Nathan Jahnke· Aug 27, 2026
An unsigned PFF fantasy piece names five running backs going in the 11th round or later as late-round values with paths to weekly starter status in 2026: Jordan Mason, Chris Rodriguez Jr., Keaton Mitchell, Najee Harris and Tyjae Spears. It also says Mitchell is clearly the Chargers' second back on the depth chart.
“Below are five running backs currently being drafted in the 11th round or later who have the potential to become weekly must-start fantasy options in 2026.”
published in writing · Pro Football Focus · read the original →
6 checkable claims — 5 sleeper calls and 1 depth chart call — each graded on its own rather than as one all-or-nothing bet.
It names 10 players and teams, each linked to their own record.
None of them have settled yet — they grade once their results are in.
Of the 1 unsettled call enough other pundits have weighed in on, this one lands below the rest of the room.
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Who this take is about
6 checkable claims in this take
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
- Sleeper CallsTyjae SpearsTennessee TitansAug 27, 2026
Tyjae Spears to outplay his draft cost (ADP: 14.10)
“Spears is a worthwhile late-round option because he doesn’t necessarily need a Pollard injury to gain fantasy value.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsKeaton MitchellLos Angeles ChargersAug 27, 2026
Keaton Mitchell to outplay his draft cost (ADP: 16.01)
“Keaton Mitchell , Los Angeles Chargers (ADP: 16.01) ... If Mitchell approaches Achane's level of production, he offers top-10 upside at the position.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. to outplay his draft cost (ADP: 13.12)
“Chris Rodriguez Jr. , Jacksonville Jaguars (ADP: 13.12) ... That makes Rodriguez an intriguing late-round option.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsJordan MasonMinnesota VikingsAug 27, 2026
Jordan Mason to outplay his draft cost (ADP: 11.05)
“Jordan Mason , Minnesota Vikings (ADP: 11.05) ... Mason shouldn't be relied on as a Week 1 fantasy starter, but he is one of the top handcuff options in fantasy, with real standalone value even if Jones stays healthy.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
Keaton Mitchell to be 2nd on the depth chart
“That usage suggests Mitchell is the clear second option on the depth chart.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
- Sleeper CallsNajee HarrisNew York GiantsAug 27, 2026
Najee Harris to outplay his draft cost (ADP: 20.10)
“Najee Harris , New York Giants (ADP: 20.10) ... he has a clearer path than most handcuffs to standalone flex value.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the result is in.
What others said about the same people
- Pat FitzmauriceDepth Chart Calls · Kyler MurrayHit · 100Fitzmaurice touts Kyler Murray as a value QB who will start Week 1 for Minnesota, Tyler Shough as the Saints' undisputed starter, and Juwan Johnson and Terrance Ferguson as late-round tight end targets.
- John ShipleyRoster Spot Calls · Jack KiserMiss · 0Shipley projects a full 16-player (plus one international/exemption spot) Jaguars practice squad for 2026, naming specific players at each position he expects to land there.
- Pat FitzmauriceDepth Chart Calls · Kyler MurrayHit · 100Fitzmaurice expects Kyler Murray to be Minnesota's Week 1 starter and calls him one of the better quarterback values in 2026 drafts; he also views Jordan Love as a top-10 real-life quarterback but only a QB2 in fantasy.
- Pat FitzmauriceDepth Chart Calls · Kyler MurrayHit · 100Fitzmaurice expects Kyler Murray to open the season as Minnesota's starting quarterback and to be one of the better quarterback values in 2026 fantasy drafts, and he likewise likes Tyler Shough as New Orleans' entrenched starter with an easy schedule.
- Jared DubinDepth Chart Calls · Daniel FaaleleMiss · 0Dubin grades the Faalele trade, predicting Faalele has a decent chance to be Jacksonville's Week 1 starting right guard in competition with Wyatt Milum, and that Evan Neal's odds of making the Giants' 53-man roster improved while Jon Runyan and Francis Mauigoa hold the Giants' starting guard jobs.
- Matt OkadaDepth Chart Calls · Kyler MurrayHit · 100In a PPR-framed fantasy draft guide, Okada makes a few non-fantasy claims: rookie Jeremiyah Love will be Arizona's featured back despite being listed as RB2, Tua Tagovailoa will be Atlanta's Week 1 starter, and Kyler Murray will open the season as Minnesota's starting quarterback.
More sleeper calls
The same kind of call, about other players and teams.
- Brandon CarneySleeper Calls · Javonte WilliamsHit · 100Carney predicted AJ Brown would not be back with the Eagles, forecast a wave of free-agent landing spots (Breece Hall to the Chiefs, Alec Pierce to the 49ers, Rico Dowdle to the Saints, George Pickens to the Patriots, Mike Evans to the Bills), and named Week 1 starting quarterbacks for several teams in flux. He also gave fantasy takes on Javonte Williams, Chris Olave and others.
- Chad Ochocinco JohnsonSleeper Calls · Saquon BarkleyMiss · 0Johnson says the Steelers aren't legitimate Super Bowl contenders even with Aaron Rodgers back, and that Saquon Barkley can have a bounce-back season in year nine with the Eagles competing for a championship if the offensive line stays healthy.
- Ross JacksonSleeper Calls · Devaughn VeleMiss · 0Ross Jackson agreed to the same Saints mock draft board — Jeremiah Love at eight, Akeem Mesador in the second, Keonte Scott at 73, Keelan Rutledge and Ted Hurst in the fourth, Xavien Harris at 148, Aaron Anderson in the fifth and Bryce Boettcher in the sixth — and also called Devon Vellet a 2026 breakout candidate.
- Andrew EricksonSleeper Calls · Saquon BarkleyMiss · 0Erickson gave his 2026 first-round board, leaning on running backs early with Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, Ja'Marr Chase as his WR1 and Christian McCaffrey slipping to 12. He also touted Malik Nabers as a buying opportunity, projected big touchdown numbers for Burrow and Chase, and called Barkley a buy-low.
- Jake CielySleeper Calls · Saquon BarkleyMiss · 0Sealey laid out his projected first round for 2026 fantasy drafts, opening with Bijan Robinson followed by three wide receivers, then a tier of running backs, and closing with Rashee Rice, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Omarion Hampton. He also called Saquon Barkley a buy-low.
- Mike HarmonSleeper Calls · Zay FlowersHit · 100Harmon gave his Week 18 fantasy rankings — top five quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers — plus lists of 'hot plays,' 'cold sores' (players to avoid) and 'ninjas' (sneaky plays), and said Trevor Lawrence would land around a top-four fantasy quarterback finish for the season.