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With the release of Adrian Peterson, the Washington Football Team has a bit of a logjam at the running back position, with J.D. McKissic, Antonio Gibson, Peyton Barber, and Bryce Love all in the cards for work. In their initial depth chart, the backs shake out as they are listed above, with McKissic first and Love fourth. Their rookie, Gibson, is the player with the most upside, but is listed at No. 2.
Initial depth charts aren’t official and often side with veterans over rookies. If they seem off, there is a good chance they are. In this instance, we can assume that this backfield is full of players who will get a chance to contribute. But, for fantasy purposes, Gibson is the back with the ability and upside to be a strong fantasy play, even as a rookie.
McKissic, to his credit, has looked great in camp and fits the offensive scheme Washington want to run. Gibson does as well, but if he’s lacking in blitz pickups and overall playbook comprehension, McKissic will be the safe fallback.
When we add in that Washington has a weak offensive line, running backs are going to have a tough time between the tackles. Gibson and McKissic will likely be the best options of the group as they are receivers and can skip the pass rush with short passes. The depth chart isn’t a reason to not draft Gibson, but he is starting to get drafted higher and higher and he isn’t on the best team for touchdown production and a big workload.