Back in early January, I posted my initial run of 2016 fantasy football rankings.
However, there is a key demographic of the NFL missing from those rankings: incoming rookies.
Since we don't know which teams they will play for, we can't lump them in with the veterans just yet. So for those of you who want to look deeper than my top 25 rookies overall, I've broken them down by position as well.
NOTE: Each player's overall rank among rookies appears before his name.
Top fantasy rookie running backs
2. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State
Although he may not have the ceiling of last year's top running back, Todd Gurley, Elliott is easily this year's top prospect at the position. Ready for a three-down role on Day 1, Elliott is a terrific rusher, solid pass-catcher and a borderline-elite pass-blocker. At 6-0 and 225 pounds, Elliott has plenty of size and runs with enough power that he's assured plenty of work near the goal line. There aren't many pro backs who push for 20 touches every week, but Elliott figures to join that list as a rookie, provided he lands on one of the few teams with a major need at tailback. If that happens, expect Elliott to make a significant impact as a rookie. Elliott doesn't turn 21 until July.
9. Derrick Henry, Alabama
An absolute tank at 6-3, 247 pounds, the 2015 Heisman Trophy winner has more top-end speed than you'd expect from such a large back. The combination should be enough to attract a running back-needy team on Day 1 or 2 of April's draft. Henry obviously projects as a power back, which means he'll be busy on early downs and at the goal line. That's good news in terms of touchdown upside, but it's unlikely that he will do much on passing downs. He's nothing special as a blocker and offers very little as a pass-catcher (he caught 11 passes at Alabama last season). As it did with the likes of Brandon Jacobs and LeGarrette Blount, this will impact Henry's fantasy upside, especially in PPR formats. Of course, his freak athleticism makes him well worth your attention in the first round of your rookie draft.
10. Kenneth Dixon, Louisiana Tech
Although Dixon shows up on tape as good but not great as a rusher, a deeper look at his numbers shows something interesting. Dixon ran for zero or negative yards on 25 percent of his carries last season, which is worst among backs likely to be drafted. That sounds bad, but considering that he averaged a prospect-high 1.2 yards before contact and a prospect-high 3.6 yards after contact, it's very possible that poor offensive line play is a big factor here. Nonetheless, a highly productive career at Louisiana Tech has Dixon on the radar as an early-to-mid-round selection. He is 5-10, 215 pounds and profiles as an explosive runner who is elusive in space. The area in which Dixon really stands out is on passing downs and that's where he might find his niche at the pro level. He is a terrific receiver and quality pass-blocker. Improved vision, patience and agility as a rusher could lead Dixon to an every-down gig, but he just as well could be destined for a glorified third-down role, much like Dion Lewis or Giovani Bernard.
11. Jordan Howard, Indiana
Tevin Coleman's replacement at Indiana, Howard isn't quite as explosive, but is quite a bit bigger than his predecessor. Standing 6-foot, 230 pounds, Howard is a between-the-tackles bulldozer who will do a lot of damage after contact. He converted 32 percent of his carries into first downs and ran for zero or negative yards on only 10 percent of his carries last year. Both are terrific rates. Howard has drawn comparisons to Arian Foster, but he has work to do as a receiver and pass blocker if he hopes to work his way into a three-down role at the NFL level. Of course, the ex-Hoosier is a talented enough runner that he could manage significant production as an early-down and short-yardage back. Think Michael Turner or a taller Alfred Morris.
12. Paul Perkins, UCLA
A scat back out of UCLA, Perkins projects as a committee back at the NFL level. He stands at 5- foot-10, 208 pounds, which puts him a bit on the lean side. His best traits are his elusiveness and vision, and he's productive after contact. According to Pro Football Focus, his 73 forced missed tackles as a rusher trailed only Derrick Henry in the FBS last year. He adds value as a quality pass-catcher, but will need to work on his pass blocking. Similar to Duke Johnson Jr. a year ago, it's unknown if Perkins has the size and blocking chops to hold up as an NFL feature back. He's more likely to end up in a time-share.
13. C.J. Prosise, Notre Dame
A converted wide receiver and safety, Prosise played only one season of running back at Notre Dame. At 6-0, 220 pounds, he's one of the biggest incoming backs. Although he is more power than finesse, Prosise has the wheels (4.48 40-yard dash) to make explosive plays. He averaged a prospect-high 6.6 yards per carry last season, but a massive 4.5 of that came before initial contact. Of course, 24 percent of his attempts went for 10 or more yards, which is exceptional and shows his big-play ability. Likely a product of inexperience, Prosise has struggled with both fumbles and pass protection. Considering his intriguing size/speed combo and breakout senior campaign, Prosise is sure to attract a team in search of a high-ceiling prospect on Day 3 of the draft.
