Fantasy Football Rankings 2021: Top rookie running backs

Fantasy Football Rookie Running Back No. 1: Najee Harris

After winning a National Championship just two months ago, Harris once again finds himself at Number One, this time as the lead dog of a fairly impressive running back class. A terrible landing spot for Harris in the upcoming NFL Draft might change things, but for now, we agree with the industry consensus that sees Harris as King of the Hill for 2021 fantasy football rookie running backs.

Some dynasty analysts have Harris ranked (second or even third) due in part to the fact that he’s already 23 years old, a year older than Gainwell or Etienne, and two years older than Javonte Williams. Meanwhile, we see a grown man who’s primed to run over, through, and around defenders at the next level…or just leap over them entirely.

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Powerful, physical, and extremely athletic for his size, Harris may not be as dominant as Derrick Henry, but who is? The 6-2, 230-pound collegiate superstar did manage to log 1,500 total yards for Alabama in each of the past two seasons, and crossed the stripe an astounding 30 times in 2020.

After hauling in 43 of 57 targets, Harris also demonstrated capable hands, critical for running backs with every-down back aspirations. Until further notice, he should be the first player selected in 1QB rookie fantasy football drafts.