Running Back Breakouts! Great Rookies, Chase Brown, Ken Walker and More (08/14 Fantasy Football Podcast)

Summary

Fantasy Football Today – Episode Summary: "Running Back Breakouts! Great Rookies, Chase Brown, Ken Walker and More" (Released August 14, 2025)

In this episode of Fantasy Football Today, CBS Sports’ Adam Aizer, alongside analysts Dave Richard, Jamey Eisenberg, Heath Cummings, and J.J. Zacharias, delve deep into the world of running back breakouts for the upcoming NFL season. The panel discusses promising rookies, potential breakout veterans, and strategic draft tips to help fantasy managers dominate their leagues.

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1. Introduction

Adam Aizer kicks off the episode by highlighting the significance of running backs in fantasy football. Emphasizing their pivotal role, he sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of players poised to excel this season.

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2. Running Back Position Overview

J.J. Zacharias [02:22]:
"Yeah. I mean this is the position that is the driving force in fantasy football. So, yeah, I feel, I feel good about it."

The panel debates the current dynamics of the running back position, with some experts noting a shift towards wide receivers, while others maintain that running backs remain the cornerstone of fantasy lineups.

Health Cummings [02:28]:
"I feel like wide receiver has overtaken running back."

J.J. Zacharias [02:35]:
"I'm trying to feel better about myself."

Despite differing opinions, the consensus remains that running backs continue to be highly valuable, especially those with dual-threat capabilities in both rushing and receiving.

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3. Top Breakout Candidates

a. Chase Brown

Dave Richard [03:39]:
"Chase Brown will lose some work to P. Ryan on third downs. But this is an awesome Bengals offense."

Chase Brown emerges as a top contender for a breakout season, backed by his increased snap counts and involvement in the Bengals' dynamic offense.

J.J. Zacharias [06:20]:
"I take him over Jonathan Taylor in both half and full PPR formats."

Dave supports Brown’s potential, highlighting his receiving prowess and the offensive scheme's favorability towards him.

b. Bucky Irving

Dave Richard [03:39]:
"Bucky has more room to develop and put up better numbers because he can earn more playing time."

Bucky Irving is touted for his evolving role in Tampa's offense, especially in the passing game, making him a valuable second-round pick.

Health Cummings [05:36]:
"I'm taking Nico Collins over Chase Brown at this point."

While some hesitation exists, the overall sentiment leans towards Irving as a reliable RB2 option with significant upside.

c. Ken Walker

Dave Richard [08:57]:
"Ken Walker is perfect for this kind of offense where he's a one-cut runner."

Ken Walker is positioned as a third-round gem, excelling in Seattle’s zone-running scheme. Concerns about his pass-catching consistency and health are addressed, but his workload and offensive fit make him a strong candidate.

J.J. Zacharias [10:48]:
"I'm in on him in round three. It requires two picks if you want to feel good by getting Charbonnet in round nine."

The panel agrees on Walker's potential, recommending paired strategies to maximize his upside while mitigating risks.

d. Ashton Genti

Heath Cummings [11:33]:
"Ashton Genti is a top five running back for me. If a running back in his very first year in the NFL is a top five running back and he's not a breakout, then I don't know what a breakout is."

Ashton Genti is lauded as a standout rookie with immediate impact potential, projecting impressive yardage and touchdown numbers. His versatility in Chip Kelly’s offense further solidifies his breakout candidacy.

e. Trayvon Henderson

J.J. Zacharias [13:51]:
"Trayvon Henderson could walk into a James White role plus in the Josh McDaniels offense. So I'm pretty excited."

Trayvon Henderson is highlighted for his pass-catching abilities and potential role in New England’s versatile offense. Despite some skepticism about workload consistency, his target share and explosive playmaking make him a valuable asset.

Dave Richard [15:34]:
"Comparing his route tree to Marvin Harrison Jr., Trayvon has more diversity, enhancing his fantasy value."

The experts discuss Henderson’s potential to outperform established wide receivers, emphasizing his dual-threat nature.

