Fantasy Football is won and lost with running backs. Trying to find value in later rounds is imperative, particularly when you choose your third RB. Here is our take on the most undervalued #3 RBs who should be floating around later in your draft.

ESPN Top 5 RBs:

1) LaDainian Tomlinson
2) Steven Jackson
3) Larry Johnson
4) Frank Gore
5) Shaun Alexander

ESPN 6-10 RBs & Why They Could Be “Fantasy” Busts:

6) Joseph Adai – Peyton Manning throws too many TDs; Dominic Rhodes not there to spell him.

7) Willie Parker – New Head Coach looking to open the offense through the air; small guy, potential for injuries; traditionally Steelers platoon RBs.

8 ) Brian Westbrook – McNabb coming off injury might hurt receiving stats; Eagles’ offense lacks any big play receiver to loosen up opponents’ defenses.

9) Rudi Johnson – Carson Palmer throws too many TDs; probably the guy to worry the least about in this second group.

10) Laurence Maroney – First year carrying the load by himself; has to share the ball with Tom Brady, Randy Moss, Daunte Stallworth, and Ben Watson.

After the Top 5 RBs there is a clear drop off in talent. All guys ranked 6-10 by ESPN carry legitimate fantasy concerns.

You need a solid #2 RB to win, but no #2 RB is a lock. If one of your top 2 RBs turns out to be a bust, you are going to need a solid #3 RB to avoid the inevitable ridicule that comes from drafting a big stinky bust at the most important position.

NextRound’s Top 5 #3 RBs With Potential:

5) Tatum Bell RB Detroit Lions (ESPN Rank: 46)

Value Rounds: 7-10 (must handcuff w/ Kevin Jones)

Tatum Bell has come into Lions’ camp and impressed offensive coordinator Mike Martz.  Bell should start over Kevin Jones because Jones is coming off some weird foot injury we’re pretty sure he made up. 

The Lions’ offensive line is still pretty much dogshit, but Bell has big play potential which helps negate the need for consistent blocking up front. If Mike Martz can get this offensive moderately going, Bell should put up some big numbers.

4) LenDale White RB Tennessee Titans (ESPN Rank: 40)

Value Rounds: 6-9  (must handcuff w/ Chris Henry)

All reports out of Titans’ camp are that LenDale White is going to be the starter. White is a big back that should be able to punch the ball in the end zone around the goal line. 

If Vince Young can continue to improve on last year’s play and not fall victim to the Madden curse, the Titans offense should be pretty good and White should be a big part of it. Do remember to keep an eye out for White’s twinkie intake throughout the season though.

3) DeAngelo Williams RB Carolina Panthers (ESPN Rank: 32)

Value Rounds: 7-10  (must handcuff w/ DeShaun Foster)

There is no guarantee that DeAngelo Williams will start this season, but DeShaun Foster’s prosthetic hip falls off every year, so we aren’t worried. 

A little inside info: the Panthers are moving to the zone blocking scheme that the Denver Broncos implement. DeAngelo Williams is made for this scheme. He also has a ton of big play potential.

2) Cadillac Williams RB Tampa Bay Bucs (ESPN Rank: 28)

Value Rounds: 5-9 (must handcuff w/ Michael Pittman)

If this is your #3 guy you will have tons of flexibility each week. We aren’t worried by the fact that he got banged up last year. Cadillac dislocated his hip his sophomore year of college, then had massive junior and senior years. 

He gets better as the game goes on and should benefit greatly from having Jeff Garcia at QB instead of Chris Simms throwing the ball to the other team.

1) Brandon Jacobs RB NY Giants (ESPN Rank: 23)

Value Rounds: 4-8 (must handcuff w/ Reuben Droughns)

Did you know that Brandon Jacobs used to backup Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown at Auburn? Crazy, huh? It’s pretty easy to see how that team road an undefeated season into the national championship game…wait a second.

Anyways, Jacobs is the heir apparent to Tiki Barber. Somebody has to pick up the yards and TDs that Barber scored last year. We feel the Giants have too many offensive weapons (sans Eli Manning) at their disposal for this big bastard to not have a solid statistical season. Be careful however, in leagues with 12 teams some people may like Jacobs enough to draft him as their #2 RB.

Also check out: Fantasy Football For Cool People: Quarterbacks.

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