Top 10 "Handcuff" RBs to Draft in 2026 Fantasy Football (Extreme Upside)

This solo episode from Theo Gremminger is a targeted late-round draft guide: instead of chasing the expensive, well-known handcuffs already going in rounds 8-9 (Blake Corum, Kenneth Gainwell, Rashod Bateman-tier names, Kyle Monangai, Jordan Mason), he identifies cheaper backup running backs in the double-digit rounds who offer real standalone or "handcuff-plus" upside if the starter ahead of them falters.

The arguments

Chris Rodriguez is a better price-adjusted bet than Bhayshul Tuten in Jacksonville. Tuten has climbed into the fourth round on some sites while Rodriguez sits at running back 44, going in the double-digit rounds. Gremminger notes Rodriguez played for new Jaguars OC Liam Coen at Kentucky, was praised in camp as a "glass eater," and could realistically siphon goal-line work even in an ugly split, making him a cheap way to buy into the Jacksonville backfield.

Keaton Mitchell is a "handcuff-plus" asset in a lethal Chargers offense. Gremminger argues Mike McDaniel has a track record of maximizing fast, undersized backs (Devon Achane's multiple 17.5+ PPG seasons, Raheem Mostert's 18-touchdown year in Miami), and camp reports have Mitchell running wheel routes and manufactured touches beyond simple checkdowns. He's priced as running back 42, more expensive than Rodriguez but justified given the offensive context; Kamani Vidal is floated as a free, 17th-round alternative in the same backfield.

Tank Bigsby is a green-light handcuff for Saquon Barkley at a 12th-round price. Gremminger points to Bigsby's efficient 2024 season in Jacksonville (700+ yards, better yards-per-carry than Travis Etienne) and says he's been a training-camp hype name in Philadelphia. Given Barkley's age and workload, Bigsby would be a near-RB1 in good matchups behind Jalen Hurts and Philadelphia's offensive line if given the opportunity.

Jaden Blue is the podcast's favorite deep-round dart throw behind Javonte Williams. Gremminger walks through Blue's sub-4.3 speed, receiving production at Texas (56 catches, 7 receiving touchdowns), and Texas's running back pipeline, arguing last year's hype cratered his price because drafters were burned by him not immediately unseating Williams. He now compares Blue's potential trajectory to a young Tony Pollard and says Blue would be his bet to lead Dallas in fantasy points in any week Williams sits, at an ADP that's free in several formats.

Marshawn Lloyd is being bid up as more than a standard handcuff behind Josh Jacobs. Gremminger cites Lloyd's pre-injury college pedigree, his familiarity with the Green Bay coaching staff, and a groin injury that's already cost Jacobs camp time as reasons sharp, high-stakes drafters (FFPC/NFFC) have pushed Lloyd as high as the 10th round, even with a healthy Jacobs projected to split some work.

Mike Washington is a pure lottery-ticket handcuff in Las Vegas behind Ashton Jeanty. Despite a rough draft slide to the fourth round, Gremminger highlights elite Senior Bowl and combine testing (4.3-flat 40, 1.51 ten-yard split, 39-inch vertical) and a strong final college season at Arkansas (1,000+ rushing yards, 6.5 YPC, 28 catches) as reasons he's worth a running back 59 flier if Jeanty were to miss time.

Ray Davis and Brian Robinson Jr. round out cheap "next man in" targets. Davis (RB57) is framed as the clearest backup to James Cook in Buffalo given Cook's rising workload, while Robinson (now in Atlanta behind Bijan Robinson) is cited for two prior double-digit-scoring seasons in Washington (13.0 and 11.5 PPG) and pass-catching chops, making him an instant lineup starter if Bijan misses time.

What it means for your roster

• Don't overpay for the "known" handcuffs (Corum, Gainwell, Monangai, Mason) at 8th-9th round prices when comparable or better standalone upside is available two-plus rounds later.
• Prioritize Chris Rodriguez over Tuten late if you already have Jaguars exposure or want cheap access to that backfield; target him around RB44/double-digit rounds.
• If you're building zero-RB or hero-RB, grab Keaton Mitchell (RB42) as a true handcuff-plus with standalone flex appeal; Kamani Vidal is a free, late-round shadow pick in the same backfield.
• Take Tank Bigsby around the 12th round as Saquon Barkley insurance with real starter-level weekly ceiling.
• Grab Jaden Blue for free/very late as the top thing to have if Javonte Williams misses time — Gremminger's top sleeper bet in the group.
• If drafters are pushing Marshawn Lloyd toward the 10th round in high-stakes formats, expect a cheaper cost in home leagues; still worth rostering given Jacobs' groin issue and offensive staff familiarity.
• Late-round dart throws worth a final-rounds pick: Mike Washington (Raiders), Ray Davis (Bills), and Brian Robinson Jr. (Falcons) — none require you to have drafted the starter to be useful as speculative adds.