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2019 NFL Draft: Top 5 dynasty league running backs

By Nicholas McGee

AMES, IA - OCTOBER 27: Running back David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones breaks away from linebacker Dakota Allen #40 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders while rising for yards in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 40-31 over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images)
AMES, IA - OCTOBER 27: Running back David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones breaks away from linebacker Dakota Allen #40 of the Texas Tech Red Raiders while rising for yards in the second half of play at Jack Trice Stadium on October 27, 2018 in Ames, Iowa. The Iowa State Cyclones won 40-31 over the Texas Tech Red Raiders. (Photo by David Purdy/Getty Images) /
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There are numerous rookie running backs who should be high picks in dynasty drafts, here we look at the top five options.

Having productive running backs has for so long been key to success in fantasy football and, while we are now living in an era in which wide receivers are the more valuable commodity both in standard and dynasty leagues due to the pass-first philosophy adopted by the vast majority of NFL teams, there is still plenty to be said for adding backs who can be every-down contributors.

The 2019 draft was far from the deepest in terms of running back talent, but there were a couple who landed in perfect situations to make a significant impact in their rookie years and be considered as legitimate starting options in fantasy.

For dynasty leagues it is crucial to find players who can contribute right away and in the long term and here we look at five such backs who are in nice spots to do both.

NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 28: Darrell Henderson #8 of the Memphis Tigers runs with the ball for a touchdown during the first half against the Tulane Green Wave at Yulman Stadium on September 28, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LA – SEPTEMBER 28: Darrell Henderson #8 of the Memphis Tigers runs with the ball for a touchdown during the first half against the Tulane Green Wave at Yulman Stadium on September 28, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

5. Darrell Henderson – Los Angeles Rams

Though it’s questionable at best whether Henderson will have a shot to be the lead guy for the Rams long term, he is definitely in line for touches early and often in his career.

The Rams cannot continue to lean on Todd Gurley quite as heavily, with the Rams starter having been confirmed as having “an arthritic component” in his knee. Henderson should therefore see plentiful opportunities both as a runner and a receiver and brings big-play upside.

Henderson’s final season with Memphis saw him rack up 1,909 yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground at an 8.9 yards per carry clip. As a receiver he averaged 15.5 yards per catch and had three touchdowns.

Such production is not going to be replicated as a rotational back in the pros but those numbers are an indication of his capability to produce huge games in terms of fantasy points.

Those games may be sporadic and unpredictable in his rookie year but that upside makes him worth a later-round pick in dynasty, especially as further injury issues for Gurley could see him move into the lead role and his long-term value skyrocket playing in Sean McVay’s prolific offense.

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