2018 Football Draft Kit: Backups to Target

NFL rosters, whether fantasy or real life, are constantly in flux. They can be gutted by injuries and have star players go down for weeks or even months, leaving holes that are hard to fill. Presumed foundation pieces can also suddenly struggle, forcing teams and fantasy owners to scramble to replace the production they expected from that "safe" starter. In real life, though, NFL rosters run 53 deep, and there are always eager candidates to step up and claim jobs, whatever the reason for the vacancy. In fantasy football, bench spots are much more precious, and when an owner loses an elite player who cost an early round pick or big auction dollars, finding even an adequate replacement is a challenge.

That's why identifying and rostering key backups is one of the crucial, though unheralded, skills in a fantasy owner's arsenal. Knowing which players are most likely to thrive if they find themselves thrust into larger roles can pay big dividends, whether it's by filling in for injured players, providing unexpected upgrades or providing assets that can be traded.

Perhaps the most important task facing an owner when looking for backups to stash is deciding whether to handcuff his own stars, or roster the understudies to other owners' stars. Pursing the former course can provide vital insurance, but it also means devoting two roster spots to what is essentially one job. Gambling on the latter can pay off big when you wind up with two highly productive players but runs the risk of leaving you empty handed when your star gets hurt and the backup never gets a chance to shine. There's no right answer.

As for which positions are best to target, backup running backs are more dependent on injuries to the starter for increased opportunities than wide receivers. Each team starts two to three wide receivers but only one running back. But that also gives the backup RB a clearer path to playing time than other positions – if the starter goes down, the backup can step right into the role.

For wideouts, even if the No. 1 option goes down, they still have to compete for targets. On the other hand, wide receivers seemingly have more chances to carve out a role even without an injury. Think of JuJu Smith-Schuster last year.

Quarterbacks and tight ends are a bit different. Standard leagues would never draft a backup quarterback. The owner who drafts Andrew Luck isn't covering himself with Jacoby Brissett; he's drafting another starting QB. Only in deep, two-quarterback leagues would a backup QB be drafted. It's a similar situation with tight ends. But we included a few of each at the end to consider.

The year's rookie crop provides plenty of tempting targets when it comes to backups and handcuffs, and John McKechnie's rookies article will give you a head start on evaluating which would fit best on your bench.

First-year players aren't the only place to look, though, and that's where this article comes in. Last year's disappointment can turn out to be this year's hero with just a little more luck and a little more opportunity.

RUNNING BACK

Dion Lewis, Titans

Lewis arrives in Tennessee as the No. 2 back behind Derrick Henry, but a four-year, $19.8 million contract suggests the former Patriot is expected to carve out a sizable role for himself even if his teammate stays healthy and productive. Lewis likely will handle the passing-down work while Henry gets the bulk of the carries, and he shouldn't have much trouble topping the 32 catches he had last year in a crowded New England backfield. Lewis also proved he can be counted on as a rusher, averaging 5.0 yards per carry without fumbling on 180 attempts last year. If Henry misses time due to injury, Lewis could pay off in a massive way.

Tevin Coleman, Falcons

Coleman is similar to Lewis, likely offering some degree of utility without the help of an injury, along with the ceiling to provide first- or second-round value in the event his backfield mate — in this case Devonta Freeman — ends up missing extended time. While he rightly owns a reputation for durability, Freeman did take a turn for the worse last season when he suffered the second and third reported concussions of his career, then played through PCL and MCL sprains in his right knee during the playoffs. Coleman owns career averages of 4.3 yards on 361 carries (14 TDs) and 12.2 yards on 60 catches (six TDs), with his big-play ability in the passing game a rarity among running backs.

