Fantasy Football Rankings 2021: Top rookie running backs for dynasty

Fantasy Football Rankings 2021: Top rookie running backs

By Drew DeLuca | Mar 29, 2021

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 01: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers receives the opening kickoff against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff semifinal game at the Allstate Sugar Bowl at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on January 01, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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Michael Carter (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

2021 Fantasy Football Rookie Running Back No. 5: Michael Carter

Carter (5-8, 202 pounds) topped 1,000 yards for the second straight season, compiling an astounding 8.0 yards per carry average in 2020 while crossing the stripe 11 times. Many scouts are likewise enamored by his ability to demonstrate such a huge leap despite a lack of usual access to training resources and activities, as reported by Reese’s Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy, who served as a scout for four different NFL teams in 18 seasons:

Way too many to name but Clemson WR Cornell Powell and North Carolina RB Michael Carter would be at the top of the list.
— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) March 6, 2021

The biggest knock against Carter is his lack of size, but he more than makes up for that with explosive agility and open field creativity. He doesn’t presently project as a three-down back in the NFL, but if he has a spectacular Pro Day, Carter could draw a few Austin Ekeler comparisons.

Minimally, Carter should be an asset in PPR leagues, given his natural ability as a receiver out of the backfield. The 21 year old hauled in 71 of 83 passes (85.5 percent) over the past three seasons, so he should be taken in the late first or early second round of most (1 QB) PPR fantasy football rookie drafts.

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