Squish (268)
E-roc (127)
Shirley (66)
Jeff (53)
Tommy (53)
Mal (51)
Ken (44)
Amir (40)
TJ (29)
After participating in a few mock drafts to date, it became apparent that certain backup running backs are held to a higher standard than others. I figured it might be helpful to provide a list of all the starting running backs in the league, along with their primary backup. Also, I wanted to include how important it is to get their backup as a handcuff in your draft, or if you need to draft them at all. Below you can find my “Running back Handcuff Index”, where I’ve grouped running backs into different levels (Very High to Very Low) of importance, in terms of making sure you draft their backup as an insurance policy. Please note that when I say “starter”, I mean the player that is getting drafted earlier and should have the most fantasy impact on the season, not the player who has earned the ceremonial title. So here you go…
Very High
Oakland Raiders
Starter: Darren McFadden
Handcuff: Justin Fargas
Concern(s): Rookie / Committee
Notes: While Fargas might be the starter going into the season (similar to how Chester Taylor was last year), DMC is the guy going early in the draft and should get most of the carries in Oakland before long. However, he IS a rookie and who knows if he’ll live up to his hype. If possible, this is a definite handcuff situation.
Miami Dolphins
Starter: Ronnie Brown
Handcuff: Ricky Williams
Concern(s): Injury
Notes: Apparently Ricky Williams has looked great in practice so far and with Brown’s durability questions, this is a “must have” hand-cuff (although if Williams relapses into dope-smoking, you might need a handcuff for your handcuff).