16. Kenyan Drake, Alabama
Especially in PPR leagues, Drake is going to be one of my favorite targets in rookie drafts this season. Already drawing comparisons to Reggie Bush and Charles Sims, Drake sports 4.45 wheels and stands 6- 1, 210 pounds. That's certainly an intriguing size/speed combo. Although he is unlikely to ever be a three-down back or do much damage at the goal line, he has the speed, burst and elusiveness to be dominant in the passing game. Drake's 4.21 short shuttle was second best among backs who participted at the combine. With teams throwing the ball more than ever, Drake won't have trouble playing a significant role, especially when his chops as a return man are added to the mix. Make sure he's on your radar in the second round of your rookie draft.
17. Alex Collins, Arkansas
Following a productive career at Arkansas, Collins has the looks of a second- or third-round pick in this year's draft. Although he sports sufficient size for the position at 5-10, 217 pounds, Collins is more finesse than he is power. He's fast, agile and has good vision, which could help him carve out a role as a returner. Collins needs work as a blocker, is inexperienced as a receiver (13 receptions in 2015) and has struggled with fumbles (five last season). His combine performance won't help his cause, as he posted a short vertical and broad jump to go with a below average 40-yard dash. Collins figures to settle in as an early-down back at the pro level.
18. Devontae Booker, Utah
Although he doesn't jump off the tape like some of his counterparts, Booker will attract teams looking for a well-rounded running back in the middle rounds. Booker has good vision and is an effective downhill runner who is big enough (5-11/219) to potentially help out near the goal line. He's also a quality pass-catcher and effective pass blocker, who can play on all three downs. He's not particularly fast, however, and will need to overcome durability concerns. Lacking some explosion, only 34 percent of his runs went for at least 5 yards during his final season at Utah. Set to turn 24 this summer, Booker is three years older than Ezekiel Elliott and a year or two older than most of the other backs who will be drafted. In the short term, I prefer him to Collins, but his age knocks him down in dynasty rankings.
21. Jonathan Williams, Arkansas
One of this year's top boom/bust prospects, Williams is a potential workhorse at the NFL level. He stands 5-foot-11, 220 pounds and was highly productive at Arkansas before missing the entire 2015 season with a foot injury. The injury is obviously going to concern teams, but it could make Williams one of the year's top values. A power runner who will do most of his damage between the tackles and after contact, Williams is also a good pass blocker and competent receiver. Considering his three-down potential and a strong likelihood that he'll be busy near the goal line, Williams will be an intriguing flier in rookie drafts. He reminds me of T.J. Yeldon, who was busier than you realize as a receiver as a rookie.
22. Keith Marshall, Georgia
A combine standout, Marshall ran the quickest 40-yard dash (4.31) and posted the most reps on the bench (25) among running backs. A five-star prospect out of high school, Marshall carries a major injury red flag after a torn ACL derailed most of his 2013 and 2014 seasons. He managed only 72 touches in 11 games behind Nick Chubb and Sony Michel in 2015. A size/strength/speed freak, Marshall has tremendous upside, which makes him a worthwhile mid-round addition to your squad.
29. Brandon Wilds, South Carolina
One of my favorite deep sleepers this year, Wilds has size on his side, as well as the versatility to eventually emerge into a three-down back. Wilds is 6-foot-1, 220 pounds, and although he's far from the speediest player in this draft (4.54 40-yard dash), he's a solid runner, a quality receiver and a reliable pass blocker. His size certainly will lead to opportunities at the goal line, which adds to his fantasy upside. Wilds' versatility has led to Matt Forte comparisons and I see some DeMarco Murray on tape. Like Karlos Williams one year ago, Wilds is a name to target even after he slips into the later rounds.
30. Wendell Smallwood, West Virginia
Say what you want about Smallwood's tape, but it's hard to argue with his top-end production at West Virginia. Last season, Smallwood averaged 6.4 yards per carry (third best among backs who were at the combine), recorded a first down on 32 percent of his runs (second), ran for zero or negative yards on 11 percent of his attempts (fifth), managed five or more yards on 51 percent of his carries (first), and registered 10 or more yards on 25 percent of his tries (first). As inspiring as those numbers are, Smallwood sports a pedestrian physique. He stands 5-10, 208 pounds, which better reflects the frame of a wide receiver than it does a workhorse running back. His size hasn't allowed him to run with much power or pass block with much success, but he offsets some of that with good speed, quickness and quality pass-catching ability. Smallwood ran the fastest three-cone and 60-yard shuttle among backs at the combine.