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4. Mid-Round Flyers

a. Tank Bigsby

J.J. Zacharias [22:03]:
"Tank Bigsby could see up to 850 yards and seven touchdowns in Jacksonville's offense."

Tank Bigsby is identified as a mid-round flyer with potential to emerge as a lead back, especially in goal-line situations. His efficiency and role in Jacksonville's offense present a solid mid-tier drafting option.

b. Jordan Mason

Dave Richard [22:03]:
"Jordan Mason, the younger running back in Minnesota, is poised to take on more goal-line duties, providing a fantasy upside."

Mason is viewed as a breakout candidate within Minnesota’s supportive offensive line, offering goal-line opportunities and increasing his fantasy relevance throughout the season.

c. DeAndre Swift

Heath Cummings [23:30]:
"DeAndre Swift will catch four plus balls per game and has a chance to be a top 12 running back for the first time ever."

DeAndre Swift is projected to benefit from an improved Bears offense and increased pass-catching responsibilities, positioning him as a valuable mid-round asset with top-12 potential.

d. Jalen Warren

J.J. Zacharias [24:07]:
"Jalen Warren has a high target share and efficiency, making him a reliable choice in hero or zero RB builds."

Jalen Warren is praised for his efficiency and pass-catching skills, making him a dependable pick in various fantasy strategies. Despite concerns about workload sharing, his role in Aaron Rodgers’ offense adds significant value.

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5. Rankings and Rapid Fire

Dave Richard [22:03]:
"Tank Bigsby and Jordan Mason are mid-round flyers with potential to become lead backs in their offenses."

The panel conducts a rapid-fire ranking session, where analysts quickly rank their top running back breakouts:

• J.J. Zacharias: 1. Jalen Warren, 2. Tyrone Tracy, 3. Calvin Johnson
• Dave Richard: 1. Warren, 2. Tracy, 3. Johnson
• Heath Cummings: 1. Tracy, 2. Warren, 3. Johnson

Tyrone Tracy Jr. is also highlighted as a potential breakout, especially in offensive schemes with ambiguous backfields, making him a valuable pick in the middle rounds.

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6. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with a consensus on prioritizing running backs with dual-threat capabilities and favorable offensive schemes. The experts reiterate the importance of balancing high-upside picks like Chase Brown and Ashton Genti with reliable mid-round options such as Tank Bigsby and Jalen Warren to build a competitive fantasy roster.

J.J. Zacharias [26:13]:
"If you have ambiguous backfields, the biggest breakouts tend to be second-year running backs who are pass catchers. I'm kind of into Tracy at this moment."

Adam Aizer closes the discussion by encouraging listeners to stay tuned for future episodes where the panel will explore wide receivers, tight ends, and further fantasy strategies to ensure a championship-worthy team.

---

Notable Quotes:

• Heath Cummings [11:33]:
  "Ashton Genti is a top five running back for me. If a running back in his very first year in the NFL is a top five running back and he's not a breakout, then I don't know what a breakout is."
  (Timestamp: 11:33)

• J.J. Zacharias [03:39]:
  "Chase Brown and Bucky Irving are going to break out and do for a full season what they did for half a season."
  (Timestamp: 03:39)

• J.J. Zacharias [24:07]:
  "Jalen Warren has a high target share and efficiency, making him a reliable choice in hero or zero RB builds."
  (Timestamp: 24:07)

---

This comprehensive analysis equips fantasy football enthusiasts with the insights needed to make informed draft decisions, highlighting key running backs to target for a successful season.

Transcript

[Host 1]

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[Fantasy Football Today Host]

This is Fantasy Football Today from CBS Sports.

[Fantasy Expert 1]

What a play. Can you believe this? No, I can't.

[Fantasy Football Today Host]

It's time to dominate your fantasy league.

[Fantasy Expert 1]

This is gonna go the distance. Now here's some combination of Adam, Dave, Jamie and Heath.

