To RB or Not To RB – is Zero-RB Worth It?

Robert Salinas • July 23, 2023

        Growing up, my family had cookouts any time the sun was out and there was a reason to celebrate, which ranged from birthdays to holidays to just any weekend day where we were all awake and willing to congregate. These frequent get-togethers were a test of Darwin’s theory in the aspect of hunger. As soon as the fajitas were cooked, it was first-come first-served. Rice and beans are done – better get a plate and load up. Brisket done – you better believe some of the uncles and brothers were grabbing it hot from the grill, so even when it makes it inside it’s not untouched. Sometimes, when the timing was perfect, you could create a plated meal with an entrée, side, appetizer, all at the same time with a satisfying leaning-because-it’s-heavy paper plate. Timing is rarely perfect, so most times it was eat-when-done, or don’t eat at all. The outsiders- friends/spouses/neighbors - who were used to traditional, sit-down meals would learn very quickly that if you wait too long, you’re left with some bread, a tortilla, and maybe one flat cup of iced soda.


        I’ve seen more traction lately on the “Zero-RB” fantasy strategy as we get closer to the peak of fantasy draft season. From a non-expert who maybe plays 3-4 leagues a year at most, I was intrigued to research some of the success and community feedback around this strategy.


        Zero-RB does not mean you literally draft zero running backs to your team (please don’t), yet it assumes the theory that you can attain better value in your top picks by focusing on the standout players in other positions, needing to statistically find those boom-RBs in middle-to-late round picks. 


        Let’s consider this year’s ADP, where most lists are roughly identical, which I’d bet that less than half of the top-20 players are running backs. Looking at last year, 3 of the top-5 projected backs actually matched that potential (CMC, Henry, Ekeler) with a few busts to consider like Jonathan Taylor and Najee Harris (both still inside the Top-20, but initially ranked within the Top-10). Looking at the lists of ADP vs output has some standout differences that do prove you can potentially find some great value in picks outside the traditional top-20 backs, however consistency is key in fantasy. 


        FantasyPros accumulated the Boom-Bust Percentage in 2022 by player, where within the best five backs at the end of the season, the highest bust percentage was 7% (the top two backs saw ZERO busts). Your five best receivers in 2022 saw ranges of almost 20% bust ratios, with Justin Jefferson (the top receiver) having that exact ratio. Jefferson is sitting as the number one or two right now in most rankings, as he should, but if you asked me to plainly pick a player who might see 20% of their games underperforming or 0%, I choose the latter. Yet, I can’t deny that I wouldn’t leap at Jefferson as my top pick because, well, it’s Justin freakin’ Jefferson, and I in terms of WRs he’s the best bet. That’s why sometimes statistics and over-strategizing can get in the way of what you need to do as a fantasy manager, especially in your initial first picks that will yield you some of the best pieces of your team (hopefully). 


        Does that mean you draft to fill positions first, then? Some players will tactfully fill their starters first before leaning on bench spots (i.e. getting their two RBs, their two WRs, their TE, etc. before drafting more backup spots). That strategy is almost less valuable, wasting precious roster space for best-available to fill unimportant voids that can probably be flexed or streamed if needed. Would you rather want a full plate of the hottest, most-tender brisket slices and have to decide if you want less of potato salad or beans later – or settle for a decent brisket slice now to portion out the sides and potentially go back for a colder, harder piece of meat?


        There’s stats and websites and rankings and everything in between to support one strategy or the other, but truly there’s no formula that can predict the outcome of the best strategy. That’s why Zero-RB shouldn’t be an option for you unless you want to mess around in your mock drafts (and what’s that saying currently trending right now - the more you [mess] around, the more you find out?). The most difficult piece for Zero-RB is that you need to NAIL those mid-round boom running backs, where in most cases even full-time analysts consistently miss the mark with projections year after year. 


        Some individuals play in many different leagues (my close friend in particular plays at least 10 leagues every year), so in that case where maybe you have some leverage, get risky and have some fun if you want (in other words, go ahead and eff around to find out). When it comes to drafting though, I’d like to think you’re at the Salinas family cookout. You have to take the best dish available as soon as it hits the table. That fresh plate of Nick Chubb is going to go to Joe Schmoe if you decide to get cute, and you might miss out on an amazing anchor for your team. First-come, first-served. 


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Why Peyton "Pop" Houston Could Play a Major Role in LSU's Pursuit of Easton RoyalWhy Peyton "Pop" Houston Could Play a Major Role in LSU's Pursuit of Easton Royal

