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The Baltimore Ravens selected J.K. Dobbins with the 55th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. They broke an NFL record with 3,296 rushing yards last season thanks to an MVP season from Lamar Jackson and Mark Ingram. They have some capable backups behind Ingram, but now Dobbins gives them even more depth.
Dobbins had solid production in 2017 and 2018, as he eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in both years. But 2019 is when he had his breakout season. He tallied 2,003 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns in his final season with the Buckeyes. His ranked third in the country in rushing yardage and rushing touchdowns (21). He was one of four running backs to log over 300 carries last season and averaged an elite 6.7 yards per carry.
Scouting Report
Dobbins has the makings of a feature back. He can handle plenty of volume and might have the best vision in this class. He runs with purpose and has great change of direction, but can’t blow you away with speed. His pass catching is a work in progress, but that skill can be learned.
Fantasy football impact
Rookie
Dobbins has had a ton of success at Ohio State with Justin Fields, who is a mobile quarterback like Jackson. Fields ran for 484 yards and 10 touchdowns alongside Dobbins in his first year with the team. The thought of Dobbins running a zone read offense with Jackson is frightening. His upside will be dependent on how many touches he can steal from Ingram though.
Long-term
Dobbins will likely be a starter before long, but he’ll need a ton of touches to be as effective in the pros as he was in college. His lack of prowess as a pass catcher could lower his ceiling. Whether he can be the lead man in a run-powered offense remains to be seen, but he’ll likely get help from backups with better route running and more solid hands. Dobbins can be productive, but the top 15 is likely his ceiling as farm as fantasy football goes.