[Host 2]

Breakout running backs. Right now on Fantasy Football Today presented by BetMGM the Sportsbook. Born in Vegas, we've got name in rounds one through maybe nine or ten all the way from Ashton Genty to Jordan Mason I would guess is the Tank Bigsby would be the last name on the on the list if you're just looking at average draft position. Welcome back to Fantasy Football today. Adam Azer, Dave Richard, Heath Cummings and J.J. zacharias and is here to talk running backs. Are you happy with the position you got? You know, you got one of the glamour positions. Good stuff.

[Fantasy Expert 1]

Yeah. I mean this is the position that that is the driving force in fantasy football. So, yeah, I feel, I feel good about it.

[Host 2]

I feel like wide receiver has overtaken running back.

[Fantasy Expert 1]

I'm trying to feel better about myself.

[Fantasy Expert 2]

Wide receiver, like had it tried to made a really strong push. Probably still does in the best ball world and in industry talk. But I think JJ's right. Running back still drives fantasy football.

[Host 2]

Yeah.

[Fantasy Expert 1]

Yeah.

[Host 2]

And CBS drafts are getting very running back heavy at the top. Maybe more so. Like not necessarily the first two rounds, but after that. Before we go any further, jj, why don't you just tell us know how our audience can follow you and all that good stuff.

[Fantasy Expert 1]

Yeah. You know, I'm on twitter@lateround QB lateround.com you can find all my stuff. I have a draft guide out there right now. It's pretty game theory driven. It's not just total player takes and analysis. And then I have my podcast, the Late round fantasy football podcast.

[Host 2]

Awesome. All right, so Dave gave me. Everybody's got a list, but the first two names on the list at running back that I wanted to talk about were Chase Brown and Bucky Irving. I almost feel like, what could go wrong for these guys? But, you know, sometimes things go wrong with these unproven players who are day three picks. So, Dave, why are you so convinced that Chase Brown and Bucky Irving are going to break out and basically do for a full season what they did for a half season?

[Fantasy Expert 3]

Right. And that's the whole point, is that there were portions certainly in the early part of last year, where neither guy was really great for fantasy, and then they got their opportunities and they took off. So if, if you were alive and awake in 2024, you already know what these guys can do, and it's just a matter of whether or not they can keep it going over the span of 18 weeks, 17 games, just to lay it out there, from week six through 17, Chase Brown, 18 PPR points per game, 21.1 touches per game. If you want that to be even better looking. From Week 9 through Week 17, he played 80 plus percent of the snaps in every game. 23.6 touches per game, 20.6 PPR points, even 15.9 non PPR points for Chase Brown, I don't think there's going to be a lot of competition for touches in that backfield. He will lose some work to P. Ryan on third downs. But this is an awesome Bengals offense. He's probably never going to see it in the box because of the receivers that they have. I think he's a good pick in round two, much less round three. Bucky, we know it from last year from week six on, 12 games, 16.9 PPR points per game. He had 18.1. Making that number look better in his final eight games, including the postseason, only three games all year where he played at least 60% of the snaps. And so an argument that I was making earlier in the off season was that Bucky has more room to develop and put up better numbers because he can earn more playing time. But it does sound like Tampa wants to use as many as three running backs. I watched them practice. Bucky was getting a lot of work with the ones, as you would expect. And he was catching, you know, short passes from Baker. He looks great too. These are both running backs I'm totally fine taking in the second round. If you get them in the third round, I feel like you're stealing a little bit from your league.

[Host 2]

Does anyone have an issue with Bucky Irving or Chase brown in round two?

[Fantasy Expert 2]

Let's move on. Yeah, I've got brown at 25th, but not no issue. Really?

[Fantasy Expert 1]

Yeah, I mean, I'm, I'm a non Chase Brown over Jonathan Taylor this year. Like I, I in. In a full PPR type environment where if Anthony Richardson's starting, you know, for JT and last season with, with Anthony Richardson, he had a 5% target share per game. You know, there is not that receiving upside like we have with Chase Brown. And there's already been chatter out of Cincinnati saying that they want to use Chase Brown more, even more as a receiver this year and as sort of a safety valve for Joe Burrow. And we know how weak that offensive line is, which sure could go bad, badly for the run game, but at the same time it could allow for some more dump offs and some more receiving work for Brown.