Corey Clement, Eagles

A strong pro prospect for much of his college career, Clement went undrafted out of Wisconsin last year after playing only four games his junior season and slipping to 4.4 yards per carry as a senior. He quickly thrust himself into the backfield picture in Philadelphia, where early season injuries to Darren Sproles and Wendell Smallwood freed up snaps behind LeGarrette Blount. The midseason trade for Jay Ajayi slowed things, but Clement nonetheless finished with 74 carries for 321 yards (4.3 average) and four touchdowns and 10 catches for 123 yards and another two scores. His impressive rookie season — highlighted by four catches for 100 yards and a TD in the Super Bowl — explains why the Eagles were comfortable letting Blount move on to Detroit. Clement now finds himself as the likely second option in a backfield led by Ajayi, whose right knee has been the subject of much concern.

D'Onta Foreman, Texans

Foreman showed flashes of his ability as a rookie last year, including running for two touchdowns in Week 11 before rupturing an Achilles tendon in that game. If he returns 100 percent healthy, he offers a high-upside alternative to Lamar Miller in the Houston backfield. Miller wasn't particularly impressive last year in his second season with the Texans, and while the 27-year-old has been durable – two missed games the last five seasons – the team might go with a more powerful complement to Deshaun Watson's arm and legs.

Giovani Bernard, Bengals

With Jeremy Hill off to New England, Joe Mixon is sure to be a popular fantasy pick as owners bet on increased touches in a less crowded backfield for the second-year Oklahoma product. But don't forget about Bernard. He still had 60 targets last year, 26 more than Mixon, and averaged 4.4 yards on 105 carries. In the last five games of the season, when Mixon dealt with a concussion and ankle injury, Bernard averaged 101 yards on 19 touches per game, including 4.7 yards per rush, and scored twice. He'll be ready to step in again if Mixon gets hurt or proves ineffective.

Chris Carson, Seahawks

Running backs aren't drafted in the first round to sit on the bench, but if injury or ineffectiveness befalls rookie Rashaad Penny – the second running back off the draft board this April – Carson could easily replace him. A seventh-round pick last year, Carson surprisingly won the starting job and looked promising before a broken left leg ended his season in Week 4. He also suffered ligament damage in his left ankle. He is expected to enter training camp healthy, and the Seahawks' offensive line should be improved, especially run blocking, under new coach Mike Solari. There's also the chance, small as it is, that Carson actually wins the job in training camp, which would provide a big profit for his average draft position.

Duke Johnson, Browns

The Browns upgraded their backfield by swapping out Isaiah Crowell for Carlos Hyde and drafting Nick Chubb in the second round, but Johnson remains the strongest receiving option for whichever of Tyrod Taylor or Baker Mayfield leads the offense. Johnson set career highs in catches, receiving yards and touchdowns in 2017, and while the addition of Jarvis Landry and a full year from Josh Gordon might take some targets away from the fourth-year back, they also improve the overall strength of the offense, which means more total yards and touchdowns to go around. Hyde has played 16 games only once in his career, and while Chubb likely would step into the early down role if Hyde were to break down again, Johnson also might take on some extra snaps and targets. Either way, Johnson is the only one of the trio guaranteed a sizable role, despite the expectation he'll come off the bench.

De'Angelo Henderson, Broncos

The release of C.J. Anderson just before the draft leaves Devontae Booker atop the depth chart heading into training camp, but Booker hasn't exactly lit it up in his two NFL seasons, averaging 3.6 yards on 253 carries. If Booker flops again and rookie third-rounder Royce Freeman is slow to pick things up, Henderson – a sixth-round pick in 2017 out of Coastal Carolina – has the stocky build (5-foot-7, 208) and speed (4.48 40) to handle a lead role, as well as a proven nose for the end zone (he scored in 35 consecutive college games). The Big South conference is a long way from the NFL, but Henderson has the skills to eventually seize the starting role in a backfield that could be open for competition all year. His electric 29-yard touchdown catch in Week 17 against the Chiefs may have been just a small taste of things to come.

