Almost every year there are a couple of rookie running backs to monitor in fantasy football. It could be a mid-season breakout like Jonathan Taylor or a day-one starter like Najee Harris. With a plethora of talent among the 2023 rookie running backs, there are a bunch of fantasy football assets to keep an eye on.
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Read More: The Ten Best Rookies for Fantasy Football 2023
2023 Rookie Running Backs to Target in Fantasy Football
Bijan Robinson – Atlanta Falcons
This one is a no-brainer. Bijan Robinson is one of the greatest running back prospects of all time. Robinson has an ideal frame for handling a large workload in the NFL, weighing in at 5’11” and 215 lbs.
Robinson also possesses more than enough speed, agility, and burst to be a big play threat. The former Texas Longhorn operates well as a receiver too. He recorded 600 receiving yards over his last two seasons at the University of Texas.
The Atlanta Falcons selected Robinson eighth overall in this year’s draft. Running backs are not drafted this highly anymore so this move speaks to his rare ability. There is a reason why he is the best dynasty investment among all rookies this year.
Robinson should immediately see 18+ opportunities every week in different situations. Even if Atlanta’s offense struggles overall, the combination of Robinson’s talent and projected volume makes him a high-end RB1 and one of 2023’s best fantasy running backs.
The projected opportunities that Robinson has are reflected in the fact that he is valued at an impressive [metabet_core_dynamic_odds market=”fbp/nfl_most_rushing_yards” query=”nfl/bijan_robinson/player_187808″ site_id=”lastwordonsports”] to lead the league in rushing yards.
Falcons QB Desmond Ridders has frequently targeted RB Bijan Robinson in the passing game. #DirtyBirdspic.twitter.com/i4tAcCSqtG
— JOSE ALVARES (@Alvaresjose11) August 9, 2023
Jahmyr Gibbs – Detroit Lions
It came out of nowhere when the Detroit Lions selected running back Jahmyr Gibbs with a first-round pick. The team already had D’Andre Swift and David Montgomery on their roster, but believe Gibbs is special.
Gibbs is a smaller back, weighing under 200 lbs at the combine. Due to his frame, it is hard to imagine him getting work in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
The versatile back makes up for being undersized with elite abilities as a receiver. He ranks top three among all rookie running backs drafted this year in receptions, receiving yards, and target share.
Gibbs is electric and hard to catch in open space. His 4.36 40-yard dash ranks in the 99th percentile among all players. While he is not a traditional workhorse, his explosiveness and receiving ability give him tremendous upside. Gibbs should be viewed as a top-15 running back in drafts, with top-10 upside.
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Zach Charbonnet – Seattle Seahawks
If not for being in the same class as a once-in-a-lifetime prospect, Zach Charbonnet would be 2023’s most well-rounded back.
Charbonnet is a big player and plays even bigger than his 6’0” 214 lb frame suggests. He handled the ball over 200 times each year at UCLA, totaling 3000 yards and 27 TDs in two seasons.
Most running backs of Charbonnet’s size are only useful on early downs, but the Seattle Seahawks rookie is different. With 4.53 speed and smooth hands, he is a three-down back who can be effective inside and out.
The biggest obstacle to becoming fantasy relevant is teammate Kenneth Walker, but there is not much overlap in their respective styles. Walker’s rookie season was impressive, but he struggles as a receiver and at the goal line. On the other hand, Charbonnet excels as a receiver and in short-yardage situations. The tandem will split opportunities, meaning both will have value in 2023.
Devon Achane – Miami Dolphins
This one may sound familiar. Devon Achane is a sub-200lb running back with elite speed and receiving upside to make up for size concerns. Achane profiles similarly to the aforementioned Gibbs. The two had a nearly identical 40-yard dash, target share, and receptions-per-game output.
The Miami Dolphins selected Achane with the 84th overall pick in this year’s draft. He will compete with veteran running backs Jeff Wilson and Raheem Mostert for the starting job.
It may take some time for Achane to get going, but his abilities are ideal in PPR leagues. Achane could be the injection of youth Miami’s backfield has been searching for and could turn into a solid RB2 down the stretch.
Devon Achane RB1 coming soon pic.twitter.com/BAnj5rfHF3
— Miami Sports Vibes (@SportsVibes305) August 12, 2023
Main Photo: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