[Host 2]

What format are you taking Chase Brown over Jonathan Taylor?

[Fantasy Expert 1]

I take him over him in both half and full. Realistically. I mean, again, like, obviously Jonathan Taylor has that single game upside. I think though, from a week to week standpoint and just from that floor perspective, I'm just going to feel better about the Cincinnati offense. And yes, Jonathan Taylor is a better pure runner. There's no doubt. I just don't know if we're going to see that receiving work for him. Not only that, they added Tyler Warren to the mix this year. You know, there's, there's even more competition for targets out of that on that team. So it's just, it's tough for me to really click that, that button, you know, over. Over Chase.

[Host 2]

No, I'm Worried that I'm getting too excited about Chase Brown because I think back in February we started doing mock drafts and I was thinking Chase Brown, you know, felt like a, maybe even a first round pick for me. I was so excited about him. Then, you know, I cooled down. But they did nothing in the NFL draft. Really? Okay. They got Taj Brooks. I don't think that's really a huge deal. But then you got their offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher saying he's going to become a household name. And I'm just starting to think that Chase Brown should go like right after Derrick Henry in the early part of the second round. Right where Puka Naku. Right. Well, maybe Puka, but Nico Collins and, and Brian Thomas Jr. I'm thinking I should take him ahead of A.J. brown at this point. He's the best. Brown last name wise or team? Am I a saint Brown? No, I, you know what, Honestly I, that's how I feel about Chase Brown. I feel like he's in that mix with those guys. But am I crazy? Am I too excited?

[Fantasy Expert 1]

No, I don't think it's insane. No, I mean I, I would still be going for like I still think like the Nicos of the world and the Drake London's of the world have wide receiver 1 overall this season up and so I'd rather go that direction. But you know, once you start getting out of that tier, I think it's more than reasonable to, to go after Chase.

[Fantasy Expert 2]

If I was going to be the. And I'm not anti Chase Brown, I've got him 25th and so like I think he's going to be awesome. If I was going to go the negative route, I would just say like day three pick that kind of at least came out of nowhere last year and best attribute was plays all the snaps, has all the volume has been the type of player that has really, really disappointed us in the past. I'm not saying he's going to, but if you're putting together the type of running back that has really disappointed us, that that's the guy.

[Host 2]

Sure, sure. For the record, definitely taking Nico Collins over Chase Brown. All right, let's see. So we like Chase Brown. We like Bucky Irving. Ken Walker was a guy that Dave said was on his list but JJ also on your list. Ken Walker. When would you take Ken Walker?

[Fantasy Expert 1]

Yeah, I mean I think that he's like right outside the top 12 or maybe even you know, like, like in the RB13, RB14 range. For me I, I love the fit with Clint Kubiak. He's going to bring that, that outside zone scheme to Seattle. If you look last season New Orleans ran the second most runs to the outside in that scheme. They ran. Sorry, at the second highest rate in the league. Kenneth Walker is perfect for this kind of offense where he's a one cut runner. He can just hit these home runs and that's exactly what we're going to get a lot of in this offense. The biggest question mark, two, two things I think are a big deal with Walker. One is obviously health, right? If he can't stay healthy, then we're obviously not going to feel as bullish on him. But the other thing is, last season was the first year that we really saw him deployed and used as a receiver in the NFL. And even in college he wasn't used much as a pass catcher. But last year he had a 14.4% target share per game rate which was basically double his other two seasons in the NFL. And so you do have to question a little bit if he's going to be able to maintain. I mean, I don't think he's going to be able to maintain that high of a target share. And last season in that Ryan Grub offense, they were really pass heavy. I mean it was very pass friendly scheme from a volume perspective. And so, you know, my, my sort of pushback. If I were to argue with myself here and say, you know, can Kenneth Walker maintain a high target share? It would be, look at this offense and you know, at the end of the day there is only a 100% target share pie to go around in the offense and there aren't many established pass catchers in that offense right now. And so there, there does seem to be a pretty good outlet in lane for him to get that 10, 11, maybe 12% target share if things break right. I don't think we're going to see what we saw last year. But even still, I think he's going to be able to make up for it given this zone scheme he's gonna be running in.

