2023 Training Camp Battles: Running Backs

Photo: Denny Medley, USA Today Sports

Links to other camp battles articles: Quarterbacks | Tight Ends

Despite the devaluation of the running back position, they still play crucial roles in fantasy football. More than any other position, depth can play a vital role in swinging leagues. Like the other articles linked above, this piece will set an eye line on running back training camp battles to monitor.

Damien Harris vs. Latavius Murray

The off-field injury to Nyheim Hines may have shoved this into a "both" category. Harris spiked in 2021, totaling 15 touchdowns, a rare feat that elite fantasy contributors like Adrian Peterson, Christian McCaffrey, Marshall Faulk, and Ezekiel Elliott only accomplished once each in their careers. Harris should be the favorite to lead this competition. That said, the Bills have not had a reliable power complement in Josh Allen's career, so there is an open question on what the total role could look like.

From a fantasy perspective, the more significant concern could be Murray keeping this close enough that both players see time. Harris has had minimal usage in the passing game in his career, and while Murray has never been a focal point there, he does have nearly 100 more games of experience in nuances like pass blocking.

Through the first five games of the 2022 season, the Bills ran a three-headed backfield approach between James Cook, Devin Singletary, and Zack Moss. Moss's ineffectiveness ended that, but that is a potential glimpse into how this breaks. If that is the case, managers could end up with three options that leave prayers for finding the endzone.

Pierre Strong Jr vs. Ty Montgomery vs. Unsigned Free Agent

Montgomery had a buzz in OTAs this spring around his involvement in the passing game, and that drum beat has picked up with the start of camp. This battle holds a significant impact on Rhamondre Stevenson. Stevenson may be underrated at ADP if he has the stranglehold on the backfield. A split committee would overvalue him at this ADP. That wide range of outcomes makes him one of the most boom or bust options.

The Patriots hosted Leonard Fournette and Darrell Henderson. Both left without a deal. The team continues to look for options they can work in the passing game, but as it stands, it seems to be Montgomery.

ADP does not reflect the current vibe. Strong sits at RB70, 251, while Montgomery is down at 314. Strong has a higher ceiling should the opportunity arise, but we have seen Montgomery and pass-catching running backs in New England land with stand-alone PPR utility.

Trayveon Williams vs. Chase Brown

I broke down this battle in depth. The drumbeat has had Williams in the lead for the number two role, a disconnect from the values in both redraft and dynasty leagues, which have Brown well ahead. Williams has produced little in his career but reportedly has the teams' trust.

Melvin Gordon III vs. Keaton Mitchell vs. Justice Hill

Gus Edwards should have a lock on the primary backup role behind J.K. Dobbins, who is opening the season on the PUP list and floating ideas on holding out. This battle could see a rotation role that dramatically gains value if either of the top options is out. New offensive coordinator Todd Monken ran a committee in Georgia's backfield, though that could have been a product of abundant resources.

Gordon's addition inserted some name value into this battle. Hill has continually earned his roster spot with special teams contributions and pitched in career highs in rushing yards and snaps in 2022.

But Mitchell is the one to watch. Mitchell ran one of the fastest 40s in the 2023 pre-draft process at 4.37. The hope would see him establish a passing game role in Todd Monken's offense, similar to what James Cook and Kenny McIntosh rode to draft picks in 2022 and 2023. Mitchell posted over 500 receiving yards in his last two years in college and topped 1,700 scrimmage yards last year. Mitchell left in third place on East Carolina's career rushing list, totaling 3,027 yards in just three seasons.

Evan Hull vs. Deon Jackson vs. Zack Moss

This battle gained significant intrigue with Jonathan Taylor not reporting to camp and a bit of a public fight between Taylor and Colts owner Jim Irsay.

If Taylor misses time, the most likely outcome is a multi-headed backfield that mirrors what new coach Shane Steichen ran with the Eagles. Hull and Jackson have receiving ability, though Anthony Richardson at quarterback limits that impact. Meanwhile, Moss would aim to fulfill the power complement. Hull is the most well-rounded of these backs, and the current regime drafted him. Jackson is likely the most explosive. Moss is the most experienced.

The team should feature a solid running attack. If any player emerges from this group, they can provide a high-value injury component should Taylor join the team.