5 RB1s You Can STEAL Late in Fantasy Drafts (TARGETS)

Summary of the Video

The video argues that certain running backs are undervalued in late fantasy drafts because they’ll outperform their average draft position (ADP)—similar to past “late-round hits.”

1) Kyle Manungai (Chicago Bears) — RB with touchdown/role breakout potential

• The creator compares Manungai to Ben Johnson’s past production archetype, specifically David Montgomery in Detroit.
• They highlight Chicago’s recent strength on the ground:
  • strong rushing efficiency
  • run-blocking indicators
  • overall run performance
• Key angle: Manungai is already producing in high-leverage situations—especially the red zone—even as a late rookie with limited snaps.
• The backfield shift could come from:
  • D’Andre Swift nearing the end of his contract (potentially limited long-term future with Chicago)
  • if Chicago moves on from Swift, Manungai could take over more workload
• Pitch: Draft Manungai for 2026 upside, especially touchdowns.

2) Jonathan Brooks (Carolina Panthers) — injured/low-sample upside “workhorse by late season”

• Brooks’ early NFL history is alarming: two ACL tears in the same knee.
• Still, the creator believes Carolina views him as a future primary RB.
• Supporting offseason indicators:
  • Rico Dowdle left
  • Carolina didn’t heavily replace the role, implying Brooks may be the intended RB1
  • Brooks is currently behind Chuba Hubbard, but not because Hubbard is “untouchable”
• The pitch is essentially “wait until he’s healthy”:
  • if he becomes the player Carolina expected, he could break out late in the season
• Pitch: Draft Brooks in the late rounds (around rounds 9/10) as a role-upside bet.

3) Jacorie “JCM” Kroski Merritt (Washington Commanders) — year-two breakout if role becomes stable

• The creator frames Merritt as a major fantasy surprise last year that people are now underestimating entering 2026.
• What held him back:
  • the offense was weak
  • he competed for touches with Chris Rodriguez for early-down usage
• Stat-based claim:
  • when Rodriguez wasn’t on the field, Merritt produced strongly (carries, yards, and fantasy points)
• Washington’s moves:
  • signed Rashad White on a veteran-minimum type deal
  • the creator argues White fits the receiving/pass-protection profile, freeing Merritt to focus on rushing and explosiveness
  • a new offensive coordinator plans a wide-zone scheme, which matches Merritt’s efficiency profile
• Pitch: Merritt becomes a better 2026 fantasy bet as role conflict is reduced.

4) Jordan Mason (Minnesota Vikings) — efficient “target-ambiguous backfield” pick

• The video discusses Minnesota as an unclear backfield: Mason vs. Aaron Jones.
• The creator claims Mason is the more effective player based on efficiency metrics such as:
  • success rate
  • breakaway/explosive run rate
  • missed tackle rate
  • yards after contact
• When Jones sat, Mason still produced at a high fantasy level—even in a poor offense—so the creator expects improvements as Minnesota gets better.
• Role forecast:
  • Jones (older, less reliable health) becomes more situational (pass down/third-down/red-zone mix)
  • Mason becomes the early-down workhorse, goal-line/red-zone option, and main scoring back
• Pitch: Mason could outperform expectations despite being less flashy.

5) Blake Corum (Los Angeles Rams) — “two-RB” fantasy value and injury-dependent upside

• The creator admits they discussed Corum often before, but it didn’t fully “pan out” at the time.
• New framing:
  • they don’t expect Corum to replace Kyren Williams as a clear RB1
  • instead, Corum can still be fantasy-relevant due to strong efficiency indicators and increasing late-season usage
• Main thesis:
  • the Rams continue featuring both Corum and Williams
  • game script can drive big fantasy outputs for both backs
• Example mentioned:
  • a lopsided game where Corum scored twice while Williams also produced
• Upside case:
  • Corum’s big win condition is if Williams misses significant time—then Corum could reach top-10 fantasy value
  • they also reference a defensive addition (Miles Garrett) that could create more “garbage time” opportunities
• Pitch: Corum is a later-round bet on standalone upside in a strong offense.

Speakers (Every Speaker Mentioned)

• Ryan (referred to by the narrator as “Ryan”)
• The Video Narrator / Host (main speaker; no name given)