Bell cow running backs and target monster wide receivers win dynasty leagues. But during the season-long path to a fantasy championship, satellite backs on high scoring offenses can be valuable fill-ins during weeks when stud backs are on bye. Just last season, diminutive sub-185-pound backs Phillip Lindsay and Tarik Cohen averaged over 14 fantasy points per game. Matt Breida and Austin Ekeler, each under 200-pounds, averaged over 11. Stash these under-the-radar satellite backs in dynasty leagues based on their strong advanced stats, metrics, and analytics profiles.
Boston Scott, Philadelphia Eagles
Boston Scott had a quiet rookie season last year as he failed to record a single carry or reception. The Saints selected Scott in the sixth round in 2018, but placed him on their practice squad. The Eagles signed him away in December, and he now finds himself in what currently appears to be a crowded backfield. But gazing into the future, the only backs of consequence the Eagles have signed through 2020 are Scott and rookie second round pick, and future bell cow, Miles Sanders. It’s easy to visualize Philadelphia fully turning the page and using the young explosive pairing of Sanders and Scott in 2020 and beyond.
Check out Boston Scott on PlayerProfiler’s “World Famous” Draft Kit:
Scott is an elite athlete which makes sense given that his mother was a dietician. He boasts a 125.9 (86th-percentile) SPARQ-x Score and a 10.82 (97th-percentile) Agility Score. It makes sense is why the Eagles staff is excited about trying to find ways to get him in space as a Darren Sproles–replacement. Scott is even more intriguing because forward-thinking franchises like the Saints and Eagles recognized his talent. Given the fragility of the running back position, a back with a profile like Scott’s must be stashed.
Dontrell Hilliard, Cleveland Browns
The Browns also project to be a high-scoring offense with Baker Mayfield in his second year and new offensive coordinator Todd Monken coming in from Tampa Bay. Though the Browns made a splash this offseason by signing Kareem Hunt, the backfield is bare after Nick Chubb given Hunt is suspended for eight games. Duke Johnson is talented but disgruntled. The Browns have refused to trade him despite his repeated requests. Given that Chubb hasn’t established himself as the Browns pass-catcher out of the backfield, there is a potential path for Hilliard to be the third down back to open the season.
Dontrell Hilliard Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
Hilliard profiled as a receiving back out of Tulane where he posted a 10.2-percent (74th-percentile) College Target Share. Despite being undrafted, he managed nine receptions on ten targets for 105 yards as a rookie last year in Cleveland. He boasts above-average workout metrics highlighted by his 4.47 (87th-percentile) 40 yard dash. He is over 200-pounds but lacks girth. His 28.2 (10th-percentile) Body Mass Index ensures he is strictly a passing down back. If he finds himself with a role in the passing game, he could be a sneaky sleeper with Mayfield in charge of the offense and Monken calling plays. One that pays dividends in points per reception leagues to start the season.
Travis Homer, Seattle Seahawks
After being selected by Seattle in the sixth round of the 2019 draft, Travis Homer already flashed his receiving capabilities in offseason workouts. He projects to compete for third down work with J.D. McKissic and C.J. Prosise while Chris Carson and Rashaad Penny take the early down carries. Although they may suppress his 2019 fantasy value, neither McKissic or Prosise are signed through 2020. The door is open for Homer to establish a role for himself in Seattle for the future.
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Homer was the youngest rookie running back drafted and is still under 21 years old. He performed better than most of the the other rookie running backs at the combine running a 4.48 (83rd-percentile) 40-yard dash and jumping for a 132.2 (94th-percentile) Burst Score at 201-pounds. A top-20 ranked rookie running back on the PlayerProfiler Dynasty Rankings, acquire Homer now as a sleeper. If he flashes on a third down catch or special teams play in preseason his value will skyrocket.
