Fantasy Upside
With Ryan Mathews now in Philly, the depth chart at running back in San Diego features first-round rookie Melvin Gordon, Danny Woodhead, Branden Oliver and Donald Brown. Gordon will open up as the de facto lead back, but Woodhead’s pass catching ability should lead to a significant role in the offense again this season. Woodhead’s second year in San Diego ended abruptly with a broken leg in the third game of the season, resulting in an extended rehab period that he says left him even hungrier to succeed on the field than when he was trying to get his foot in the door. “It’s been a long process,” Woodhead said. “I’m always excited, but my mentality might even be younger and hungrier than ever before.”
Fantasy Downside
The crowded field at running back isn't as much of a concern as the presence of Gordon at the top of the heap. The rookie is certainly first in line to get the bulk of the workload (although playing second-fiddle is the norm for Woodhead).
Bottom Line
While expecting him to duplicate his 76-catch 2013 campaign is probably a reach, it’s not out of the realm of possibility and his nose for the end zone adds to the positive vibe. That being the case, his current value as RB48 ADP makes him of interest to me.