[Host 2]

Okay, I think everyone, the three of you feel pretty good about Ken Walker in the third round, right?

[Fantasy Expert 2]

Yes.

[Fantasy Expert 3]

Yeah, I'm in on him in round three and it requires two picks if you really want to feel good about it by getting Charbonnet in round nine if you, if you wanted to safeguard the pick. And we've seen Charbonnet play very well in place of Kenneth Walker. So you've got to be, you have to at least think about making that commitment. I know that there are some people who Wouldn't even touch that idea. But I, I would do something like that knowing that Kenneth Walker, A, isn't a lock to make it for 17 games and B, already has a foot injury that kept him sidelined for a little bit this training camp.

[Host 2]

Okay, Heath, let's. We'll go, we'll dance around a little bit here. We'll go to one of Heath's breakout running backs. So not super familiar with this guy. Ashton. Ashton Genti. Genti.

[Fantasy Expert 2]

Tell me about the sleepers episode. Don't give me any grief because he's being drafted too high because he's not being drafted high enough. I think he fell to round two of our draft today. He's a top seven pick for me. I expect him to immediately enter the NFL as one of the best rushers in the NFL. I've got him projected for about 1700 total yards and 12 touchdowns. This is going to be a good run offense with Chip Kelly there. Geno Smith actually gives him some threat of the pass and Ashton Genty is very good. If you're worried about three rush attempts in the preseason, then you don't deserve Ashton Genti. He is a top five running back for me. And if a running back in his very first year in the NFL is a top five running back and he's not a breakout, then I don't know what a breakout is.

[Host 2]

Wait a sec. Say that again.

[Fantasy Expert 2]

If a running back in his very first year in the NFL is a top five running back in the NFL, I don't know what a breakout is.

[Host 2]

No, I, I think, I think that'd be fine.

[Fantasy Expert 2]

You'd be fine? Just be okay?

[Fantasy Expert 1]

No.

[Host 2]

Well, I'm just saying some people just think that you can't call a rookie a breakout. That's all.

[Fantasy Expert 3]

It's.

[Fantasy Expert 2]

I understand. I am not one of those people.

[Host 2]

Trying to find the Leonard Fournette stat. Leonard Fournette, like really didn't have a very good rookie season. He was fine and he still was very good for fantasy. And it's almost like that feels like a worst case scenario. I'll see if I can look that up. Hey, real quick, if you haven't signed up for BETMGM yet, we've got an awesome offer for you. Use the bonus code fantasy on BetMGM. If you and you're going to get up to a $1,500 first bet offer on your first wager with BetMGM. So here's how it works. You download the BETMGM app and you sign up using the bonus code Fantasy Deposit at least ten dollars and place your first wager on any game and you'll receive up to fifteen hundred dollars in bonus bets. If your bet loses, just make sure that you use the bonus code fantasy when you sign up. So far we've talked about Chase Brown, Bucky Irving, Ken Walker, Ashton Genti. Let's talk about Trayvon Henderson, jj, another rookie who's also on Heat breakout list. I'm sure Dave is excited about Travion Henderson too, but maybe not, I don't know, maybe not as excited. But jj, when, when would you take Trayvon Henderson? How would you compare him to Ken Walker who you said is around RB13 or so for you?

