Gus Edwards didn’t become the Ravens starting RB until their eleventh game in 2018, but when he did get behind the wheel, he was a steal for owners who scooped him up off waivers. Edwards bulldozed his way to the 14th most RB FPs from this point on, yet is being ranked as the 39th best RB right now. Oftentimes, some of the best early offseason values are the players who everyone expects to lose their job. But Harbaugh labeled The Bus his “No.1 running back to build on” while noting how perfect he fits in new OC Greg Romans power-running game. Well-worth his current 100+ ADP as a best ball stab.
Baltimore became run-obsessed with Lamar Jackson at QB, while starting RB Alex Collins — now released — was quickly phased out of the offense as Edwards flashed. Edwards recorded two straight games of 100+ rushing yards when given over fifteen carries, and rolled away with the starting gig. According to Harbaugh, Edwards may have a firmer grasp on this gig than most expect in 2019. The Ravens HC gushed, “Gus right now is our No. 1 running back going in, and I expect him to build on that…You gotta love a 240-pound guy that brings it every single snap. He fits pretty well with the running game that we’re involved with right now. We expect him to be really good.”
The “running game” Harbaugh alludes to is Roman’s consistently effective power-run game. Over six seasons calling plays (four for San Fran, two for Buffalo), Roman’s offenses have all ranked within the top-10 in both attempts and yards. His Buffalo teams also both ranked No.1 in rushing TD, and he’s been below 12th in rushing TDs just once. Roman’s had particular success building around mobile QBs in Colin Kaepernick and Tyrod Taylor, and Jackson may be his most dangerous threat yet.
Simply put: whoever is the lead back here will carry sneaky RB1 upside. Though Harbaugh conceded “we’ll put some competition in there,” the job seems like Edwards’ to lose. His 100+ ADP is insane, with The Wolf clocking Edwards in nearly 40 spots higher.
