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Five running backs ripe with value

Five running backs ripe with value

Identifying value is always a worthwhile endeavor. Doing it at the running back position is essential. Whether looking to maximize an early pick or hoping to insure starters with sneaky bench selections, the following five players offer worth well beyond their current price tags.

C.J. Anderson, Denver Broncos
ADP (12-team Round): 2.7 (RB11)

When speaking to the press last Thursday, Broncos GM John Elway stated that Denver's offense would be "balanced" and that the run game would become QB Peyton Manning's "best friend." That means a whole lot of Anderson.

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Built like a fireplug on wheels, Anderson can rumble downhill and break tackles better than that creepy zombie army on "Game of Thrones." When Denver's offense shifted to the run late in 2014, the power back averaged over 100 rushing yards per game and scored a total of nine touchdowns.

With Manning's personal approval, and in run-friendly Gary Kubiak's offense, Anderson could easily see 15 touches per game and end up a top-five fantasy producer at the position. With oodles more upside than either LeSean McCoy or DeMarco Murray, Anderson is a steal in the late second round.

LeGarrette Blount, New England Patriots
ADP: 10.1 (RB28)

Despite rumors that he failed his initial conditioning test, Blount was reportedly the best player on the field at Patriots training camp this past weekend. Head coach Bill Belichick has a way with the thick bodied (and often thickheaded) power back. In their 27 games together, Blount has averaged nearly 5.0 YPC and scored a total of 17 touchdowns.

With Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen removed from the equation, Blount has bell cow written all over him. A beast after contact, the 6-foot, 250-pounder should rack up yardage on early downs, particularly when noting that the team has eliminated two of its weakest run blockers. The fact that he's being drafted after any of the Cowboys' backs or a passing-downs specialist like Giovani Bernard is straight-up bananas.

What Blount won't do is put up consistent fantasy numbers a on week-to-week basis. However, when the matchup is juicy or the game script projects to be run heavy, Blount's productivity should spike. Once his one-game suspension is out of the way, Blount should boom more frequently than he busts.

Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
ADP: 12.2 (RB34)

The years since his rookie season have not been kind to Martin. After a string of injuries and coaching changes, the former first-round pick ended 2014 on the Bucs' trading block. Newly hired offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, however, saved the Muscle Hamster's hide and vowed to give him another shot in 2015.

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Entering the final year of his contract, Martin appears motivated to produce. He's lost nearly 15 pounds and gained some much needed speed. A revamped offensive line and an upgrade in talent under center should also take some heat off of the one-time Pro Bowler.

Currently the Bucs RB1, Martin is set up to command the bulk of the ground game with receiving back Charles Sims handling the passing-down duties. Likely to finish 2015 with a little over 700 yards and six TDs, Martin could pull off low-end RB2 numbers.

Shane Vereen, New York Giants
ADP: 12.8 (RB37)

Shane Vereen will get plenty of opportunities to produce with the Giants. (AP Photo)
Shane Vereen will get plenty of opportunities to produce with the Giants. (AP Photo)

For the past four seasons, Vereen has shined as New England's premier weapon on third downs. This year, however, he'll be taking his talents to the Big Apple and figures to be a more consistent part of the G-Men's offense.

Offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo calls A LOT of plays. In fact, in 2014, the Giants ran the 10th-most rushing and the ninth-most passing plays in the league. That means a lot of potential opportunities for Vereen, who is a capable rusher and outstanding receiver. With an offensive line that can't seem to stay healthy, dumping off to Vereen could quickly become ingrained in QB Eli Manning's muscle memory.

RB1 Rashad Jennings is still the mix, but at 30 years old, he has yet to play a full season without being injured. The younger and more durable Vereen is a stealthy snatch and potential flex play. He has more juice than Darren McFadden and should see more regular action than Darren Sproles – both of whom are coming off boards ahead of Vereen – making him particularly attractive to PPR enthusiasts.

Chris Ivory, New York Jets
ADP: 13.0 (RB39)

Here's what we know about the Jets backfield: Stevan Ridley is less than a year removed from an ACL tear. Zac Stacy lost his job to a rookie last season. Bilal Powell will be limited to work on third downs. And Chris Ivory is a reliable bruiser who has averaged 4.7 YPC over his career.

Ranked the third most elusive back in 2014 by Pro Football Focus, Ivory racked up 944 all-purpose yards and seven TDs. Even in a frustrating time share with Chris Johnson, Ivory still finished the season a top-20 fantasy producer.

This backfield may seem muddy, but Ivory is the Jets' RB1. If he can stay healthy – which he has managed to do the past two seasons – he'll come close to duplicating his numbers from last year.

Follow Liz Loza @LizLoza_FF