[Fantasy Expert 1]

Yeah, I mean I'd still take Walker over Henderson. I think if you're in a full PPR format, you're taking Henderson. I mean you can take him mid RB2 range in that RB18, RB19 spot, you know, around there. I'm, I'm super bullish on him, a prospect. You know, I, I, I loved him coming out great in pass pro. Arguably the best running back in pass pro that we've seen at least in like recent history come out. And he had unbelievable, you know, he was a great pass catcher at Ohio State as well, obviously playing amongst some very, very good wide receivers there. But as a freshman at Ohio state he caught 27 passes, which is not a little amount for a collegiate running back. But he caught 27 passes in an offense that had Jackson Smith and Jigba, Garrett Wilson, Chris olave, Marvin Harrison Jr. And a mech Igbuka and he was still able to carve out a role and play that pass catching role. We're already seeing him Moss defenders in Patriots camp right now. So I think they're going to get, I mean there's going to be wheel routes galore in New England this year. And again going back to sort of what I talked about with, with Kenneth Walker, you got to look at the entire landscape of these offenses to see what kind of target share ceiling a player might be able to hit. And the only guy that we feel relatively confident about seeing decent target share in that offense is Stefon Diggs. At this point he's obviously, you know, older and coming off that acl. I love Diggs this year but you know, obviously there is some concern and there is a red flag there. And so I think that Trayvon Henderson could realistically walk into not only just that like James White role, but a James White role plus in that Josh McDaniels offense. So I'm pretty Excited.

[Host 2]

Should I take Travion Henderson or two of the guys that he played with, Marvin Harrison Jr. And Garrett Wilson?

[Fantasy Expert 1]

I mean I'm pretty low on both the wide receivers so I mean I, I, I, I, I think you know if you're in like a 3 wider it depends on the, the format. Obviously if you're in a three wide receiver full PPR flex kind of league I probably would still lean the wide receivers but those are two wide receivers that I am incredibly nervous about entering 2025. So I think that you could, you know, if we sat here for five minutes, ten minutes I could, I could argue both sides. I could argue that Trapion said.

[Fantasy Expert 2]

I, I would say Travion and I think the better question might be whose route tree is more diverse this year Travion Henderson or Marvin Harrison? And I think the answer would be Travelling Anderson. It's like imagine everybody remembers the James White 90 target seasons, 90 catch seasons. Now imagine he if he was the most explosive player on the offense. Also like it's so rare that we get a guy that has a really high volume role in the passing game out of the backfield and he's extremely explosive and there's opportunity for him as the season goes on to earn work on early downs. I mean I, I only have projected like 10, 10 carries a game right now. But Ramondre Stevenson does not do the two things that keep veterans on the field over exciting rookies. He does not protect the football. He does not pass protect Trevion Henderson. I continually feel like I'm too low.

[Fantasy Expert 3]

The same which is making me nervous because I see some issues that keep me from like raising them into like the top 40. Because JJ is absolutely right. The talent is undeniable. We saw it at Ohio State. We're seeing it now in, in training camp. I saw it in training camp. He's a very good player. Did you know he's. No. He had no fumbles at Ohio State. That was cool. I'll play devil's advocate. Ohio State use Henderson five times on carries inside the five yard line last year. Seven times total in his three years. His last three years at Ohio State he got banged up his second to last year there and then they brought in Quinn, Shawn Junkins. We know that those two split reps. He's also not the type of back that Josh McDaniels has used in his offense as the primary ball carrier. Usually that guy is sitting around 220 pounds. Guy's physical. I know that Henderson is willing to get physical but he's much lighter than 220 pounds. Also, Josh McDaniel's track record of using multiple running backs is pretty consistent. Only three times and I'm reading this in his 17 full seasons as a play caller three times has a running back average 20 plus touches per game. Only 10 times as a running back average 15 plus touches per game. Could we could we buy into Henderson being so good that Josh McDaniels takes everything that he's ever done and throws it out the window and just puts it all in Henderson's place?

[Host 2]

Yes, because he did it with Josh Jacobs just a few years ago when he finally had a true running back.

[Fantasy Expert 3]

220 pounds I get.

[Host 2]

But the point is he gave the most talented guy on the Raw. He didn't mess around. Go ahead East.

