguars’ emphasis on halfback screens last season, a scheme orchestrated by Coen, further illustrates how play‑calling can amplify the potential of a late‑round back, turning a modest workload into a high‑impact contribution. As the draft approaches, the Zero‑RB strategy appears poised to become a cornerstone of championship‑contending rosters.