Many people have different strategies for redraft, but I like to use the zero RB strategy. Let’s take a look at how that strategy plays out.
The preseason is almost over, and if you have not had your redraft league draft yet, then it should be coming up shortly. There are plenty of different strategies to use but when I have the last four picks, I like to use the zero RB strategy. This doesn’t mean you don’t take an RB but just wait until later in the draft. Let’s take a look at this strategy and some RB targets to look for in your draft.
When to Take an RB
With the zero RB strategy, I usually like to wait until the sixth round to take my running back. I want to take three WRs, a QB, and a TE in the first five rounds. The main point of the strategy is that you are waiting on RB to get an advantage in your league on the other positions.
I would not use this strategy if you have an early pick but for example, let’s say you have the 10th pick in a draft. Based on IDP GUY’s ADP, you would have the below start for your team.
- 1.10 Ceedee Lamb, WR, Dallas Cowboys – IDP GUY’S Redraft Positional Ranking : (WR5)
- 2.05 Stefon Diggs, WR, Buffalo Bills – IDP GUY’S Redraft Positional Ranking : (WR6)
- 3.10 D.J. Moore., WR, Carolina Panthers – IDP GUY’S Redraft Positional Ranking : (WR12)
- 4.05 George Kittle, TE, San Francisco 49ers – IDP GUY’S Redraft Positional Ranking : (TE4)
- 5.10 Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens – IDP GUY’S Redraft Positional Ranking : (QB4)
RBs to Target in ZeroRB Strategy
All the RBs I will discuss for this strategy, they are listed with an ADP after pick 60. Since you are waiting on RBs, you will want to take a few options in rounds six through 12. These players need to have stand-alone value but have the possibility of being a top 12 player if injuries or situations give them a bigger workload.
Kareem Hunt, RB, Cleveland Browns – Pick 99
Kareem Hunt fits exactly what you are looking for in a zero RB. He is heavily involved even as 2nd on the depth chart but an injury away from being a league winner. There is more of an even split in the Cleveland backfield than many like to admit. When Hunt and Nick Chubb both played last year, the split was 45% to 55%. Hunt is not just a receiving back but gets full drives where he is the main back.
Chase Edmonds, RB, Miami Dolphins – Pick 107
There is a bit of a log jam in Miami with a depth chart of Chase Edmonds, Myles Gaskin, Sony Michel, and Raheem Mostert. A committee will most likely be used running the ball, but I see Edmonds leading the way and getting most of the receiving work. Edmonds has averaged a little under six yards per touch over the last three years. So even with only 12-15 touches a game, he could be a top 24 option at RB.
Tony Pollard, RB, Dallas Cowboys – Pick 130
I think the decline of Ezekiel Elliott is overstated, but Tony Pollard has shown that he will be utilized heavily. Last year Pollard averaged over 11 touches a game and six yards per touch. He is very efficient in his touches, and the Cowboys have said they will use him in the slot with the injuries to their receiving corps. Even with a healthy Elliott, Pollard can be a top 36 RB this year with weeks of top 15 upside.
Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, New England Patriots – Pick 178
It is always hard to decipher how the Patriots deploy RBs. Damien Harris had a huge season last year with 15 touchdowns, but that number will likely regress. James White retired, and even though two backs were drafted, it looks to be Harris and Stevenson.
Even though Harris received more work last year, this preseason looks like Stevenson will be more involved. Stevenson is probably a flex play with a higher ceiling if Harris misses anytime.
Dameon Pierce, RB, Houston Texans – Pick 188
Dameon Pierce was drafted in the fourth round and has been impressive in camp. He looks to have the lead for the majority of the carries for the team. Rex Burkhead looks involved in the passing game, but Pierce is a good receiver and could take a bigger role as the season progresses. Even on a bad team, the main RB can have fantasy value. See James Robinson for the Jaguars in 2020.
I do think that with the ZeroRB strategy, you can be at the top of your leagues and even win them. It is not for every situation, and if you see RBs drop, do not be afraid to adapt. It is just another strategy that gives you flexibility if you have a later pick in the draft order.
Thanks for checking out my article on RB Zero Strategy. You can read all my work on my IDP Guys Author Page and find me on Twitter @hayeb3.
