Running Backs: Top 4 Sleepers

Next to each great quarterback stands his number one sidekick, the running back. In part two I will explore the running back fantasy pool and expose the 4 deepest sleepers in my opinion. 

Jonathan Stewart 

Anyone lining up next to Cam Newton is basically relegated to RB2 status, 2016 could be the year that changes. With so much success coming towards the entire Panthers organization in 2015, much of the same is now being expected.

Although Stewart is projected as a 4th tier star, I believe he is one of the better running backs. It would be asinine for Riverboat Ron to agree with his all-star quarterback taking the bulk of the touches.

In the past, the game plan has used the running back, ultimately Jonathan Stewart(when healthy) as second fiddle. #1 will decrease his personal gains as he gets older leading to an influx in Stewart’s game time production. He fell short of 1000 yards but did so in a injury filled season, missing numerous games.

His stock is certainly on the rise for 2016, a sure sign of being a fantasy sleeper. 

Derrick Henry

A dominant product of Alabama, running back Derrick Henry is looking to make an immediate impact his rookie season. Slated on the depth chart as #2 to DeMarco Murray, projections have Henry in the 6th tier of running backs. This is a little bit strange considering the uncertainty that comes along with having Murray anchor your run game.

A lackluster career for DeMarco outside the miraculous 2014 season, should all but place his current backup on everyone’s radar. A guaranteed work horse, Henry had a magnificent college career. He received the Heisman trophy for top football star in the nation, among multiple other awards. While he won’t be the traditional starter, look for Henry to breakout as the main go to in the red zone.

Touchdowns should be plenty and yards at an average pace, Making him a definite sleeper heading into his inaugural year. 

Paul Perkins

Since 2011 or maybe even a few years before that, The Giants haven’t had a legitimate #1 running back. This past draft looked to change this fad. With the 159th pick, the organization selected UCLA standout Paul Perkins.

After dominating as a sophomore and leading all rushers in the PAC-12, he declared for the 2016 draft. Stats don’t lie and this running back had a great showing both his years in college. Even with a late draft selection looking overhead, the situation is quite bright for the rookie running back. Most reports are already stating that Perkins is on path to steal the starting role prior to opening day.

An already pass heavy offense will look for some balance from the run game this year. This coming on the heels of a rather impressive 2015 campaign, where they posted the 8th highest offensive yards.

Manning will finally get the Robin to his Batman in the backfield, even if he is an extremely deep sleeper. 

Melvin Gordon

For my last sleeper pick in the running back category, someone not too low on the projections but severely slept on. Melvin Gordon, the Chargers 2nd year running back. With little to no help in the backfield for the past decade, San Diego has been yearning for another LT!

Though Tomlinson’s skill and impact will most likely never be replicated, Gordon will try his best. Following his rather bland rookie season, a new game plan has been created around the potentially lethal running back. It will look to capitalize on the versatility and explosion off the snap from Gordon.

A lauded high school track star, Gordon shows that athletic speed while running and also has decent hands as well. Catching out of the backfield has never been a problem, so the chemistry should exponentially grow between the offense. Many don’t see the elite potential, but be certain it is there and Melvin Gordon will exceed his sleeper status.