Now that training camp is in full swing, backfield battles are playing out and we're getting a better idea of the kinds of roles certain running backs will play on their respective teams. Committee Meetings is here once again to fill you in on the latest developments in Miami, Arizona, Cleveland, Dallas, Oakland and Tennessee. So with draft day quickly approaching, grab a Red Bull, turn up your EDM playlist and get your study on!
Lamar Miller gets an upgrade
Lamar Miller | Jay Ajayi | Damien Williams | LaMichael James // Dolphins
There has been some concern this offseason that the 'Fins would utilize rookie Jay Ajayi in a sort of committee role with last season's ninth highest scoring fantasy back, Lamar Miller. But with training camp underway, that notion has been utterly eradicated. Things are looking up for Miller, who reportedly added 15 pounds of muscle in the offseason in preparation for a larger workload in a contract year. Chris Perkins of the Miami Sun Sentinel wrote that the big question is who will serve as Miller's backup; squashing any whispers of a committee backfield. Plus, word spoken directly from coach Joe Philbin's mouth reassured fanatsy owners that the Dolphins are willing to give the 24-year-old runner a larger role this season. And Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald said via Twitter that Miller has impressed in camp saying "Lamar Miller jukes Jordan Tripp [LB] out of his cleats on a pattern out of the backfield" while also reporting that Ajayi has been disappointing thus far.
The backup battle in Miami remains an important one to watch, as the team wants to keep Miller around 15 carries per game, which leaves room for another runner to get some sufficient work. For fantasy purposes, whoever wins the No. 2 job will likely be relegated to handcuff duties rather than a change-of-pace role. That player would still be a wise pickup for those who draft Miller. All of the above points to an upgrade for Miller to the "three-down workhorse" Committee Meetings category.
Andre Ellington, David Johnson creating balance
Andre Ellington | David Johnson | Kerwynn Williams | Stepfan Taylor // Cardinals
If Andre Ellington receives the workload that Cardinals' coach Bruce Arians is promising, the Arizona back will come as a bargain to fantasy owners on draft day at his current Round 6 ADP. Arians said that he'd like to get the third-year runner 20 touches per game, whether they're rush attempts or receptions. Fantasy enthusiasts may be down on Ellington this draft season following his injury plagued 2014 campaign, in which he was basically injured from Week 1. This led to limited production until he finally tapped out for the season during a Week 13 game against Atlanta. The Cardinals ranked next-to-last in the NFL last year in rush yards per game (81.8) and total rushing yards (1,308), so clearly the team will be looking to improve on that front. Although Kerwynn Williams and Stepfan Taylor remain on the roster, rookie David Johnson will certainly be a factor even when Ellington is healthy. His size will help him to contribute where his veteran teammate cannot, though the two backs do have similar skills sets -- they're both great outside runners and excel in pass-catching roles, but may struggle getting the tough yards up the middle. Consider Johnson a wise handcuff later in your draft if you select Ellington in the earlier rounds. One small note of caution, both Ellington and Johnson sat out a practice session this week due to hamstring issues, although the ailments are being treated as merely minor setbacks. For now, the Cardinals backfield will stay in the "change-of-pace duos" category.
Browns backfield decimated
Isaiah Crowell | Terrance West | Duke Johnson // Browns
Last week, Terrance West, Isaiah Crowell and rookie Duke Johnson all received first team reps out of the Cleveland backfield in training camp practices. Coach Mike Pettine confirmed that the team planned to use a "healthy rotation" in camp, leaving no hints toward who might be the better fantasy play on draft day. But during the team's first practice in pads over the weekend, both Johnson (pulled hamstring) and West (calf) suffered minor injuries that will force them to miss time. Pettine said that the team hopes to have West back next week, although Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com reported that the sophomore running back "looks chunky" and may be "on thin ice because of maturity issues." Not exactly words of encouragement for the second-year runner. Johnson's situation is also a concern, since he has a history with hamstring ailments and any setback in camp for a rookie can be detrimental. However, panic is not advised, as it's still very early. For now, Crowell seems like the best option for fantasy fans, but it's still a camel type situation) in Cleveland. The Browns backfield will remain in the "riding the hot hand" category, for the time being.
Joseph Randle has window of opportunity
Joseph Randle | Darren McFadden | Lance Dunbar // Cowboys
A week ago, the big debate over who the better Dallas back would be was raging. But Darren McFadden has already missed training camp practices with a hamstring injury, leaving Joseph Randlea large window of opportunity to get as many first team reps as the 23-year-old could dream of. Still, the reports coming out of camp lean toward more of a shared workload between Randle, McFadden (when healthy) and No. 3 guy Lance Dunbar. But even in a committee, there is usually a lead back who shoulders more of the load than the rest. The arrow is pointing directly toward Randle for that role. One report from ESPN.com mentioned the "hot hand" strategy may be utilized, implying an unpredictable timeshare. For instance, if McFadden is having a great rushing day in Dallas' season opener against the Giants, there would be no reason for the Cowboys to take him off the field. So while the Dallas backfield may eventually fall into the "riding the hot hand" category, for now they're upgrading from the "fantasy wasteland" division to the "question marks" classification of running back committees. We'll be keeping a close eye on this battle (and McFadden's temperamental hamstring) as camp rolls on.
Outlook remains bleak for Raiders, Titans RBs
Latavius Murray | Roy Helu | Trent Richardson // Raiders
There has been little doubt that Latavius Murray will be the No. 1 back in Oakland when the regular season gets underway, an assumption that was recently confirmed by Raiders beat writer, Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle via Twitter. The report isn't surprising since Murray has been patiently waiting in the wings to be deployed as a featured back for the last two seasons. It seems, he will finally have his shot at glory. Veteran runner and third down specialist Roy Helu could also carve out a significant role behind Murray, and be the go-to passing-down option. Murray's ADP right now is in Round 5 which seems a little high since fantasy owners would be taking more of a gamble on his potential, rather than investing in a proven track record. But expectations will need to be tempered since we're still talking about the Raiders offense here -- a team that ranked dead last in the entire NFL in terms of rushing touchdowns (4), total rushing attempts (377), total rush yards (1,240) and rushing yards per game (77.5) just a season ago. Meanwhile the lost cause that is Trent Richardson has a "50-50" shot at making Oakland's final roster according to NFL Media insider, Ian Rapoport. For now, the Radiers remain in the "fantasy wasteland" category due to a lack of overall offensive prowess, but if you're targeting anyone here Murray is your guy. Just don't expect RB1 numbers.
Bishop Sankey | David Cobb | Antonio Andrews | Dexter McCluster // Titans
A recent report by Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com labeled the Titans' backfield "a running back by committee" between Bishop Sankey, rookie David Cobb, Antonio Andrews and veteran Dexter McCluster. Just when we thought it couldn't get worse, this "fantasy wasteland" just got even more desolate. Cobb, who had potential to earn a major role and possibly even usurp the underwhelming Sankey for the lead role, is apparently not off to a good start in camp with problems in pass protection, which can be a key element developing NFL backs looking to earn snaps. Unless we see someone emerge here as a leader, which honestly may never happen, the most prudent course of action is to take no action at all and avoid the Titans running backs for fantasy purposes.
Matt Franciscovich is an associate fantasy editor at NFL.com. His nickname around the NFL Media office is Franchise, and he's totally cool with it. The recent Arian Foster news makes him sad. If you're looking to kill some time, be sure to check out his player rankings and follow him on Twitter for fantasy advice all season long _@mfranciscovich_.
