By
Vincent Frank on Wednesday, September 2
nd 2015
Matt Jones, Washington Redskins
20 attempts, 139 yards, 7.0 average, two receptions, 28 yards and one touchdown
Jones might not make much of an impact as a rookie with Alfred Morris on the roster. However, he is someone to keep an eye on with Morris set to become a free agent following the season. If Washington falls out of contention (a real possibility) the team might want to see what it has in this powerful running back. At 6'2" and 231 pounds, Jones' violent running style is akin to what we see from Marshawn Lynch in Seattle. He has a chance to be a darn good running back moving forward. Maybe find a way cheap way to roster Jones in dynasty leagues.
Jarryd Hayne, San Francisco 49ers
15 attempts, 117 yards, 7.8 average, one reception, 18 yards and zero touchdowns
It's more likely than not that Hayne will make the 53-man roster. If so, he's definitely someone to keep an eye on moving forward. As San Francisco's primary return man, we will be hearing a lot about this former Aussie rugby star. Though, I wouldn't be surprised to see the 49ers run some packages for the dynamic running back this season. Though, he's more of a keeper-league option. And a great one at that.
Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
20 attempts, 118 yards, 5.9 average, one receptions, nine yards and one touchdown
Here's someone that has ruined fantasy football owners over the past two seasons. Following an amazing rookie campaign back in 2012 that saw him put up over 1,900 total yards and 12 scores. Since then, Martin has put up less than 1,100 total yards and three scores in two seasons. This has led some to believe the former first-round pick simply isn't a starter caliber running back. Interestingly, he seems to have found his step this summer. Averaging less than six yards per rush and displaying renewed speed as well as superior power, Martin has made himself fantasy relevant once again. With an ADP in the seventh round, Martin provides tremendous value for a RB2 or FLEX option.
Zach Zenner, Detroit Lions
25 attempts, 162 yards, 6.5 average, six receptions, 60 yards and two touchdowns
Now that Joique Bell is back and healthy after undergoing off-season knee and Achilles surgery, it's highly unlikely that Zenner will make much of an impact from a fantasy standpoint this season. That's only magnified by the emergence of rookie running back Ameer Abdullah. Despite a tremendous preseason performance, it's not even a guarantee that Zenner will make the 53-man roster. If he does, there's still nothing to see here from a re-draft standpoint unless wither Bell or Abdullah goes down with injury.
Ronnie Hillman, Denver Broncos
21 attempts, 155 yards, 7.4 average, three receptions, 14 yards and zero touchdowns
Overtaking Montee Ball for the primary backup duties behind C.J. Anderson, Hillman has become a solid handcuff option in Gary Kubiak's run-first offense. In fact, he's someone you should definitely add in the later rounds should you pick Anderson up as your RB1 option. It shouldn't even be given a second thought.