By Auston Taylor • July 8, 2026
 LSU has made it clear that five-star wide receiver Easton Royal remains one of its top priorities in the 2027 recruiting class. Although Royal is currently committed to Texas, LSU has continued to recruit him aggressively. Based on recent recruiting events and public reporting, one factor that could strengthen the Tigers' position is the presence of quarterback commit Peyton "Pop" Houston. While no outcome is guaranteed in recruiting, Houston's relationship with Royal has become one of the more intriguing storylines surrounding LSU's 2027 class. According to recruiting coverage from The Opening and reports from And The Valley Shook, Houston and Royal showcased noticeable chemistry while competing together on the national stage. Houston also drew attention by winning the event's longest throw competition with a reported 67-yard throw, further reinforcing why many evaluators consider him one of the premier quarterback prospects in the 2027 class. In my view, Houston has the potential to become much more than another highly rated offensive commitment. Elite quarterbacks often become magnets for other top recruits, and early signs suggest Houston could have that kind of influence on LSU's 2027 recruiting class. Why Houston Matters in Royal's Recruitment Quarterback and wide receiver relationships have become one of the most influential factors in modern recruiting. Elite receivers aren't simply choosing a school—they're choosing an offense, a coaching staff, and perhaps most importantly, the quarterback who will help maximize their abilities. If Royal ultimately views Houston as LSU's quarterback of the future, it gives the Tigers another compelling selling point. Rather than asking Royal to imagine what the offense could become, LSU can point to chemistry that has already been displayed during national recruiting events. That doesn't guarantee a commitment flip, but it does provide LSU with something tangible that few recruiting pitches can offer: an established connection between two elite prospects. LSU's History Shows Why This Matters LSU's greatest offensive seasons have consistently featured elite quarterbacks throwing to elite receivers. During the Tigers' historic 2019 National Championship season, Joe Burrow captured the Heisman Trophy while throwing to arguably the greatest receiving corps in college football history—Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrace Marshall Jr. That offense rewrote NCAA record books and remains the standard for modern college football offenses. A few years later, history repeated itself. Jayden Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy while benefiting from one of the nation's most explosive receiving duos in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Daniels' remarkable development was certainly his own, but LSU's elite receiving talent allowed the offense to reach another level. The lesson is clear: great quarterbacks elevate receivers, but elite receivers also help quarterbacks reach championship-level production. That history gives LSU a compelling message for recruits considering Baton Rouge. Peyton "Pop" Houston's Development Houston's rise as one of Louisiana's premier quarterback prospects is backed by more than recruiting rankings. Evaluators consistently praise his arm strength, touch, ability to extend plays outside the pocket, and willingness to attack defenses vertically. His continued development at Evangel Christian Academy has made him one of the foundation pieces of LSU's 2027 recruiting class. The Bigger Picture If LSU eventually pairs Peyton Houston with Easton Royal, it would represent much more than another recruiting victory. It would signal that LSU landed a quarterback capable of attracting elite talent around him while adding a receiver willing to build alongside that vision. Programs that consistently compete for championships often see recruiting momentum build this way. Elite quarterbacks attract receivers. Elite receivers attract additional offensive talent. Once that cycle begins, recruiting classes can quickly become special. None of this guarantees that Easton Royal will flip his commitment. Texas remains in a strong position, and recruiting decisions can change for countless reasons. However, Houston's emergence gives LSU something every elite program hopes to have: a quarterback capable of becoming the centerpiece of an entire recruiting class. LSU has already witnessed what happens when championship-caliber quarterbacks are paired with elite receivers. Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy. Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy. If Peyton "Pop" Houston eventually helps bring Easton Royal to Baton Rouge, it could become one of the defining recruiting stories of LSU's 2027 class—and perhaps the first step toward building another explosive Tiger offense.

Tight End Room Outlook: Revamped and Ready To Roll

By Kaden Arkeder • July 4, 2026
The tight end room has some fresh blood and they look poised to be more impactful heading into next season. With the new arrivals of Noah Fant and third round draft pick Oscar Delp the offense will have the ability to play more in multiple tight end sets to create mismatches for the defense. Multiple tight end sets should allow the Saints to improve the run game and conversely the play action game. Playing in tight end heavy sets was something they were unable to do more of last year due to injuries and lack of talent at the tight end position. Mainstay and the only returning starting caliber player is Juwan Johnson. Johnson had a good year last year as one of the few reliable targets in the passing game aside from Chris Olave. Johnson is looking to build on a solid year where he had 77 receptions for 889 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns. He was a security blanket when Rattler was starting and had quite a few big plays when Shough took over as the starting quarterback. With Shough coming into the season as the presumed starter I expect their connection to be even better next season. Someone hoping to have a better connection with a new QB is Noah Fant. Fant was a first round pick back in 2019 with the Broncos but has never quite lived up to his draft status. Fant will be playing on his third team in three years as he seeks to be a quality rotational piece in the offense and find stability for his career here in New Orleans. Fant should be utilized more in the passing game than in the running game but should be able to hold his own when called upon to do his part on run downs. Fant has been on a statistical decline since his time with Denver as his best receiving season came in at 68/670/4 back in 2021. Although his stats have been declining Fant still has plenty to offer with his athleticism and should produce more given a better opportunity. After Fant in the depth chart should be Oscar Delp who could be the x-factor of the tight end room after being selected in the third round of the draft this year. Delp brings a versatile option to the offense as he can lineup in various spots and handle the rigors of blocking in the run game. Delp’s calling card in college was his elite athleticism which jumps off the screen when you watch his tape. He has the ability to turn a five yard catch into an explosive play with how quickly he can get to top speed. Delp is an adequate, willing blocker where like most new tight ends in the league has room to improve in the blocking area of his game. With his versatility and athleticism I believe Delp will play a pivotal role in the offense this upcoming season. With Delp presumed to round out the depth chart at tight end the remaining tight ends will be competing for spots on the practice squad or spots on another team. This group includes Cody Hardy, Treyton Welch, Moliki Matavao, and Zaire Mitchell-Paden. We’ve seen Welch and Matavao from last season fill in admirably after some injuries but are best served as bench options at this point in time in their development. This group of roster hopefuls should hopefully provide some good competition from one another as we progress through training camp and preseason here shortly. Overall this group has a lot more promise heading into this season as it did last year. By getting younger and more athletic the tight ends will play a more prominent role in Kellen Moore’s offense. Whether it’s Juwan building on last season or Fant having a bounce back year or Delp proving to be revelation, the team is going to have plenty of options to choose from to attack the defense. Exactly what this team needed after not having enough last season.
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