In today's NFL, running back depth is more important than ever. Injuries, suspensions, and sudden backfield splits have sunk plenty of title contenders in recent years. If you never rest on your laurels you’ll never be surprised by a bump in the fantasy road. A draft is all about layering depth at each position. Well, except at QB in a non-Superflex. Then you always wait on QB. At running back, however, you need to put bullets in every chamber. You’re likely to need them.

Ron Shandler was referring to fantasy baseball when he said it but it applies here: draft skills over roles. A back may not have a sure-fire starting job in July who gets a gust from the fantasy winds of change to become the James Conner or Philip Lindsay of 2019. Once your starting spots are filled it’s worth leaning towards the back who you think has better skills despite their situation. That may even be smart in the early rounds sometimes. 

Beyond individual talent, I like a running back to meet three...