After three-years of uninspiring Lamar Miller play and two injury-ridden D’Onta Foreman seasons, the Texans seemed ripe for a 2019 backfield makeover. Surprisingly, they exit the offseason making minimal moves, adding only a 7th Round creature under the guise of Cullen Gillaspia, all while cutting ties with the nagging Alfred Blue. Thus, the “unsexy” Miller once again seems destined for serious volume in a Top-10 overall offense. Far more intriguing, however, is D’Onta Foreman’s clear-path to overtake this valuable gig.
Despite consistently ranking in the Top-10 in RB touches since joining Houston, Miller has continually underwhelmed. He’s finished as the Half-PPR RB19, RB16, and RB22 while failing to top 175 points as one of the league’s least efficient runners. Lacking any semblance of talent, Miller’s ceiling could not be more capped despite the juicy situation. Still, the volume, surrounding talent, and scheme all create a sturdy floor considering Miller’s fair Round 6 ADP.
Unlike years past, however, Miller may finally be pushed. Finally recovered from his 2017 Achilles tear, Foreman has looked nimble, “much leaner,” and more explosive during offseason workouts. Reportedly feeling better now than he has since high school, Foreman is “coming in with something to prove.”
This, of course, is classic offseason “puff.” Still, a healthy, leaner, and motivated Foreman should have no problem taking Miller’s job by midseason. Foreman was already flashing quick feet as a rookie at his massive 230 lbs. In fact, he appeared en route to stealing this gig with 65 yards and 2 scores in Week 11 prior to going down. Foreman’s among the highest-upside picks owners can make beyond Pick 100, and is arguably our favorite “RB Penny Stock.”
