Running backs remain hot picks in every fantasy football draft board. The NFL has seen top-tier running backs like Christian McCaffrey, Ezekiel Elliott, and Saquon Barkley dominate in recent years. These players are certain to come off early in draft boards.
Despite this, a handful of promising stars are still available in the middle and later rounds of the drafts. These are the players who need more time on developing and reaching their ceiling before being considered among the league's best. They are on the come up and could be taking the next step of their careers in the upcoming season.
*Additionally, here are ClutchPoints' top 5 fantasy football breakout candidates at wide receiver, quarterback, and tight end*
Different team circumstances, new offensive schemes, varying roster changes, and unpredictable health conditions all factor in to determine a running back's success in the league. Here are the top five running backs who will step up to bigger roles and tally better numbers in 2020.
NFL breakout candidates
5. James Conner
Pittsburgh Steelers running back James Conner had an impressive 2018 campaign, which led to his first-ever Pro Bowl appearance. However, his numbers in the 2019 season took a dip. A knee and shoulder injury bugged him all throughout the season, which forced him to only appear in 10 games for the Steelers. He recorded 464 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns to go along with 34 receptions.
The 25-year-old is also in the last year of his rookie contract and will be playing for a new deal in the upcoming season. Veteran quarterback Ben Roethlisberger's return on the field will also help Conner get his touches throughout the season. Having already recovered from his injuries, Conner is all systems go to ball out in 2020.
A prolific performance is expected from him in the upcoming season for him to be able to land the extension contract that he desires.
4. Devin Singletary
The Buffalo Bills snagged a gem in the 2019 NFL Draft when they selected Singletary with the 74th pick in the third round. He exceeded expectations and went on to be a solid contributor for the Bills' offense. Despite playing with the immortal Frank Gore, Singletary still managed to pluck 775 rushing yards on 29 receptions and two scored rushing touchdowns.
The Bills continued to be draft geniuses as they hauled in another diamond in the rough in running back Zack Moss from Utah. He is coming off a strong four-year campaign with the team, which will hopefully translate to the pro ranks. Despite sharing touches with Moss, Singletary is still expected to be the lead rusher of the Bills. The addition of star wide receiver Stefon Diggs will help stretch the opposing defense, which will give more opportunities for Singletary's ground attack.
3. Kenyan Drake
Kenyan Drake was traded to the Arizona Cardinals midway through last season and has performed well since his arrival. His style of play seems to click with the type of offense that head coach Kliff Kingsbury preaches. Drake's 2019 campaign was highlighted by his performance in a Week 16 game against the Seattle Seahawks. He rushed 24 times for 166 yards and two touchdowns, including an 80-yard touchdown, resulting in a 27-13 win.
Drake recorded 643 rushing yards on 123 attempts and scored eight rushing touchdowns through 8 games as a starter for the Cardinals. More opportunities should open up for him especially with the addition of four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. A full year under Kingsbury's system will only see Drake flourish for the Cardinals.
2. David Montgomery
The Chicago Bears led by head coach Matt Nagy constantly switched their offensive schemes week after week. The team wasn't committed to the running game—which limited their ball-carriers, namely Montogomery and Tarik Cohen.
Despite this, Montgomery still managed to make a statement in his rookie season. He accounted for an impressive tally of 889 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns. The former Iowa State Cyclone has shown his ability to carry more offensive load for the Bears and his success will depend on Nagy's commitment to utilizing the ground attack more next season.
1. Miles Sanders
Philadelphia Eagles sophomore running back Miles Sanders is one of the team's most promising young players. He is expected to banner the Eagles' offense in the upcoming seasons. He has shown his capability to do that along with some flashes of his potential last season.
Sanders finished his rookie season with 818 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns to go along with 50 receptions. His solid offensive contribution eventually earned him a spot in the PFWA All-Rookie selection team.
With one year of experience under his belt, a bigger workload is expected to be given to him by head coach Doug Pederson. The 2020 season will see if Sanders can successfully establish himself as one of the league's household names in the position.
*Additionally, here are ClutchPoints' top 5 fantasy football breakout candidates at wide receiver, quarterback, and tight end*
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