Fantasy football managers who don't have a top-five pick want to find the next Austin Ekeler—a running back who exceeded expectations and ranked fourth among players at the position in points for the 2019 season.
In point-per-reception leagues, running backs generally take precedence over all the other positions because dual-threat assets can contribute as ball-carriers and pass-catchers. Last season, Ekeler didn't reach 600 rushing yards, but he caught 92 passes for 993 yards and eight touchdowns.
Ball-carriers with a defined role in the featured position have a high floor, but you can knock a pick out of the park with a player who's heavily involved in the passing game.