The preseason is in the books, so we can now focus on the 2018 season. There were eight running backs selected in the first three rounds back in April, and as usual, most of them attracted some interest in fantasy drafts, too. How will they perform in their upcoming rookie seasons?
Many of them may well go on to have good or great careers, but in 2018, you can be forgiven if you didn't select any of them. It will be a little surprising if more than one or two of them manage worthwhile production. The rundown:
Saquon Barkley: The No. 2 overall pick was selected within the top 7 or 8 picks in most fantasy drafts, so some of us (I've picked 9, 9 and 10 in my three drafts) didn't even have the option of drafting him. On Barkley's behalf, he's really talented, Jonathan Stewart looks done, and Barkley should catch a ton of short passes even if the running game isn't working. In PPR leagues, he's no riskier than the other running backs selected in the first round.
Rashaad Penny: Severely outplayed in the preseason by Chris Carson, and he broke a finger. Was selected too early in most fantasy drafts. He's a handcuff, and didn't show enough in August to ensure he'd do well if injury elevates him into a larger role.
Sony Michel: Injured a knee and had surgery. A small part of me wonders if the Patriots won't try to stash him on IR as a rookie. Even if he were healthy, tough to figure him having anything more than a change of pace role behind Burkhead/White/Hill. (I expect Gillislee to be cut.)
Nick Chubb: Looked OK at times in the exhibitions. Can be drafted as a handcuff, since he'd probably be the main runner if Carlos Hyde gets hurt.
Ronald Jones: Comically ineffective as a runner, carrying 28 times for 22 yards. Dropped two of the three passes sent his way. Peyton Barber will start, Jacquizz Rodgers will probably be the backup or at least the third-down back. I'm not sure Jones will get on the field much this season.
Kerryon Johnson: I've seen him drafted earlyish in some leagues as though the Lions aren't actually the Lions. LeGarrette Blount should be the main runner and Theo Riddick will handle passing situations. Those guys are limited and unremarkable, but I think it will be late in the year (at the earliest) that Johnson will be a factor for any kind of usable workload.
Derrius Guice: Maybe in 2019.
Royce Freeman: The 8th running back selected in the draft seems to have the best chance after Barkley to be a Week 1 starter. Looked pretty good in the preseason, and Denver's other noteworthy option is Devontae Booker, who's essentially terrible. Denver used him as its starter in August for some reason, so most likely it will be a committee, at least until the Broncos finally admit defeat with Booker, if that day ever comes to pass.
All in all, not a great-looking rookie season should be expected from this class. Maybe Barkley is a breakout star and Freeman rewards those who drafted him. The rest seem likely to be a year removed from making an impact.