A Running Back to Target in Each Round of Your Fantasy Football Draft

Ryan Mathews, Philadelphia Eagles

ADP: 95 (8.10)

If the Philadelphia Eagles didn't swoop in at the eleventh hour this offseason to sign DeMarco Murray, we would all be talking about Ryan Mathews as an RB1 this season.

One year removed from his 2013 Pro Bowl season where he amassed 1,255 yards on the ground to go along with 189 receiving yards and 7 total touchdowns, hopes were high that Mathews could beat this performance under Chip Kelly's guidance.

And despite a crowded backfield with the presence of the aging but still effective Darren Sproles and the same day signing of Murray to the Eagles, given Murray's injury history, Mathews may still get the chance to meet these expectations before the year is done.

Even if both backs stay healthy, and that's a big if, Mathews should receive just enough of a workload in the running and passing game to sustain RB3/flex value. An efficient back on the ground, Mathews' average of 0.09 Rushing NEP per attempt tied Jeremy Hill for the fifth best mark among all backs with at least 75 carries last year.

On this note, due to these talents, some are expecting Mathews to receive as much as 30% of the Eagles' rush attempts this season.

This is in line with Kelly's tendency to spread the touches around when he has multiple talented backs on his team, most recently back in 2011, when he fed 39.9% and 24.6% of the Oregon Ducks' carries to LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner, respectively.

All in all, with a healthy dose of touches on Chip Kelly's fast-paced offense Mathews offers a safe RB3/flex-play with RB1 upside should anything happen to Murray this year. Not a bad return for someone going near the end of the eighth and start of the ninth rounds in most leagues.