Best Landing Spots for Rookie Running Backs

With the 2023 NFL Draft just weeks away, I’d like to cover some of the best landing spots for rookie running backs to land. Whether it be for general NFL fit, fantasy football fit, or long-term dynasty fantasy football value, here are some of my favorite landing spots. Continue reading to find out which teams could use a top rookie running back in the upcoming NFL Draft.

So as we head into the 2023 draft season, a common misconception I’ve heard is there aren’t ideal landing spots. To that, I would like to clear up that notion. Teams are smart enough this year to, at the least, have someone in place in order to not have the need going into the draft. Furthermore, with the current free agent market for running backs, where they are making the same money as kickers, it stands to reason that there are many players who will be left to job hunt this time next year. Finally, here is the list of locations I believe are locations that have merit as an ideal landing spot.

Arizona Cardinals

While James Conner’s contract makes him locked into being on the roster for the 2023 season, the 2024 season is a different story. With an $8.5 million dollar cap hit and saving $5.5 million being cut next year, the team does not have a long-term commitment to the 27-year-old whose production dropped in 2022. Going onward with Kyler Murray due to miss significant time this next year, look for a youth movement to occur in Arizona.

Overall, any running back who ends up in Arizona has a shot at not only significant reps. However, I would akin this to the recent backfield possibilities of the 2022 Buccaneers.

Prospects of Interest: Just one visit with Zach Evans is the only prior confirmed contact with the position before the 2023 NFL Draft.

Atlanta Falcons

Cordarrelle Patterson’s contract is in its final year. Additionally, Arthur Smith has a run-first offense in Atlanta. Last year, rookie Tyler Allgeier had one of the quietest 1,000-yard seasons on record. With Allgeier only being a fifth-round pick the past year, the Falcons don’t have much invested, leaving room to improve with better capital in this draft.

Prospects of interest: The Falcons have met with Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, Tank Bigsby, Tyjae Spears, Roschon Johnson, and Keaton Mitchell. 

Baltimore Ravens

JK Dobbins is in the last year of his contract, and he came off of an injury slowed by injury in 2022. Backup Gus Edwards is also in the last year of his contract as well. New offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, ran a run-first offense in Georgia, utilizing a numerous amount of running back in the rush-first attack. Running backs who come to this organization have a chance to be the remaining back on the roster after a season, in an offense that emphasizes the run.

Prospects of interest: Baltimore has had contact with the likes of Spears, Israel Abanikanda, and DeWayne McBride.

Dallas Cowboys

Tony Pollard is the new lead back in Dallas. While carrying the franchise tag, Pollard does appear to now be the run-away favorite for the job. I would consider this though, the front office and their value of the running back position. Any player drafted into this backfield, within the first four rounds will be given ample opportunity to be an asset in an offense that wants to commit more to the run than in previous seasons.

Prospects of Interest: Dallas has been particularly busy this offseason. Prospects that have met with the Cowboys include Robinson, Gibbs, Evans, Bigsby, Kendre Miller, Spears, Johnson, Chase Brown, and Eric Gray.

Kansas City Chiefs

I know what you’re probably going to say… There’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire and it’s a committee backfield. Well, it doesn’t look like he is a strong candidate for the fifth-year option, so this is likely his last season. Considering how often Patrick Mahomes likes to check down the ball, any running back has much to gain being a member of this offense. Even if they do have to share time with Isiah Pacheco, there is plenty of relevance for any running back who can get drafted in the same town as the draft.

Prospects of Interest: The Chiefs have only documented interest in one prospect so far at the running back position. Deuce Vaughn has had an NFL Combine interview and would receive a significant bump should he end up in Kansas City. 

Los Angeles Chargers

Austin Ekeler is in the final year of his contract and has gone as far as to even receive permission to seek a trade. That being said, there are two things we know in fantasy about this backfield. One, if everyone knew how few times Isaiah Spiller would be active on the roster, they would have spent those first-round rookie picks elsewhere. The second thing is that whether it be Josh Kelley, Sony Michel, Larry Roundtree, or  Spiller, all have failed to even touch the effectiveness of Ekeler.

Now, a running back in this situation could find themselves primed for a large degree of the remaining workload. Paired with a young quarterback in Justin Herbert, any running back that arrives here should definitely rise in your rookie rankings. 

Prospects of Interest: The Chargers have shown no official interest in any running back in this draft process. This doesn’t make the location for one any less. Coupled with the Chargers reportedly changing their stance from years past on extending Ekeler, it would appear the front office is prepared for change at the position.

Los Angeles Rams

Cam Akers’ commitment to the Rams is in its final year. Akers was disgruntled and was rumored as a potential cut candidate at the trade deadline in 2022. He has additionally suffered an Achilles injury and a shoulder injury which both had him missing significant time. The Rams have drafted a running back in every draft, in the Sean McVay era. With the offense having an approach predicated on running the ball, in part due to a passing game that has a significant drop-off after Cooper Kupp, the Rams are ripe for any player to rise above the remaining field.

Prospects of Interest: The Rams were noted in their presence at the Pro Day of Abanikanda. They also have had a top 30 visit with Miller. Los Angeles has also met with the local prospect, Zach Charbonnet.

Best Remaining Landing Spots

Miami Dolphins

The Good: Mike McDaniels’ offense can have just about any running back thrive.

The Bad: Lack of significant draft capital to expect an immediate impact, considering how the entire backfield has been resigned.

Chicago Bears

The Good: Paired with a rushing quarterback in Justin Fields. The strongest competition is Khalil Herbert and D’onta Foreman.

The Bad: Rebuilding the offensive line unit is still not complete.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Good: That offensive line.

The Bad: Holy four-headed committee, Batman!

Ultimately, most of the destinations are dependent on winning the job this season. You could say this is like most years, but this year does see it more so on a larger scale than the past handful of years. You’ll want to exercise patience in drafts and monitor what veterans could be let go after the season. Overall, this could bring you the type of value you are hoping to gain from your rookie drafts this year.

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