Rookie running back dynasty rankings for 2021 fantasy football

The NFL Draft has faded from our screens, but the picks are now assigned to their teams and ready to be taken in dynasty league rookie drafts. The position to most quickly turn your dynasty team around is likely going to be running back, as the top draftees should quickly see snaps and production in 2021.

This season there is only one back who we can count on to see a big workload from Week 1 on and his name is Najee Harris. Harris joins a Pittsburgh Steelers team that was awful running the ball in 2020. And with James Conner in Arizona, there isn’t anyone left in Pittsburgh who is worthy of taking away snaps from Harris. If you are looking for running back help this season, Harris is your guy.

Choosing between Javonte Williams and Travis Etienne was difficult. Both have ability to put up big fantasy numbers. Both are going to be in some kind of a time share to start their careers. At this point, Etienne has the better quarterback in Trevor Lawrence leading the Jaguars offense, and that’s what has me slightly higher on Etienne. Of course, 3-4 years of Aaron Rodgers in Denver would probably change that for me.

After those three, much comes down to trying to predict a path to touches. Trey Sermon is a great fit in the 49ers zone blocking scheme and we know that Kyle Shanahan will use him at some point this season. His upside in what will be some kind of committee isn’t great, but he should be able to thrive with the touches he does end up with.

Michael Carter is someone who could flourish as a receiving back on a Jets team that at least appears on the way back from the cellar. He’ll be more valuable in PPR leagues much like Kenny Gainwell in Philadelphia. I’d rather take a receiver you like ahead of these two, but both are players I think will succeed.