2014 Fantasy Football: 5 Running Backs to Avoid on Draft Day

The Miami Dolphins backfield is one of the hardest to read as we approach August. Knowshon Moreno was recently put on the PUP list, but is not expected to miss very much of the regular season reports now indicate. Lamar Miller showed promise in 2013 with 709 yards, but rarely made it into the end zone (two TDs in 15 starts) and is not much of a goal line threat -- nor does he produce in the passing game. It's best to just avoid him.

Bill Belichick doesn't have a ton of patience when it comes to RBs, and they often rotate like a turnstile depending on who he is least frustrated with. With Rob Gronkowski expected to be healthy, the need for using Vereen in the passing game somewhat diminishes -- as will his targets -- which decreases his PPR value. If Brandon Bolden makes the roster, Vereen's carries will be down as well, making him hard to roster at all in standard settings.

When the Oakland Raiders signed Maurice Jones-Drew over the offseason he was expected to be their starter, but whispers out of Raiders camp indicate that Darren McFadden could still win the RB1 spot. The Raiders also have an unproven, but highly touted prospect in Latavius Murray, who will undoubtedly take carries away from them both. These red flags are not conducive to fantasy success for MJD, and it's likely best to just avoid him entirely.

Using a late first-round, or early second-round pick on Arian Foster in 2014 is an absolute roll of the dice. I completely buy into the notion that Foster will play to his abilities this season when he is on the field and could end up a steal if healthy -- but the beatings featured-backs endure over the course of the season does not bode well for someone coming off back surgery, and it would shock me if Foster doesn't miss four games minimum.

Stevan Ridley undoubtedly projects as the New England Patriots RB1 in 2014 and should win the job, but only time will tell how long he can keep Bill Belichick's trust. Belichick grew frustrated with Ridley and his issues with fumbling down the stretch in 2013, and a few turnovers to start the season could turn the Patriots' backfield into a revolving door. Stay away at all costs.