Dynasty Stash: Running Backs

By Tommy Harvey

Part two of our Dynasty Stash series focuses on the running backs and how I see them moving forward.  If these guys are available in your leagues, make sure you make a play for them in free agency or via trade.  These RBs could be league winners for you in the future.

Gus Edwards

Undrafted out of Rutgers in 2018, Edwards is a massive running back.  At 6’1 238 lbs, he is similar in stature to Derrick Henry (6’3 247 lbs) and runs with the same aggression.  Although not as fast as Henry, Edwards has a knack for wearing down the defense like the Titans powerhouse RB.

In nearly 3 seasons, he has run for close to 2,000 yards for the Ravens. What stands out even more is his 5.2 ypc in almost 400 carries. Given the chance to run the ball 200+ times, Edwards would have a good shot at 1,000+ yards.

Edwards is headed into free agency, where he will be a hot commodity. Baltimore will have the opportunity to match any offer, but with JK Dobbins looking like the future, Edwards will likely be elsewhere in 2021.  I would be stoked to see him land somewhere like Pittsburgh, New York, or Houston

Marlon Mack

Mack was supposed to be part of a dynamic backfield with rookie Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines for the Colts in 2020.  However, Mack tore his achilles in the 1st game of the season and will head into free agency as one of the top available RBs.  

Having already run for over 900 yards twice in his career, Mack has shown the ability to be a lead back.  While he has had a slight history of injury throughout his time with the Colts, Mack is fully capable of handling the bulk of the carries.  Similar to Edwards, New York or Houston...as well as Atlanta...would be great landing spots for Marlon Mack.  

Zack Moss

Moss was drafted into a great situation with Buffalo this past draft.  Even though the Bills already had a young RB in Devin Singletary, Moss can do most everything Singletary can, plus he brings a power element to a very good, young Buffalo team.  The former Utah Ute has the makings of a lead back and should be a core member of a potential Super Bowl contending team.

Going into year 2, Moss will be one of my early favorite targets.  I can definitely see Moss becoming the starter in Buffalo with Singletary being his change of pace backup.  A backfield of Josh Allen and Zack Moss should scare opposing teams for years to come.

Tarik Cohen

The diminutive scatback will be making his return from a torn ACL. Through three games played this season, Cohen had not been overly productive, with only 74 yards rushing and 41 yards receiving on 6 catches. However, in his first 3 seasons, Cohen had over 1,500 yards on 203 receptions.

It goes without saying that Cohen's value lies in his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. He is very similar to JD McKissic, with more explosion and speed. 

The Bears will need Cohen to return to form in 2021, after he was handed a contract extension through the 2024 season. He compliments starting RB David Montgomery very well with his ability to be the receiving back.  If Cohen is available on your waiver wire after his injury, or if someone is willing to deal him, he is definitely worth a stash.

Leonard Fournette

Fournette was a headache in Jacksonville, but he was also highly productive. Despite never playing 16 games in a season, he ran for over 1,000 yards twice in three seasons for the Jaguars. Did I mention Fournette was a headache in Jacksonville? Well...he was released by the Jags just before the season, in favor of rookie James Robinson.

The former Bayou Bengal signed a 1-year deal with Tampa Bay, and most people believed he would be the main RB for the Bucs. Despite outplaying the incumbent Ronald Jones in a couple of games, Fournette never took over the starting job and has only logged 69 carries thus far this season. 

Fournette will be a free agent after the 2020 season, and will likely look to re-jumpstart his career elsewhere in 2021. Still just 25 years old, Fournette has starting RB ability and should get a fresh start next season with a new team.