Joe Williams, 49ers

The 49ers' backfield is a bit unsettled after the departure of Carlos Hyde. Jerick McKinnon was brought in from Minnesota on a big contract and tops the depth chart, but he never handled lead duties for more than a couple games at a time during his tenure with the Vikings and averaged 3.6 yards per carry the last two years on 309 attempts. Matt Breida's speed and receiving ability made him an intriguing change-of-pace back as a rookie, but it seems unlikely the 190-pounder would ever be entrusted with a lead job. Then there's Williams – a fourth-round pick in 2017 after an explosive final season at Utah – who spent his rookie year on injured reserve thanks to an ankle injury. If he's healthy and has improved his ball security (six fumbles on 314 rushes at Utah), he could push McKinnon for snaps throughout summer. It helps that Kyle Shanahan has a solid track record of getting the most out of his backfield.

James Conner, Steelers

A third-round pick last year, Conner got few opportunities backing up Le'Veon Bell. But Bell still has durability and contract issues, and Conner is in a great position should he eventually find himself in the lead role. The Steelers' offense is one of the league's best, and even if most of Bell's targets were to go elsewhere – perhaps to rookie Jaylen Samuels – Conner likely would get all the rushing attempts he could handle. The Pitt product injured an MCL late last season but is expected to be healthy for training camp.

WIDE RECEIVER

Quincy Enunwa, Jets

Enunwa was expected to emerge as the Jets' top wideout last season following a breakout 2016, but a bulging disc in his neck wiped out his entire campaign. He'll rejoin an offense that's in a lot better shape than the one he left, with No. 3 overall pick Sam Darnold potentially stepping in to take the reins at quarterback. Enunwa enters camp third on the depth chart behind Robby Anderson and Jermaine Kearse, and Terrelle Pryor will be a popular pick to overtake him, but Enunwa arguably is the most well-rounded player of the bunch. He could thrive with Anderson across the formation stretching the defense, especially with a gunslinger like Darnold under center. New offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates is a wild card who could help elevate the production of Enunwa and the Jets' passing game.

Kenny Golladay, Lions

Golladay's two-TD performance in Week 1 last year generated a lot of excitement, but he got hurt and faded into the woodwork as the season progressed and didn't find the end zone again until Week 17. He remains the tallest receiver on the Lions' roster at 6-4, though, and his debut might only be the trailer before the feature attraction as he develops into a reliable red-zone option and downfield threat for Matthew Stafford. Detroit should remain a pass-first team that doesn't get a lot of use out of its tight ends, especially with Luke Willson replacing Eric Ebron. Golladay could break out alongside Golden Tate and Marvin Jones, but the real attraction is the possibility of what the second-year wideout might do if one of his veteran teammates misses a significant portion of the season.

Cameron Meredith, Saints

In terms of fantasy production, Drew Brees is coming off his least impressive season since his San Diego days, but the Saints aren't yet ready to move on from the 39-year-old quarterback, and coach Sean Payton remains committed to the quick-strike passing offense that has become the hallmark of his time in New Orleans. That scheme requires providing Brees with plenty of options, and while Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara and Ted Ginn seem set in their roles, there's still plenty of room for a big target to make his mark. Meredith potentially fits the bill, and while his health and effectiveness are questions after he tore up his knee in preseason last year, the Saints thought he had a good enough chance at a 100 percent recovery that they extended him an offer sheet as a restricted free agent. He produced solid numbers in 2016 for the Bears while catching passes from Brian Hoyer and Matt Barkley on a John Fox team, making Meredith's upside in a 21st century passing game with a real quarterback all the more intriguing.

John Ross, Bengals

Given his lengthy medical record between college and an extremely abbreviated first season in the NFL, the chance of Ross staying healthy 16 games this year seems remote. Coach Marvin Lewis insists last year's No. 9 overall pick is healthy heading into summer, though, and if he can stay on the field he has intriguing upside opposite A.J. Green. Ross holds the combine record in the 40-yard dash at 4.22, and while Andy Dalton is consistently inconsistent with his deep throws, even he should be able to hit the speedster for some bombs as he streaks down an open sideline while the defense shades toward Green's side of the field. Given that he doesn't need a ton of targets to make a difference, Ross will still have some appeal if he starts the season as the No. 3 WR.

