This is the 3rd draft strategy breakdown I’ve published! See high level breakdowns + mocks for the other strategies here:

Draft three running backs within the first five rounds to secure workhorse backs for RB1, RB2, and flex positions. Then don’t draft any other RBs until round 10 or later.

This strategy capitalizes on the scarcity of true workhorses in today's NFL, creating a major positional advantage. The weekly upside is nearly impossible to replicate through later picks. You’re securing the scarcest commodity early, then exploiting exceptional depth at wide receiver, quarterback, and tight end in rounds 6-10. This strategy also leaves room on your roster to take 2 tight ends and 2 quarterbacks if you go with a late-round approach for those positions.

There is higher injury risk with early running backs that has the potential to tank your season, but the potential for overwhelming weekly advantage makes this calculated risk worthwhile for maximum upside.

*Note: It’s not super important which RBs you choose early. It’s largely dependant on what pick you have, as well as who goes off the board. But here are a few of my favorites.

Omarion Hampton: After an encouraging rookie season, Hampton is the lead back for a Mike McDaniel offense. On top of that, the offensive line is healthy and expected to be one of the better units in the league.

Ashton Jeanty: While his rookie season had its moments, it wasn’t as impressive as many were anticipating. Now, he has a competent offensive play-caller (Klint Kubiak), as well as an improved QB and o-line situation. Jeanty is in for a much better season as a sophomore.

De’Von Achane: Achane is electrifying, and I’m not worried about his production going downward with Mike McDaniel gone. There are virtually zero consistent targets on this offense, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Achane have a monumental season in the receiving category.

Devonta Smith: With A.J. Brown gone, Smith is going to be the clear-cut top pass-catcher on the Eagles. He will have a high weekly ceiling, and has a real pathway to being a top-10 fantasy WR.

Christian Watson: The Packers’ WR1 has never been a high-volume option on a consistent basis. But this season, he’s the top option on the offense. His ceiling is as high as any WR in the league, and I’m targeting him everywhere.

Jameson Williams: For some reason, many members of the fantasy football community still believe that Jamo is the boom/bust option from his rookie year. Williams finished as the WR21 in PPR points per game, with 8 games with 16+ PPR points. He saw more volume to conclude the season, recording 5 or more receptions in 5 of his last 6 games. I’m all in on Jameson Williams, and I believe he’s one of the best WR options for a Robust RB build.

To demonstrate how this strategy works in practice, as well as provide an example of what a team may look like, I mock drafted in the WalterPicks app (which you can do also BTW, the improvements are INSANE). I had the second pick in this mock. This is what my robust RB team ended up looking like:

James Cook, Omarion Hampton, and Breece Hall is an unreal trio of workhorse RBs with massive weekly upside. On top of that, this strategy allowed me to lock down 4 WRs with top-15 WR potential. Drafting Patrick Mahomes and George Kittle means I’ll need to take a second QB and TE, but that’s very doable with the Robust RB strategy. This team looks ELITE on paper.

After you complete a mock draft or real draft in the WalterPicks app, you’re given a report card. Here was mine for this mock: