True Cuffs

By: Josh Frey-Sam

As it gets later in drafts, I usually like to look for a couple of stabs at backup running backs who could pay big dividends.

Targeting handcuffs has always been a strategy of mine. It’s not for everyone — some “experts” might even warn against it — because you’re basically plugging a roster spot with the hope that someone gets injured. It could take weeks for the selection to pay dividends, and sometimes, it doesn’t pay off at all.

I always like to look for high-upside options in the deeper rounds; however, sometimes the big dart throw is on a backup running back who could win a season while the owner of the starting rusher is scrambling for a serviceable fill-in.

Here are the top handcuffs to target this year.

League winners

Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams

Tank Bigsby, Philadelphia Eagles

Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears

Treveyon Henderson, New England Patriots

These are unquestioned No. 2s on their team who would explode if given a full workload.

Corum will be used regularly in Sean McVay’s offence. The only thing holding him back from RB1 potential is Kyren Williams, the 1A in the rushing attack.

Bigsby is a popular breakout candidate this year, as it looks like the Eagles will incorporate him more into the offence to keep Saquon Barkley fresh. Bigsby has been efficient throughout his career and shown flashes, and he’s reportedly been one of the clear standouts early in training camp.

Monangai isn’t the most explosive RB, but he flashed when given the opportunity last season. If D’Andre Swift misses time, Monangai is the clear beneficiary in a run-heavy Ben Johnson offence that can make any rusher look good.

Henderson already showed what he’s capable of when Rhamondre Stevenson missed time last year, rattling off performances of 28, 32 and 30. He’s a big play waiting to happen, but is still working to earn his coaches’ trust.

High upside targets

Jonathan Brooks, Carolina Panthers

Marshawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers

Kenny Gainwell, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers

Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants

Rico Dowdle, Pittsburgh Steelers

These are all players who, for whatever reason, have a question mark beside their name but possess clear talent that would immediately warrant you thrusting them into your lineup as an RB2.

Brooks and Lloyd are on the same plane — lengthy injury histories, but have speed to burn (similar to Henderson).

Gainwell will get plenty of work alongside Bucky Irving, but could be another PPR smash this season if the latter were to miss time.

Vidal, Tracy and Dowdle have all shown their worth when given heavier workloads. Vidal, in particular, has emerged as the presumptive backup if Omarion Hampton were to get hurt, while Keaton Mitchell would retain a 10-touch role in the Chargers’ offence.

Dowdle, like Gainwell, will get regular work this year, but is a must-own if Jaylen Warren goes down.

Serviceable flex options

Isiah Pacheco, Detroit Lions

Tyler Allgeier, Arizona Cardinals

Chris Rodriguez, Jacksonville Jaguars

Jordan Mason, Minnesota Vikings

These are less exciting, veteran options who would still warrant a place in your starting lineup if they were thrust into the No. 1 role.

Pacheco is playing with a chip on his shoulder this season, and would need to soak up a ton of volume if Jahmyr Gibbs missed time. The remaining players in this tier all have limitations but possess a nose for the end zone, making them worthy touchdown-dependent options.

Unclear but intriguing

Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills

Jonah Coleman, Denver Broncos

Mike Washington Jr., Las Vegas Raiders

Nic Singleton, Tennessee Titans

These are players who would very likely see an increased workload if the starter went down, but wouldn’t necessarily be trustworthy right away.

Davis has been tremendous when called upon by the Bills, but Ty Johnson would also likely eat into his workload. Similarly, Coleman would likely be in line to eat up the early-down work while RJ Harvey fills in on third down.

This tier rounds out with a pair of rookies. Washington looks like the clear RB2 behind Ashton Jeanty, and his speed offers up some serious intrigue, but it would surprise me if he handled 20+ touches.

Singleton might be the RB of the future for the Titans, and while he would probably take the early-down work in place of Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears would maintain a Keaton Mitchell-type role in the offence and potentially limit his upside.

You will have noticed that not every team is mentioned on this list. That’s because there are either still some pecking orders that have yet to be sorted (i.e. San Francisco) or the team has numerous options to fill the starter’s role, making it too murky to predict (e.g. Washington).

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh