4 Mid-Round Fantasy Football Running Backs With Workhorse Potential
Ryan Mathews, Philadelphia Eagles
| Ryan Mathews | ESPN | Fantasy Pros | My Fantasy League | Composite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average Draft Position | 64 | 53 | 84 | 67 |
Most expected DeMarco Murray to be a fantasy asset last year for Chip Kelly, but Ryan Mathews ended up being the most effective back for the Eagles. His 46.3 percent rushing Success Rate was fourth among running backs with at least 100 carries, while his 5.1 yards per carry ranked second.
With Murray now out of the picture, Mathews enters 2016 primed to lead the Eagles in carries. Instead of operating within the Chip Kelly offense, though, Mathews will now play for former Kansas City offensive coordinator and play-caller, Doug Pederson. For a look at how well Pederson has utilized running backs in his scheme, check out the table below.
| Season | Rushing Attempts (Rank) | Rushing Yards (Rank) | Rushing TD (Rank) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 442 (15) | 2,056 (10) | 17 (5) |
| 2014 | 420 (16) | 1,918 (10) | 18 (3) |
| 2015 | 436 (12) | 2,044 (6) | 19 (1) |
To be fair, Pederson did enjoy the talents of Jamaal Charles for 73 percent of those games. However, it's hard to ignore how he used running backs in his time in Kansas City, especially in the red zone. It's also important to note that the most effective rushing season was last year, when the previously unknown Charcandrick West and Spencer Ware had to shoulder the load after Charles went down in Week 5.
Another factor in Mathew's favor is the fact that he gets to run behind one of the league's best offensive lines. Philadelphia's offensive line ranked third in run blocking according to Pro Football Focus, and the Eagles proceeded to draft two offensive lineman in their first four picks at this year's NFL Draft.
Mathews likely won't be a three-down back with Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood both profiling as superior passing down backs, but he has little competition for early-down work and should dominate the red zone looks too.
Mathews has one major red-flag that will keep him from being an early pick: injuries. He has played all 16 games in just one of his six professional seasons. In the last two seasons combined, he has suited up just 59 percent of his team's contests.
Mathews has the talent and opportunity to be the steal of the draft this year, but picking him certainly is not for risk-averse drafters. His potential increase in volume this year just makes his chance of going down with injury higher. As we get closer to the season and his ADP continues to creep up, it will become harder to justify taking a risk on him. Where he is currently being drafted, though, there really isn't much risk involved, making him one of the most exciting mid-round running back targets available.
