After coming off a successful 2021 season, Los Angeles Chargers RB Austin Ekeler looks to make his mark on the league again this season.
The 5-year veteran recorded 20 total touchdowns last season (12 rushing and 8 receiving), and looks to lead the Chargers to a successful 2022 season with QB Justin Herbert.
Below, we look at Austin Ekeler’s 2022 fantasy football average draft position (ADP) and where you should draft him.
The star running back set new career bests with 911 rushing yards on 206 carries last season. However, he is now 27 years old and some regression may be due.
Austin Ekeler’s ADP: 7.35
(ADP data courtesy of MyFantasyLeague.com; last updated at time of this publishing – ADPs continually change as more drafts occur)
Ekeler has an ADP of 7.35 in redraft leagues, putting him in the draft’s 1st round. He has the highest ADP among his Los Angeles Charger teammates, although Herbert and WR Keenan Allen are also found in the top 30.
The RB competition is high this season as 6 running backs made it into the top-10 rankings in the ADP report. Ekeler is 3rd among running backs, trailing just the Carolina Panthers Christian McCaffrey (2nd) and Indianapolis Colts Jonathan Taylor (1st) and going before the Tennessee Titans Derrick Henry (6th), Pittsburgh Steelers Najee Harris (8th), and Minnesota Vikings Dalvin Cook (9th).
WIN YOUR FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE!
For over 25 years, TheHuddle.com has been helping fantasy players just like you win. This year, it’s your turn! Custom player rankings, tools and more to give you the edge over your competition.
Use code SBW22 to take 20% OFF a new subscription. Join now!
Austin Ekeler’s 2021 stats
Games: 16
Carries | rushing yards: 206 | 911
Rushing touchdowns: 12
Receptions | receiving yards: 70 | 647
Receiving touchdowns: 8
Where should you draft Ekeler?
Ekeler has sky-high potential, and he’s being drafted like it. Los Angeles has one of the best offenses in the NFL, scoring the 5th-most points last season. The Chargers also added Texas A&M RB Isaiah Spiller in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
He should have some impact on Ekeler’s red zone carries. Ekeler ranked 2nd in the NFL in red zone carries last season, only trailing Indianapolis’ Taylor. The Chargers starting back also missed 6 games in 2020 which should bring a slight injury concern to the table.
Ekeler is going to be a stud, but considering the weapons on his offense mixed with a potential slight decrease in usage, I think I would prefer true 3-down backs like Harris and Henry.
Ekeler is good enough to be an early first-round pick, and his ADP at 7.5 does him justice.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Access more NFL coverage:
BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=3472]