Top 3 Fantasy Football Running Backs from the 2013 NFL Draft

With the upcoming end to the 2012 NFL Playoffs with the Superbowl in two weeks between the Baltimore Ravens and the San Francisco 49ers, fantasy football owners are looking at the lonely lawls of February and March. However, in April, fantasy football seasons will begin again. Its time to get a preview of the top 3 fantasy football running backs and where they will fall come the end of April.

Giovanni Bernard (North Carolina)

A solid running back with strength to match. Has good sight, seeing holes develop between the tackles, and can hit them hard; meaning many hard-fought fantasy football points! He is going to be a good fit next to BenJarvus Green-Ellis in Cincinnati (2RND – #37 overall). Based off of his performance in the pre-season, you could see him snag a lot of time, and many fantasy football stats from the backfield - meaning a potential 1000 yard season on the ground.

Eddie Lacy (Alabama)

With his size (about 240 pounds), you would think he could only hit a hole for 2 - 3 yards per rush...but think again. His fantasy football stats won't be added up exclusively from rushing, but also from his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. Expect him gone in the later 2nd round, either to the Green Bay Packers or the Atlanta Falcons. For a redraft, he is a definite play at RB3, or even a Flex1, depending on the team he goes to. Even with those two options, be cautious...DuJuan Harris has been productive in Green Bay in limited action, and while Michael Turner is on his last leg for the Falcons, Jaquizz Rodgers is still able to start.

Andre Ellington (Clemson)

Open eyes and patience can make for as many fantasy points as having a running back that can hit the line with a fierce slap every down. Andre can't shake tackles effectively, but can wait for his blockers to open holes that will equate to fantasy football production. I like San Diego to pick him up if they cannot get the quarterback or defensive lineman they want in the second and third rounds in April's NFL Draft. He's a lock to see playing time in San Diego's backfield roulette of starting running backs if he stays healthy...which could mean a roster spot as a Flex2 or RB3 on fantasy football team's redrafting in the summer.

For more information on team needs and further coverage on this year's class of running backs for fantasy football in April's NFL Draft, you can check out the Fantasy Football Toolkit's look at running backs in the 2013 NFL Draft.