4 Rookie Running Backs to Draft in Fantasy Football This Year

Duke Johnson, Cleveland Browns

NFL Draft Selection: 3rd Round, 77th Overall
ADP (Std/PPR): 98/95

The Cleveland Browns seem to love adding rookie running backs to the stable. After snagging both Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West in 2014, the Browns added talented former Miami Hurricane back, Duke Johnson.

The Browns were the sixth-most run-heavy team in the NFL last year, and no team ran the ball at a higher rate inside the red zone than Cleveland did. However, they ranked just 31st in rushing efficiency according to our schedule-adjusted Rushing Net Expected Points per play metric.

Johnson has the most "muddy" situation for fantasy purposes among this group of four rookie running backs, but both Crowell and West were at or under the league-average -0.03 NEP per rush average last season, so the competition may not be as fierce as most think.

The immediate difference between Johnson versus Crowell and West, though, is Johnson's speed and passing game prowess.

Johnson is an impressive runner who averaged 6.6 yards per carry during his three seasons at Miami. Last season, he really showed his skill as a pass-catcher as well, averaging 11.1 yards per reception on 38 catches.

Johnson is the cheapest rookie of the bunch according to average draft position. With his late eighth-round price tag, he's not a bad get in PPR leagues.