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Backfields That Could Change for Fantasy Football After the NFL Draft
In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by Pop-Tarts, backfields that could change, skill-position player only mock and NFL Draft watching for dummies.
I think we all acknowledge that Tony Pollard’s days as a starting RB are numbered, with Jeremiyah Love being the current betting favorite to go fourth overall to the Titans.
And it got me thinking … who are the other veteran RBs who could get displaced by a rookie RB?
If we’ve learned anything from the NFL Draft over the years, no backfield is safe from a front office going rogue and selecting an RB whom they fall in love with during the draft process.
Exhibit A: Tony Pauline reported that the Jaguars will pounce on Jadarian Price if he slips to Round 2 and/or target a guy like Emmett Johnson in Round 3.
Translation: the winner of the great Bhayshul Tuten vs. Chris Rodriguez wars of 2026 (yes, that was a thing that happened) might be those who sat it out altogether.
Other backfields I’d be very cautious with until we see how the dust settles this weekend:
- Commanders—They could scoop Love if he falls or grab an RB in Round 3. I don’t think they will go to battle with just Rachaad White and Bill.
- Seahawks—There’s just no way they are standing pat with Emanuel Wilson, George Holani and a recovering Zach Charbonnet after letting the Super Bowl MVP walk.
- Cowboys—Javonte Williams isn’t a viable long-term solution. They desperately need some juice in this backfield.
- Vikings—Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones are absolutely begging for an interesting rookie to join them in the backfield.
And a few darkhorse teams I think would be willing to muddy the waters with a surprising RB selection: Dolphins, Giants, Browns, Colts, Packers and Niners. Can you remember the last time San Francisco didn’t take a swig of the bottle and throw a dart on an RB in the draft?
TLDR: Bombs are about to go off in these backfields. Stay safe out there, guys (P.S., there’s no better way to do this than with 25% off of your FantasyLife+ membership with code EARLY25).
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3-Round NFL Mock Draft: All Skill-Position Players
We know that those big uglies in the trenches are where games are won and lost. We also know that so many games can be decided when aliens disguised as defensive linemen break through and sack the QB at just the right moment. And we know how important those ball-hawking DBs are when they pick off passes to seal victories. That’s real football.
But in fantasy football, we’re just concerned with the skill players, and we’re not ashamed of that. So Ian Hartitz did his own NFL Mock Draft, and went through Day 2. However, he concentrated solely on the landing spots for those QBs, RBs, WRs and TEs so we can get a glimpse as to where we could be drafting these players in the months ahead. ⤵️
NFL Draft for Dummies: Watching Tips and One-Liners
For anyone who took a “break” from football after the Super Bowl—not the Ross and Rachel type of break—there’s this three-day event starting this Thursday. It’s kind of a big deal, and it will help set the course for the season ahead. Most definitely for fantasy football. It’s called the NFL Draft, and if you want to cram for it our NFL Draft Guide is here, thanks to our friends at Hims. Also, cooterdoodle delivers a few tips along with one-liners that will help you prepare (and chuckle), starting with an update on the makeover happening in Miami:
Not only do the Dolphins have two first-round picks, they also have four in Round 3 (11 total through seven rounds in 2026).
But the real story will come from how the Dolphins decide to stack their team with this kind of draft capital. They’ve lost a majority of their offensive roster since last season. No Tua Tagovailoa (ATL). No Jaylen Waddle (DEN). No Tyreek Hill (FA).
They did sign Malik Willis, but who's the poor guy going to throw it to?
The One-Liner: In the event MIA does not draft a WR with either of its R1 picks (as was projected in our latest mock draft): “So … Is this guy going to line up in the slot or what?"⬇️
Around the Watercooler
Our merry band of football nerds is back and bringing you the latest news, content and memes from the NFL universe …
💰 Get a head start on your leaguemates with 25% off of FL+. Use code EARLY25!
✏️ One final mock draft from Kody. I like how he approached the Browns at WR.
😡 Kayshon Boutte is not happy about the trade rumors. Can’t blame him.
🎙️ Mike Tomlin joins Matthew on SNF? Sounds like it.
👀 Keep an eye on these prospects after Day 1. Looking at you, Antonio Williams.
🤝 Should you trade the 1.04 or stick and pick? May come down to who falls.
🔮 Rams trade down and pick a physical WR? Could happen.
⚖️ Big Board vs. Rookie Super Model. You decide.
Another George Kittle on Tap?
Probably not. And this doesn’t mean there’s not a top TE in this class. Kenyon Sadiq, come through for us. No, we’re talking about Day 3 picks becoming stars for football and fantasy. Are we going to get one? Ian Hartitz examines the history of draft capital, and what the hit rates are for players selected toward the end of the draft. And should you draft them?
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