Dede Westbrook, Jaguars

Despite some losses in free agency, the Jaguars still have a lot of depth at wide receiver. Marqise Lee has been a reliable chain-mover when healthy, Donte Moncrief arrives from Indianapolis to give Blake Bortles a potential deep threat, Keelan Cole is coming off a surprisingly productive rookie campaign and second-round draft pick D.J. Chark has the size-speed combo to eventually develop into a No. 1 wide receiver. Westbrook showed significant upside late in 2017 after getting healthy, and heading into his second season he could be the most dangerous weapon at Bortles' disposal, given his ability to separate and his elusiveness in the open field. Westbrook's also capable of lining up in the slot or on the outside, providing multiple paths to a starting role depending on who else is healthy at any given time.

Noah Brown, Cowboys

Dez Bryant's departure leaves a big hole in the Cowboys' receiving corps. Terrance Williams is a barely adequate No. 2, much less a No. 1; third-round pick Michael Gallup is a smooth route runner but lacks elite size or speed; and while Allen Hurns has a solid track record of production when healthy, Dallas still needs a physical receiver with some length to take on Dez's role in the red zone. That's where Brown could come in. He may have left Ohio State too early and too unpolished to be anything more than a late-round project in 2017 despite his physical gifts, but that just means he's only 22 with a year in the Cowboys' system under his belt. He's the same size and build as Bryant, and while he might not have his former teammate's pure upside, if Brown has used this offseason to get stronger on the ball and more mature in general, he could easily emerge as one of Dak Prescott's trusted end-zone targets.

QB & TE

Nick Foles, QB, Eagles

If Carson Wentz isn't ready for the regular season because of his knee injury, Foles will step in again after leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl title last season. Foles likely won't match his postseason for the ages, but he should be productive enough in an offense that added field-stretcher Mike Wallace to a solid group of receivers.

Jacoby Brissett, QB, Colts

Brissett wasn't a world beater filling in for Andrew Luck in 2017, but his scrambling ability at least creates theoretical upside, and his passing skills could show improvement after a full year of experience. Indianapolis committed to bulking up its interior offensive line in the draft, selecting Quenton Nelson with the sixth overall pick and adding Braden Smith in the second round. The additions bode well for whoever is under center.

Chad Henne, QB, Chiefs

If it turns out Pat Mahomes isn't quite ready to handle the starting spotlight, Henne will lead a Kansas City offense that added Sammy Watkins to the dangerous trio of Tyreek Hill, Kareem Hunt and Travis Kelce. Few teams, if any, boast similar talent at the skill positions.

Paxton Lynch, QB, Broncos

Should new starter Case Keenum struggle, Lynch could get a chance to show whether his maturity and football IQ have caught up to his athleticism. John Elway's decision to pass on adding a new QB in this year's draft is a sign that he hasn't completely lost faith in the lanky Memphis product.

Dwayne Allen, TE, Patriots

Allen was a flop last season alongside Rob Gronkowski, but now that he's had more time to adjust to the system, he could be ready to take on a larger role. Gronkowski's injury concerns make him far from a sure thing to play 16 games.

Tyler Kroft, TE, bengals

Kroft scored seven TDs last year as injured starter Tyler Eifert played just two games. Eifert is expected to be healthy for training camp, but he's never played a full season. The 6-6 Kroft should see red-zone targets again this year.

Adam Shaheen, TE, Bears

At 6-6, 278, Shaheen is a massive physical mismatch for any poor safety who tries to cover him. Trey Burton's contract suggests he's ticketed for the starting role, but if Shaheen takes a big step forward in his development – or if Burton gets hurt – he's talented enough to run with the opportunity.

Nick Vannett, TE, Seahawks

Tight ends often don't break out until Year 3, and Vannett seems to be in a prime spot to test that theory with Jimmy Graham now in Green Bay and blocking TE Ed Dickson atop the depth chart. Vannett has the size (6-6, 261) to be an effective red-zone target for Russell Wilson.

This article appears in the 2018 RotoWire Fantasy Football magazine. Order the magazine now.