James Robinson

2022 Fantasy Upside
James Robinson, coming off a partially torn Achilles suffered last December, was surprisingly not on the team's PUP list to open training camp. “James is doing extremely well. He’s going to be out here and over here,” head coach Doug Pederson said. “We’re just going to still take it slow with him and make sure he’s 100 percent -- or better -- before we put him out on the field.” But Pederson noted that Robinson not going on the PUP list “says a lot” about the running back’s rehab process. Pederson added he’s “hopeful” Robinson will be cleared by mid-August. In two seasons as the Jags starting running back, Robinson, an undrafted free agent out of Illinois State, has rushed for 1,837 yards on 404 carries with 15 rushing touchdowns. Remember, speaking at the NFL Owners' meeting in March, Pederson said he envisions Robinson being a three-down back when healthy.

2022 Fantasy Downside
Even if he's fully healthy to open the season, a true three-down role seems unlikely with Travis Etienne Jr., coming of a Lisfranc injury, well ahead of Robinson in terms of his recovery. The addition of rookie Snoop Conner adds to the intrigue.

2022 Bottom Line
Drafting Robinson at his current ADP is not cost-prohibitive -- especially if you believe Pederson's history of using multiple backs will continue in Jacksonville. Drafting him as an RB4 definitely makes sense if you expect him to eventually emerge as the 1A to Etienne’s 1B. Whatever the ultimate outcome, expecting an immediate contribution seems like a reach.