Zac Stacy was a talented runner in his four years at Vanderbilt, putting up impressive numbers on the ground and contributing to the passing game as well.  After losing Steven Jackson via free agency, the St. Louis Rams made it know that they weren’t sold on inhouse replacements Isaiah Pead and Daryl Richardson when they drafted Stacy in the fifth round.  Rookie running backs are generally a tricky subject when it comes to fantasy projections, but let’s take a look at the Rams’ situation and figure out what sort of impact Stacy will have both now, and in the future. 

After Pead was suspended in May for the first game of the 2013 season, it just confirmed what most thought already: Stacy would compete with Richardson for the No. 1 running back slot on the Rams’ depth chart.  As you can see, Stacy had good numbers on the ground with a great 5.4 YPC and 30 touchdowns. He also stepped up in the passing game his final two seasons and averaged a ridiculous 20.5 yards per catch in 2012. 

Obviously at just 5’8” and 218 pounds, Stacy definitely isn’t the fastest or biggest but he should adjust to the NFL game well enough, especially behind a very solid offensive line and with added weapons Jared Cook, Tavon Austin and Stedman Bailey in the passing game.  Stacy will likely finish the season as the Rams’ No. 1 back and top producer on the ground, but he’ll likely lose out on some carriers to Richardson and Austin. 

In 2013 redraft leagues, Stacy will likely be a RB3 or bench option, and will be worth just a bit more in PPR leagues. As far as dynasty is concerned, he’ll carry the same value in 2013 as redraft leagues, but could very well become a RB2 or FLEX option in 2014 and beyond.

2013 Projections: 175 carries, 950 rushing yards, 10 receptions, 95 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.