J.K. Dobbins’ dynasty stock is nearing, if not at, rock bottom after yet another season was derailed by injury. He is still just 25 years old, but the running back position is unforgiving, and the Baltimore Ravens have a promising player in Keaton Mitchell on the roster.
There is a buying point for every player in the league – have we reached that point for Dobbins? Or is it wise to sell him for anything you can get and clean your hands off the situation?
J.K. Dobbins’ Dynasty Outlook
The Ravens have played 67 regular-season games since drafting Dobbins, and he has been on the field for 24 of them (35.8%). He played just one game in his senior season of high school due to injury, and a variety of injuries have made his presence on the field a rarity.
In his absence, Gus Edwards has emerged as a high-level touchdown vulture with some two-down upside, while Mitchell was allotted the playing time it took to impress.
Dobbins remains just 25 years of age, but coming off of Achille surgery (Sept. 15), it’s not hard to think that his 152-touch rookie season might prove to be his high water mark for his career.
That said, the expiration of his rookie contract comes at a good time. He can test the free agent market this offseason as he progresses through the rehab process and hopes to catch on and prove himself.
The Ravens’ offense isn’t built to support multiple running backs, and given the success they experienced in 2023, a fully healthy Dobbins would have been fighting an uphill battle for playing time.
Could he find himself in a committee that can manage his touch count and keep him on the field?
Dobbins’ Dynasty Ranking
Where does Dobbins land in the dynasty RB landscape going into the 2024 offseason? Here are Soppe’s latest rankings, featuring where Dobbins lands in comparison to other top names at the position.
Kyle Soppe’s Top 40 RB Rankings
1) Bijan Robinson | ATL
2) Christian McCaffrey | SF
3) Breece Hall | NYJ
4) Jonathan Taylor | IND
5) Jahmyr Gibbs | DET
6) Travis Etienne Jr. | JAX
7) Kyren Williams | LAR
8) James Cook | BUF
9) Saquon Barkley | NYG
10) Kenneth Walker III | SEA
11) De’Von Achane | MIA
12) Isiah Pacheco | KC
13) Tony Pollard | DAL
14) Alvin Kamara | NO
15) Javonte Williams | DEN
16) Rhamondre Stevenson | NE
17) Josh Jacobs | LV
18) D’Andre Swift | PHI
19) Rachaad White | TB
20) Aaron Jones | GB
21) Austin Ekeler | LAC
22) Tyjae Spears | TEN
23) Joe Mixon | CIN
24) Nick Chubb | CLE
25) Najee Harris | PIT
26) David Montgomery | DET
27) Brian Robinson Jr. | WAS
28) Jaylen Warren | PIT
29) Raheem Mostert | MIA
30) Derrick Henry | TEN
31) Khalil Herbert | CHI
32) James Conner | ARI
33) Kendre Miller | NO
34) Zach Charbonnet | SEA
35) Roschon Johnson | CHI
36) Dameon Pierce | HOU
37) Tank Bigsby | JAX
38) J.K. Dobbins | BAL
39) AJ Dillon | GB
40) Miles Sanders | CAR
Should You Trade Dobbins in Dynasty?
There simply isn’t a market for Dobbins right now. While he has averaged 5.8 yards per carry on his 234 professional carries, the lack of availability is simply too much to overlook.
If you’re a team positioned to compete this season, I wouldn’t struggle to move Dobbins for just about anything that can help you raise your 2024 ceiling. Maybe package him with a future pick for an aging receiver who can push for a spot in your weekly lineup (names like DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Lockett come to mind).
Players with a risk profile like Dobbins are part of what makes trading in dynasty leagues so fun. There is likely to be someone in your league who is willing to at least stash him at the very end of his/her bench, and if you can find that manager, there’s a chance you can increase your immediate win equity.
MORE: Dynasty Rookie Draft Strategies
Remember, not every trade is going to net you a league-winner.
Successful dynasty fantasy football teams build out their roster from top to bottom, understanding that depth is overlooked by many but often rewarded throughout an 18-week regular season.
