Underrated free agent RBs

By: Jake Rajala

The most underappreciated position in football is the running back spot. Well, the position has improved over the past year. We’ve witnessed running backs like Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley switch teams and really lift off. With that said, I’m going to untwine five “underrated” running backs in free agency that could dominate on new teams.

Jordan Mason

Let’s not forget the pace that Jordan Mason was on prior to his injury. Mason stepped in quite well for Christian McCaffrey, who couldn’t quite stay healthy. Mason averaged 5.2 YPC and picked up 789 rushing yds last season. I don’t believe SF can afford to retain Mason with CMAC on the roster. PFF gave him a modest grade of 72.7.

J.K. Dobbins

J.K. Dobbins may not be a Pro Bowl RB, but he certainly played prolific last season. He ran angry for 905 yards and 9 touchdowns in 13 games last season! He also ran for 9 touchdowns in his rookie season (in 2020). He can beat you with speed and shine in open space. Dobbins has Darren Sproles-like quickness.

Cam Akers

I don’t believe that Cam Akers is washed up at 25 years old. He averaged 7.8 YPC last Sunday and 10.8 YPC in the week before that. To be fair, he didn’t have a plethora of carries. Nonetheless, he has been quite efficient. Akers had 512 total yards and five touchdowns last regular season. If Akers can stay healthy, he can be a fine one-cut RB.

Javonte Williams

Don’t lose faith in the 24 year old RB for the Broncos, Javonte Williams. He has two seasons of 700+ rushing yards in his four year career. He also has two seasons of 1,000+ total yards in his journey. Williams can beat you with power. He reminds me of Mark Ingram.

Kareem Hunt

Kareem Hunt is on his last legs. I would like to see him play for a playoff team in his remaining days in the league. Hunt ran for 728 yards and 7 touchdowns last season. He is in the perfect situation with the Chiefs. He can win with strength and he’s the perfect RB to wear down defenses in the 4th quarter.

Honorable Mention:

A.J. Dillon

A.J. Dillon has Saquon-like thighs and he has proven to mow down defenses with his strength. He has three 600+ yard seasons over the past three years and 700+ rushing yards in two of his past three seasons. The Packers let Aaron Jones leave and I could foresee them letting Dillon play somewhere else.