Fantasy implications of Rams drafting RB Jake Funk with No. 233 pick

Despite lacking the usual number of draft picks, the Los Angeles Rams invested the No. 233 overall selection on Maryland running back Jake Funk. Funk joins an offensive backfield headlined by recent top-100 picks Cam Akers and Darrell Henderson.

Funk did not see considerable action during his final three years at Maryland. The running back suffered season-ending ACL tears in 2018 and ‘19 while appearing in only four games this past season due to the Big Ten’s pandemic protocols. Even so, Funk delivered his best campaign in 2020, rushing for 516 yards and three touchdowns on 135 carries (8.6 per attempt).

Fantasy impact

Rookie

The Rams drafted Funk largely on the basis of his athletic testing (4.48-second 40-yard dash, 38-inch vertical jump, 6.71-second three-cone drill), not because of his production as a runner. That doesn’t mean he won’t see the field on offense, but his primary role in 2021 appears more likely to involve special teams.

Long-term

While Funk has the talent to succeed in the NFL, his history of multiple ACL tears suggests that he will struggle to handle the wear and tear of the NFL. Considering that the Rams have not shown much commitment to a particular running back since Todd Gurley’s body betrayed him, Funk doesn’t have a great long-term outlook for fantasy purposes.