15 Running Backs Who Changed My Mind

Photo: Andres Leiva, USA Today Sports

It’s hard to believe that the NFL regular season is here, but Week 1 gets underway on Thursday. If you're like me, you still have several key drafts to complete in the next few days. This year, I published my first set of full projections at the end of February, which means I’ve been forecasting this season for over six months. Much can change in six months; that’s like a decade in NFL parlance. So, before you finish the draft season, I wanted to share with you the players who have changed my mind and why.

Links to all four positions: Quarterbacks | Running Backs | Wide Receivers | Tight Ends

The Running Backs Who Changed My Mind (Sorted by Consensus ADP)

• Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis
• Rhamondre Stevenson, New England
• Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville
• Joe Mixon, Cincinnati
• Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook, New York Jets
• J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore
• Miles Sanders, Carolina
• Rachaad White, Tampa Bay
• Javonte Williams, Denver
• James Cook, Buffalo
• Alvin Kamara, New Orleans
• Rashaad Penny, Philadelphia
• Raheem Mostert, Miami
• Deuce Vaughn, Dallas

Jonathan Taylor (ADP: RB6) Is a Landmine

What I Thought: From the outset, I was more skeptical than most, concerned that Anthony Richardson's mobility would poach rushing touchdowns and limit Taylor's targets in the passing game compared to prior seasons. Nevertheless, I still saw him as a top-12 fantasy back.

What I Think: Given a preseason rife with public animosity, disparagement by team owner Jim Irsay, and a failed attempt to find a new team via trade, Taylor is undraftable at his current ADP. He's starting the season on the PUP list, and it could be a lost season unless the Colts change their mind on their self-imposed trade deadline.