31. DeAndre Washington, Texas Tech
Washington is on the small side at 5-8, 204 pounds, but he's a tough competitor whose 24 bench press reps were second most among backs at the combine. His 4.20 short shuttle was quickest. A quality rusher and dangerous as a pass catcher, Washington racked up 1,877 yards and 16 touchdowns on 274 touches in 2015. He converted a prospect-high 82 percent of third-down attempts and avoided negative runs. Washington figures to carve out a role as a third-down back and returner.
36. Kelvin Taylor, Florida
The son of former Jaguars great, Fred Taylor, Kelvin resembles his father in some ways, but doesn't seem to enjoy the same ceiling as a player. The ex-Gator stands 5-10, 207 pounds and is an extremely shifty runner with impressive jump-cutting ability. Taylor didn't fumble any of his 276 touches last season, but he averaged a miserable 4.0 yards per carry and managed five or more yards on a dismal 29 percent of his attempts. Both rank dead last among backs who attended the combine. Speaking of the combine, Taylor may have taken the biggest hit among the running backs in attendance. His arm length and hands were smallest at the position, and he was below average in the 40-yard dash, bench press, vertical and broad jump. A bit undersized, Taylor doesn't offer much after contact. He's not a very good pass blocker and did very little as a receiver at Florida. Taylor's bloodline and shiftiness may attract teams in the mid-to-late rounds, but like former teammate Matt Jones, he's best served as a change-of-pace back.
37. Josh Ferguson, Illinois
Undersized at 5-9, 198 pounds, Ferguson isn't particularly fast, but is quick and explosive. He excels as a receiver and projects as a scat/passing-down back at the pro level. His measurables have led to Ronnie Hillman comparisons and Ferguson's pass-blocking woes only advance that comparison. Last season at Illinois, Ferguson picked up a first down on 31 percent of his attempts and converted 77 percent of third-down attempts. Both rank out very well among incoming rookie backs.
38. Tyler Ervin, San Jose State
One of this year's smallest running back prospects, Ervin is just 5-10 and 192 pounds. He's shifty, but not particularly fast, and although he's a tough, aggressive player, his frame simply doesn't allow much power running. Ervin is unlikely to ever operate as a feature or goal-line back, which hurts his upside, but he is one of the better, more experienced pass-catching backs in this year's group. His 45 receptions in 2015 were most among backs who attended the combine. Ervin showed off his athleticism with a strong showing in the 40-yard dash, vertical and broad jump. Also an experienced returner, Ervin figures to latch onto an NFL team as a special teamer and reserve/passing-down back.
39. Daniel Lasco, California
One of this year's biggest winners at the combine, Lasco paced all backs with a 42-inch vertical and a ridiculous 11-3 broad jump. The performance was key, as a hip injury limited Lasco to 69 offensive touches in nine games in 2015. He was not particularly effective after a strong 2014 campaign, but is a good blocker and converted 75 percent of his third-down attempts. Lasco is a potential short-yardage/special teams option, but poor vision will limit his opportunities.
61. Devon Johnson, Marshall
A bulldozer at 6-0, 238 pounds, but will probably have more value to his NFL club than he does in fantasy. A quality pass-catcher and blocker, but the ex-linebacker/tight end will be limited to occasional short-yardage/goal-line carries. Probable H-Back/fullback/special teams hybrid role will limit fantasy contributions.
62. Tra Carson, Texas A&M
Big, tough, power back with little elusiveness. A good receiver and pass blocker whose NFL role figures to be that of a third-down back and special teamer.
63. Marshaun Coprich, Illinois State
As short as they come at 5-8, 207 pounds, but muscular and tough for his size. Doesn't have top-end wheels, but succeeds with shifty running style. Too small to help at the goal line and possibly as a blocker. Had a brutal combine, coming in dead last at the position in the broad jump, three-cone, short shuttle and 60-yard shuttle. A broke man's Darren Sproles.
64. Peyton Barber, Auburn
A pedestrian, power runner lacking big-play ability. On the plus side, only 10.1 percent of his 238 carries went for zero or negative yards in 2015 (best among backs who attended the combine).
81. Aaron Green, TCU
Snubbed from combine likely due to his size (5-10/202) and pedestrian ability across the board. Competent receiver and blocker and shifty/quick as a rusher. Managed 260 touches last season; however, drops, as well as post-contact and post-catch production, were alarmingly poor. Could latch on as a scat back.
82. Tre Madden, USC
Ex-linebacker standing 6-0, 223 pounds who has a long list of injuries. Big, tough runner who could see some goal-line work, but that's about his ceiling.
91. Shad Thornton, NC State
Lean runner with poor hands and major character issues. Aside of strong short-area quickness, showed very poorly at the combine, including a position-worst 4.75 40-yard dash.
100. Russell Hansbrough, Missouri
Undersized at 5-foot-8, 195 pounds, but runs tough and has good wheels. Struggled badly with efficiency at Missouri in 2015.