2014 Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: 10 Must-Own Backups

Doug Martin will reclaim his role as Tampa Bay's top running back after missing 10 games last season, but offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford has suggested a committee backfield will be used. Sims had 203 receptions during his college career, so he has immediate appeal in deep PPR leagues with the potential for increased fantasy value as the season goes on.

Ivory had a solid first year with the Jets in 2013, rushing for a career-high 833 yards. The arrival of Chris Johnson pushes him down the depth chart, but if "CJ2K" disappoints or is injured Ivory would immediately have value beyond that of a likely goal line back.

Manziel's inclusion on this list assumes Brian Hoyer opens the season as Cleveland's starting quarterback, but a change under center could come quickly. Manziel will be worth a flier late in drafts, and those that can hang onto him until he starts could have a difference maker.

Andre Ellington is getting plenty of buzz in fantasy circles with his role as Arizona's No. 1 running back, but Taylor is first in line to step into the role vacated by Rashard Mendenhall's retirement. Mendenhall had 687 rushing yards and eight touchdowns last year in the role Taylor will likely take over, and my hesitancy to anoint Ellington as a fantasy stud puts the second-year back out of Stanford on this list.

The longer Marshawn Lynch's holdout continues, the more Michael's fantasy stock will rise. Lynch is still the starter once he reports to training camp, but Michael is at least draftable as his handcuff with the potential to be much more.

Zac Stacy is the Rams' No. 1 running back after a productive rookie season in 2013 (973 rushing yards and seven touchdowns), but it's fairly certain Mason will have an immediate role after being drafted in the third round in May. His workload may be a detriment to Stacy's fantasy value more than anything, but using a late-round pick on Mason in deep leagues could reap significant rewards.

Green averaged 22.1 yards per catch last season, including nine catches for 206 yards over a three game-stretch from Week 11-13. He's worth drafting as a TE2 for owners who are willing to stash him, since he should take more snaps away from an aging Antonio Gates this year.

With C.J. Spiller limited by an ankle injury virtually all season, Jackson had a bigger role than expected and was productive (890 rushing yards, 47 receptions and 10 total touchdowns). Even with the likelihood of a scaled back role this year, Jackson will still be drafted in all fantasy leagues and stands to carry value all season.

Injuries to Kendall Hunter (right ACL) and LaMichael James (elbow) have thinned San Francisco's running back depth, and Frank Gore is 31 with nearly 2,200 career carries. Hyde's average draft position is certain to rise, but he looks likely to be worthy of a reasonable investment on draft day.

Positive buzz has surrounded West all offseason, including Browns' head coach Mike Pettine talking up his ability as a pass catcher recently. Ben Tate's hold on the starting job already looks tenuous, and it wouldn't be surprising to see West out-produce him this season.