We’re just about a month away from the start of NFL training camps, so time to start tackling tough fantasy questions that will come your way (pun intended). For the first question of this series, what better subject to take on than whom you should select with the top pick in the draft. We’ll look at the five most logical candidates, all of whom are running backs.

Candidate 1:  Eddie Lacy 

Eddie Lacy started out slowly last season, but came on as the season progressed, delivering big for his owners in the playoffs. Lacy has the benefit of playing with the NFL’s best QB, so defenses can’t overcommit resources to shut him down. Lacy also partakes in the passing game, having caught 42 passes last season. Up to this point, Lacy has shown himself as a top level back, but not a true superstar. Case in point - he struggled mightily last season against top run Ds (Seahawks, Dolphins, Jets, etc.), while the best of the best can make their presence felt no matter the opponent. But Lacy still belongs in the group of very good RBs, and for fantasy purposes deserves top pick consideration based on the totality of circumstances.

Verdict: Eddie Lacy makes sense at No. 1 overall for managers who want to limit risk. Lacy likely won’t be the overall top scorer, but he can be counted on to put up strong numbers, and won’t go bust on you. 

Candidate 2:   Le’Veon Bell

There would be no article to write here if Le’Veon Bell wasn’t suspended for the first two games of the season, as he would have been the clear cut pick for first overall. But the suspension alters his outlook enough to potentially knock him out of the top spot. Bell still merits consideration for the top spot despite his suspension because he’s heavily involved in the passing game in addition to serving as the bell cow running back for the Steelers. Bell had 83 catches for 854 yards and 3 TDs, to go with 1,361 rushing yards and 8 TDs. That qualifies as number one overall pick material.

Verdict: Le’Veon Bell is the “I’m the best manager in my league – he’s out the first two games, no big deal” pick. Those with superior management skills will have no doubt that they can keep the ship afloat for the first two games, and reap the benefits from Week 3 on. 

Candidate 3:  Adrian Peterson

There would potentially be no article to write here if Adrian Peterson hadn’t been suspended for the majority of last season. How’s the nearly one year layoff, now entering his age 30 season, going to affect All-Day? It says here that AP will post a monster season for a rising Vikings team, which will be well in the playoff hunt. Peterson has already cleared the 10K career rushing yard mark, while averaging 5.0 yards per carry! Enough said.

Verdict: Adrian Peterson could very easily lead the league in points this year. He has been the best RB of this generation – a guy who posts numbers against even the most vaunted of defenses. He’s the clear upside pick out of this group, and his unexpected time off last season won’t change this. 

Candidate 4:  Jamaal Charles 

Jamaal Charles has been in the top group of fantasy running backs for a few years now, and with good reason. Charles’ yards per carry average for his career sits at an astronomical 5.5, and he’s an elite pass catcher out of the backfield for Alex Smith. Players like Charles rarely provide you with a donut game, and that’s hugely important for your top draft pick.

Verdict: Jamaal Charles is probably a reach as number one overall in non-PPR leagues. In PPR leagues, however, a stronger case can be made for drafting Charles at one overall. He does come with injury concerns, however, so anyone who elects to go with Charles will need to snag Knile Davis as well. 

Candidate 5:  Marshawn Lynch

Beast Mode has actually been the most consistent RB over the past four seasons. Double-digit touchdowns and 1,200 plus yards have been the norm. With his violent running style and his age creeping up to 29 this year, fantasy managers are wondering if this is the year where Lynch drops off. The thought here is no – Lynch has at least one more “Beast Mode” season in him. While the Seahawks’ offensive line leaves much to be desired, Lynch led the league in 2014 with yards after contact. Now with Jimmy Graham joining the Seahawks this offseason, teams won’t be able to stack the box as much as the last few years.

Verdict: Marshawn Lynch is an underrated choice for number one overall. Lynch likely won’t go first overall in many drafts, but he does provide the qualities that you look for in a top pick – consistency and a nose for the end zone.

Conclusion

Alright, so a case has been made for each of the five RBs above to be selected as the first overall pick in fantasy drafts. Personal preference for each manager will play a large role in which player he or she selects – a legitimate case can be made for each player. So with that said, we have reached the moment of truth: 

Which player am I leaning towards ranking number one overall on my draft board? 

With the caveat that it’s only June and much could happen to shake things up, if I had a draft today and I held the number one overall pick, I would select Adrian Peterson. All Day is a certain future hall of famer and his upside exceeds that of the remaining players, while his floor strictly from a playing standpoint sits high as well. If Le’Veon Bell did not have a two game suspension to start the season, he would be my pick. But, he won’t play until week 3, so Peterson would be my choice.