Dynasty Rookie Running Back Sleepers | Late-Round Draft Picks to Know for 2026 (Ep. 317)
Digest
This podcast delves into the 2026 NFL rookie running back class, identifying potential sleeper prospects for dynasty fantasy football leagues. While the class is perceived to lack high-upside starters, several players offer depth chart value. The discussion covers individual prospects like Adam Randall, Jamari Taylor, Noah Winnington, Chip Trayanum, Eli Heidenrich, Dean Connors, Robert Henry Jr., Roman Hemby, Jamal Haynes, and CJ Donaldson, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, athletic testing, and projected NFL roles, with some players being considered more suited for other positions like wide receiver.
Outlines
2026 Rookie Running Back Class Overview and Sleeper Potential
Introduction to the 2026 rookie class, focusing on sleeper running back prospects from various college conferences and their potential value in dynasty fantasy football, despite a general lack of high-upside starters.
Adam Randall: WR Convert with Questionable RB Prospects
Analysis of Adam Randall, a former wide receiver transitioning to running back, with significant doubts raised about his production, athleticism, and overall NFL potential at the position.
Jamari Taylor & Noah Winnington: FCS Transfer and Undersized Oregon Back
Evaluation of Jamari Taylor, an FCS transfer with good production but size and athletic concerns, and Noah Winnington, an undersized Oregon back with an incomplete profile and inconsistent performance.
Chip Trayanum & Eli Heidenrich: Experienced but Limited Athletes
Discussion of Chip Trayanum, an experienced but athletically limited transfer, and Eli Heidenrich, a versatile Navy athlete whose NFL future may lie more as a slot receiver due to his skillset and size.
Dean Connors: The All-Around Back with Three-Down Skills
Analysis of Dean Connors, a Houston running back praised for his three-down skillset, particularly in pass protection and receiving, making him a valuable prospect despite average athleticism.
Robert Henry Jr. & Roman Hemby: Big Play Threats with Limitations
Evaluation of Robert Henry Jr., a UTSA player with big-play ability but concerns about size and speed, and Roman Hemby, a steady Big Ten runner whose projection is limited by a lack of elite speed.
Jamal Haynes & CJ Donaldson: Speed Back Concerns and Falling Draft Stock
Analysis of Jamal Haynes, an undersized speed back with tackle-breaking concerns, and CJ Donaldson, a power back whose NFL draft stock has fallen due to his perceived replaceable skill set.
Keywords
2026 Rookie Class
Refers to the upcoming NFL draft class of players who are eligible for selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. This includes college football players in their final year of eligibility or those declaring early.
Sleeper Running Backs
Refers to running back prospects in a draft class who are not widely recognized or highly ranked but possess the potential to outperform expectations and become valuable fantasy football assets.
Dynasty Football
A fantasy football format where managers draft a team once and keep those players indefinitely, simulating a team's roster over multiple seasons. It emphasizes long-term player evaluation and strategic drafting.
Wide Receiver Convert
An athlete who previously played wide receiver in college or professionally but has transitioned to a different position, such as running back, for their NFL career. This transition often brings unique skill sets.
Athleticism Testing
Refers to the measurements and drills conducted at events like the NFL Combine or Pro Days to assess a player's physical capabilities, including speed, agility, strength, and explosiveness.
NFL Combine
An annual event where college football players perform physical and mental tests in front of NFL coaches, general managers, and scouts to assess their suitability for professional play.
Relative Athletic Score (RAS)
A metric that combines an athlete's measurements and testing results into a single score, comparing them to historical NFL draft prospects at their position to evaluate their athletic potential.
Pass Protection
In American football, this refers to the offensive line's and running backs' ability to block defensive players, preventing them from reaching the quarterback during passing plays.
Three-Down Skillset
Describes a running back who possesses the abilities to be effective in all three phases of offensive downs: rushing, receiving, and pass blocking, making them valuable in any situation.
Dynasty Value
The perceived worth of a player within a dynasty fantasy football league, considering their long-term potential, production, and role on a team.
Q&A
What is the general outlook for the 2026 running back class in the NFL Draft?
The consensus among the hosts is that the 2026 running back class lacks high-upside, potential every-down starters. However, there is still value to be found for dynasty fantasy football leagues, particularly for players who can fill depth chart roles or serve on taxi squads.
What are the main concerns regarding Adam Randall's transition to running back?
Derek Brown expresses significant doubt about Adam Randall's NFL potential. Key concerns include a lack of demonstrated production and versatility from his time at Clemson, and a belief that his athleticism, while tested well, does not translate effectively to the field as a running back.
Why is Eli Heidenrich considered a potential slot receiver rather than a traditional running back in the NFL?
While Eli Heidenrich possesses impressive athleticism and versatility, his size (5'11", 197 lbs) and usage in Navy's offense, which included significant snaps at wide receiver and in the slot, suggest he is better suited for a slot receiver role. His route-running ability is also seen as a strength for that position.
What makes Dean Connors a potentially valuable prospect despite average athleticism?
Dean Connors is praised for his well-rounded "three-down skillset," particularly his proficiency in pass protection and receiving out of the backfield. While his athleticism is not elite, his overall game and ability to contribute in multiple facets make him a serviceable NFL player.
What are the primary concerns with Jamal Haynes's NFL prospects?
Jamal Haynes is viewed as an undersized speed back. Despite good acceleration and breakaway ability, his lack of size and tackle-breaking strength, coupled with a 4.52 40-yard dash time, raise concerns about his ability to consistently gain yards or break tackles against NFL competition.
Show Notes
Avoid the talking points of the top prospects and dive deep into the 2026 NFL Draft running back sleepers! Join Seth Woolcock and Derek Brown as they break down the top late-round rookie RBs to know for dynasty fantasy football leagues.
Will Clemson Tigers RB Adam Randall be the next converted receiver to flame out in the backfield? Is UTSA Roadrunners RB Robert Henry Jr.'s advanced metrics legit? Plus, why are the guys doubling down on Houston Cougars RB Dean Connors?
Timestamps: (May be off due to ads)
Intro - 0:00:00
Trophy Smack Giveaway - 0:05:24
Adam Randall - 0:06:02
J’Mari Taylor - 0:11:55
Noah Whittington - 0:17:10
FantasyPros Dynasty Draft Simulator - 0:21:00
Chip Trayanaun - 0:21:28
Eli Heidenrich - 0:25:54
Dean Conners - 0:34:03
Robert Henry Jr. - 0:41:24
Hard Rock Bet - 0:46:40
Roman Hemby - 0:48:21
Jamal Haynes - 0:51:33
CJ Donaldson - 0:56:37
Outro - 1:00:04
Helpful Links:
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