2022’s Most Overrated Running Backs
These running backs all have considerable upside, but there are too many downsides to taking them where they’re currently being taken in mock drafts and otherwise…

Javonte Williams, Broncos
I was extremely high on Williams, as was most of the fantasy world, when the news came that he might have the Denver backfield all to himself this season. We now know that just isn’t going to happen though, unless some malady befalls Melvin Gordon, who the Broncos re-signed to the chagrin of many. Sharing the backfield in 2021, Williams ended up with 1,219 yards and 7 TDs – Not bad for a committee. That being said, he’s being drafted ahead of the likes of Nick Chubb, Alvin Kamara, Leonard Fournette, Aaron Jones, Josh Jacobs, and James Conner – All of whom outscored Williams in fantasy last season. If we’re talking purely dynasty, Perhaps Williams deserves that kind of love, but if nothing changes in relation to Gordon, Williams is going too high in drafts.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Chiefs
Edwards-Helaire only played 10 games last season, so his apologists have that fact to hang their hats on when discussing his lack of production in 2021, but he still averaged 10.1 FPG. That’s less than Kareem Hunt(10.8), who only played 8 games in 2021, and Rashaad Penny(11.6), who played 10 games as well. Edwards-Helaire is currently being drafted ahead of both of these players. I understand that Tyreek Hill is gone, leaving a bevy of potential targets for the RB, but Ronald Jones is now in the fold, and he’s arguably a better in between the tackles runner. Unless you’re in a league that gives heavy point deferential to receptions, Edwards-Helaire is going too soon in drafts.

Antonio Gibson, Commanders
I’ve always liked Gibson as a prospect, as he’s dynamic and can be an asset in the passing game. But the young runner is in between a rock and a hard place right now, with J.D. McKissic set to take receiving targets and rookie Brian Robertson primed to snipe goal line attempts. This, coupled with Gibson’s history of nagging injuries, gives me pause when considering drafting him ahead of guys like David Montgomery, Ezekiel Elliott and even Breece Hall – All of whom he’s being drafted ahead of currently. Say what you will about any of their shortcomings, but I don’t see any of them coming out at the goal line. And I didn’t even mention Curtis Samuel, who can be used out of the backfield for Washington. There are too many variables for me to take Gibson at his consensus ADP right now.