Ameer Abdullah (Detroit Lions): Abdullah is one of the Lions top running backs and he has yet to play a regular season game. The current starter Joique Bell has been dealing with knee injuries all offseason and has yet to play any meaningful snaps. The Lions also have Theo Riddick who has yet to carve out a role for himself except as a change of pace back. Abdullah has the keys to the kingdom and has been taking advantage of his time as the healthy back in the offense. He has already established himself as a fan favorite and a play maker, Bell has a very limited time to prove he can be the healthy lead back for the Lions. Abdullah is poised for a big year this season.
Phillip Dorsett (Indianapolis Colts): Dorsett is coming into a pretty crowded offense however if anyone could get the ball to multiple targets all season long, Andrew Luck could. Dorsett is being described as a player with DeSean Jackson levels of speed which will likely translate to him being a deep threat option down the field. Andre Johnson should see the goal line looks as his size and age should make him more of a red zone threat and less of a big play machine. TY Hilton should also see the top coverage in the offense making Dorsett one of the lone players able to exploit his coverage or lack thereof. Dorsett should be able to carve out an important role in this offense.
Tyler Lockett (Seattle Seahawks): Lockett has pulled some impressive moves this offseason. Lockett has already run to kick/punt returns back for touchdowns and has shown he is a weapon on special teams. It should not take long for Lockett to catch on with the starting offense in Seattle however his upside much like Jimmy Grahams is limited to how much they run the football.
Todd Gurley (St. Louis Rams): Todd Gurley has healed a lot faster than expected and should by all means get onto the field by late September/ Mid October. Gurley will need to run behind a terrible offensive line after suffering one of the worst injuries a player can face. Gurley will be explosive and likely breakout for some big runs as he is the Rams most deadly weapon. Gurley will be an anchor running back until he starts putting up some real points but the upside is unbelievable.
Amari Cooper (Oakland Raiders): Cooper is slated to be the next big wide receiver in Oakland and they have not had one for quite a while. Cooper has a ton of speed and can make aggressive cuts that leave defenders in the dust. Cooper has an unlimited ceiling however the Raiders offense does not. The offensive line along with Derek Carr need to make sure that they play well enough to get the ball to their biggest target on the field. Cooper has already embarrassed cornerback Patrick Peterson in a preseason game by blowing past him on a comeback route so it is safe to say he can handle top level competition. Expect Cooper to go in the fourth or fifth round.
T.J. Yeldon (Jacksonville Jaguars): Running back T.J. Yeldon has a lot of potential in the fantasy realm. Yeldon is potentially staring at every down back duty if he can stay healthy. Yeldon will have to contend with Jacksonville atrocious offensive line but is easily the most talented running back (possibly) player on the roster. Drafting Yeldon late in the draft should provide you with some security for your stable of running backs.