[Fantasy Expert 2]

I just don't think I I that probably prevents him from being the number one running back in fantasy football this year, but in terms of him turning In a top 12 season, I don't think it matters at all. He is exactly the type of player in full PPR that produces top 12 seasons without touching the ball 15 times a game.

[Host 2]

I gotta take a break. I'm gonna follow up. We're gonna finish on Travion Henderson in a moment. Let's take a quick break on FFT and wrap this discussion up because I want to know where do you take them in half PPR and are we getting too early if we start taking them in the third round? We'll be right back.

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[Host 2]

Heath, you are Jesse Spano excited about Travion Henderson. Sorry I even have to laugh at that. That was a good joke. So what about in half what you say they it was really good. So what about half ppr?

[Fantasy Expert 2]

I think half ppr. You probably need to cool the jets a little bit and take him in round five where I think he's currently going in full PPR harvest. I've got him early round four and full ppr. I'll go round five and a half.

[Host 2]

Okay. It would be interesting if he had a better season than everybody that JJ mentioned on his Ohio State team. JSN, Chris Olave, Marvin Harrison Jr. Mecca Boot. He's going to be better than at.

[Fantasy Expert 3]

Least some of them.

[Host 2]

But he could.

[Fantasy Expert 2]

JSN is the only one I would dress first before him.

[Host 2]

Right.

[Fantasy Expert 3]

Heath, do you have your projections open for Trayvon?

[Fantasy Expert 1]

I can say this too about Travion and sort of the the workload stuff. If you look since 2011 there's been 43 running backs and I was actually talking about this about Breece Hall. If I I. You know, I'm not like massively high on hall, but this is sort of the pre pro math argument for the pass catching side of Breeze Hall. But it's even easier with Travion I think. But since 2011 there's been 43 running backs who played eight or more games who had a 15 target share or better target share per game or better and a 50 running back rush share better. So just half the team's running back rushes right. Of those 43, none of them finished worse than RB18 and PPR points per game and only two of them finished outside the top 12. So if Trayvon Henderson ends up seeing about half the team's running back rushes, which I don't think is a lock because obviously Ramon is going to see some of that early down work. I mean the floor ceiling combo is pretty incredible here.

[Host 2]

Excellent. Excellent stuff. All right, few more. Dave, give me rapid fire on Tank Bigsby and Jordan Mason.

[Fantasy Expert 3]

These are just mid round flyers that you can take two guys that could end up being the lead backs in their respective offenses. We know that Tank Bigsby's efficiency was outstanding last year. Everyone's freaking out because Travis ETN took all the first team snaps in their first preseason game. Even if that changes, I think we're going to see a full blown committee anyway. With Bigsby the most likely one to work rushing downs and to work at the goal line. I do not think he can even catch 20% of the passes that Travion Henderson is about to catch this year, but we're driving the sky five rounds later. I think that we could absolutely see in the neighborhood of, I don't know, I'll temper it and say 850 yards and seven touchdowns. This is a really good Jacksonville offense. At least it looks good on paper. I would want to have the running back that could be playing the most on the ground and not seeing eight in the box. Mason, the younger running back in in Minnesota. Another team with a pretty good offensive line and some pretty good wide receivers as well. And he's the one who seems to be in line to work at the goal line more so than Aaron Jones. They want to take work off of Aaron Jones plate. These are running backs I'm targeting in the middle rounds not to start for my fantasy team, at least not to begin the year. But they could be starting for my fantasy team at some point during the year. I'd love to have them on my bench.

[Host 2]

Heath we on the bus show on Wednesday we talked about DeAndre Swift, but give me your 30 second take on why DeAndre Swift's a breakout.

[Fantasy Expert 2]

He was RB15 the last time he was at Ben Johnson and he was sharing with Jamal Williams, who Dan Campbell absolutely loved. I don't think anybody absolutely loves Roshan Johnson, Johnson or Kyle Menungai. This will be an improved Bears offense and Swift will catch four plus balls per game and he has a chance to be a top 12 running back for the first time ever.

