What is the Zero RB draft strategy?
Core Approach:
Pass on running backs in the first four to seven rounds, stockpiling elite wide receivers, securing a dominant tight end, and potentially drafting a top-tier quarterback. Round eight and beyond should target high-upside running backs with:
A potential path to 50 or more receptions
Attachment to a good offense for touchdown potential
One injury away from a workhorse role
RBs To Target When Using Zero RB:
Hitting on two or three running backs in the middle-to-late round of drafts is the difference between nailing or failing when implementing Zero RB.
A few RBs that meet the target criteria:
Jadarian Price: The Seahawks rookie doesn’t provide much in the pass-catching category. But he’s on a great offense with massive TD potential.
Kenneth Gainwell: Gainwell is an excellent receiving back, and would be thrust into a major role if Bucky Irving’s injury continues to bother him.
Aaron Jones/Jordan Mason: Both of these backs are on an elite offense (assuming Kyler Murray isn’t awful), and would benefit immensely if the other were to miss time. Both catch passes as well.
Chris Rodriguez Jr.: C-Rod already has goal line potential on a dynamic offense. If Bhayshul Tuten were to miss time, Rodriguez’s ceiling would be huge, regardless of his lackluster pass-catching ability.
Mike Washington Jr.: The Raiders’ rookie would have a major workhorse role if Ashton Jeanty were to miss time.
Rico Dowdle: We saw Rico Dowdle’s ceiling last season when he was thrust into a more vital role. He scored 28 or more PPR points three times. He meets all the criteria.
Why Zero RB?
Elite wide receivers tend to be more consistent and durable throughout the season, while running backs face the highest injury risk of any fantasy position with very few true workhorses.
This is the highest risk and highest upside draft strategy. It’s excellent for competitive leagues with 14+ teams, as well as PPR leagues where you can start more wide receivers in your lineup than running backs.
Zero RB Mock Draft
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). I had the tenth pick in this mock. This is what my Zero RB team ended up looking like:
As you can see, there are some elite weapons on this roster. The ceilings of all the wide receivers are massive, and pairing them with Trey McBride and Drake Maye is electric. If a few of these RBs pan out the way we’re projecting, this team has championship written all over it.
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:
Walter knows when you’re trying to implement a strategy, and it will tell you if you did it correctly!
