10 best running back handcuffs in 2024

10. Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams

If he had not been so dedicated to Michigan and bringing a national championship to Ann Arbor, Corum could already be entering his second or third season in the NFL. Instead, his additional time in college should only make him more ready to be an immediate contributor if called upon.

For now, Corum is no threat to Kyren Williams' workhorse role, but it would not be a surprise to see the third-round pick be a factor in the offense sooner rather than later. His 5-foot-8 frame worried scouts ahead of the draft but his strength and agility were on par with the rest of the prospects drafted before him, leading to 55 touchdowns in his final three seasons in college

9. Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins

He was not selected until the fourth round but Wright's athleticism matched up with any other prospect in the 2024 draft as he recorded the second-fastest 40-yard dash time and longest broad jump in Combine history. Wright begins his career as the third-string back in Miami but has two injury-prone players listed ahead of him in Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane.

Since he took over in Miami, Mike McDaniel has loved using multiple players in the backfield, as evidenced by both Mostert and Achane finishing as top-five fantasy running backs in points per game. McDaniel also prioritizes speed in his offense, one of Wright's best traits. Wright already being listed above veteran Jeff Wilson Jr. on the depth chart speaks volumes to what the team sees in him, particularly with Wilson being a favorite of McDaniel's throughout their parallel careers in both Miami and San Francisco.

8. Braelon Allen, New York Jets

He is just 20 years old but historically, rookies who have entered the league with Allen's frame have tended to have an immediate impact. He is not a candidate to be an immediate starter but if anything happens to Breece Hall, who already has one significant injury in his young career, Allen proved in the preseason that he is already NFL-ready. New York is clearly invested in him long-term after spending a fourth-round pick on the youngster.

As the next former Wisconsin Badger to seek success in the NFL, Allen's sheer size and playstyle have given him comparisons to Jonathan Taylor and AJ Dillon. With just 272 career receiving yards in college, Allen has almost no receiving upside but his efficiency and prospect as an early-down back will have immediate fantasy value behind New York's elite offensive line.

7. Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals

Even with Joe Mixon being replaced by Zack Moss as the starter in Cincinnati, Brown lept over Trayveon Williams on the depth chart over the offseason after an impressive rookie year. Used as primarily a gadget player in his rookie year, Brown saw over 10 touches just twice but cleared 50 yards on both occasions while topping 100 yards once. He was an exciting prospect for a hot minute but never played more than 30 percent of the snaps, significantly limiting his upside.

Without much rushing volume, it is difficult to believe in Brown as a bell-cow in any scenario, but he is too dynamic with the ball in his hands to ignore. He projects as more of a receiver out of the backfield with an Austin Ekeler-like ceiling than a three-down back but if given the opportunity to expand his role, it would not be surprising to see him become a fantasy asset.

6. Jaleel McLaughlin, Denver Broncos

Even though he is listed as the third-string back after two preseason games, McLaughlin could be the best player in the Denver backfield right now. Projected starter Javonte Williams averaged just 3.6 yards per carry in 2023 and career journeyman Samaje Perine is listed behind him as the backup. All three are returning to the team after composing the backfield and underwhelming in 2023 but if anybody was a bright spot on the year, it was McLaughlin.

Averaging 5.4 yards per tote, McLaughlin was easily the most efficient running back on the team but never got a chance to showcase his potential as a bell-cow. He never saw more than nine carries in any game. Yet, often in fantasy it just takes one injury for a player to become a star.