After four years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, running back Rachaad White is with the Washington Commanders. It is unclear how he will fit into Washington’s stacked running back room, which includes Jacory Croskey-Merritt and rookies Kaytron Allen and Robert Henry Jr., who excelled in Washington’s first preseason game.
Despite having an unclear role in this offense, Sports Illustrated fantasy analyst Michael Fabiano believes that White could be a fantasy steal in drafts this year with a current average draft position (ADP) as the No. 38 running back. Fabiano said:
“The Commanders backfield could be a committee this season, and it could be led by Jacory Croskey-Merritt, not White. However, I think the veteran is still a potential draft bargain in PPR leagues. He has caught 50-plus passes in all but one of his four NFL seasons, and I can see White hitting that mark in an offense that lacks depth at pass-catching (think Kenneth Gainwell from a season ago). He’s a player I’m consistently getting as an RB4 or RB5 in my fantasy drafts.”
One thing Washington lacked last season was a pass-catching running back after Austin Ekeler’s injury. In fact, the most receptions any running back had for the Commanders last season was 25 receptions by Jeremy McNichols. Therefore, White may get more action in this offense as a pass-catching back instead of a pure runner.
As Fabiano notes, the potential for a lot of receptions makes White someone who could put up good numbers in PPR leagues. So, if you are thinking about drafting White in your league, it should be near the end of the draft as a potential backup option in the event of an injury to a starter or someone to plug in during a bye week. He should also be drafted more in PPR leagues because he will not be as useful in a non-PPR league.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders running back is a name to watch in fantasy football