[Host 2]

You know, I want to finish on Jalen Warren for jj. That's somebody that Jamie has been taking a lot. I just said the letter J a lot there. But he's Jamie's excited about Jalen Warren. So you maybe you're even more excited. What, what are you looking for for Warren in this breakout season?

[Fantasy Expert 1]

Yeah, look, you know I didn't mind Caleb Johnson as a prospect. I'm not one of those people that just, you know, is pushing him aside and saying that he's a nobody. But I, I do look at history and I, you know, if you look at third round running backs since 2011, 40 running backs been drafted after round two and through pick 100. So basically third round picks of those 40 only four of them had a 60 running back rush share as a rookie and only eight of them had a 50 running back rusher or better as a rookie. And then the other thing that I feel like has just been kind of tossed aside. Arthur Smith had this guy named Bijan, sorry, Bijan Robinson as a rookie and he was not giving Him a full Bell Cow workload as a rookie splitting with Tyler Algier as we recall. So I do have some fear in the back of my mind that like we're gonna see something similar to what we saw, you know, with, with Bijan Robinson when he was a rookie. Warren has been a high target share guy throughout his career. 12%, 15% target share over the last two years. That's something that we always want out of our running backs. It's one of the big differentiators out of middle round running backs. Dealt with some injuries last year, but he's always been efficient back and he's also been a back who's really good in pass pro. And look who's under center now is Aaron Rodgers. He's not going to put up with bad pass pro reps from a rookie running back. So I know that this is like the third or fourth. I mean it seems like we've been doing this with Jaylen Warren year after year after year. But I do think that there's a lot of logic here to point to Warren at least. Like if you go with maybe a hero running back build or even a 0 RB build, you're going to get some production from him at least to start the season before Caleb Johnson really gets immersed in this offense.

[Host 2]

I was going to ask you to rank three running backs and I see they're back to back to back in our consensus rankings. But I'll let all three of you rank these three running backs and then we'll end the show. Tyrone Tracy Jr. Jalen Warren, Caleb Johnson, JJ. You can start.

[Fantasy Expert 1]

I'll go Warren, Tracy Johnson.

[Fantasy Expert 3]

Dave Johnson. Tracy Warren Heath.

[Fantasy Expert 2]

Tracy, Warren Johnson.

[Host 2]

Okay.

[Fantasy Expert 3]

There's some great consensus there.

[Host 2]

Yeah. Anybody feeling a Tyrone Tracy breakout?

[Fantasy Expert 1]

I, I'll say like if you. So I do a lot of like ADP analysis, right. And looking at historical ADP and seeing what trends we can find and stuff. And when you have these ambiguous backfields, which is what the Giants have right now, these multiple middle round running backs who are, you know, going, getting drafted close to each other. Typically the guy, the, the biggest breakouts we find are second year running backs who are pass catchers and we would probably lean Tyrone Tracy, you know, as Cam Scatter Boo can, can, can do a lot but we would lean Tyrone Tracy there now, now Scatter Boo is a little bit banged up so I'm kind of into Tracy at this moment. It sounds like he's doing pretty well in camp too.

[Host 2]

It was a great, it was a very encouraging first drive, obviously playing without Scatter boo, but a lot of usage and had some good moments last year for sure. All right, jj, thank you so much for joining us. I appreciate it, man.

[Fantasy Expert 1]

Yeah, thanks for having me, guys. Appreciate it.

[Host 2]

Running backs, they're the real glamour position. Get out of here. Wide receivers. All right, we'll talk wide receivers later with Chris Harris. We'll talk tight ends as well, and we'll talk to you then. See you later, everybody. Foreign.

[Fantasy Football Today Host]

What'S up, everyone? It's Sia Najad, host of the Early Edge, part of the CBS Sports Podcast Network. Be sure to lock in with me and our team of Sportsline betting experts every single day as we deliver our best bets across all the summer sports. We'll have you covered every day and all summer long in mlb, wnba, soccer, tennis, golf and much more. If you want the early look on the betting plays of the day, you've got a home at the Early Edge. Download and follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and anywhere podcasts are found.