Fantasy Football 2014: Five Breakout Candidates
By Adam Ganeles
Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Toby Gerhart, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
A career backup in Minnesota, Gerhart no longer has to sit and bide his time behind Adrian Peterson. Instead, Gerhart is fully expected to take over as Jacksonville’s feature back, finally closing the door on the Maurice Jones-Drew era. Denard Robinson and Jordan Todman are sure to factor into the ground game to an extent for the Jaguars, but head coach Gus Bradley has already vouched for Gerhart, saying he believes his new tailback could be in for 15-20 touches per game.
While not the fastest or most elusive back, Gerhart does have a solid burst and brings excellent strength and power to the table. That bruising running Bradley grew accustomed to from his days with Marshawn Lynch and the Seattle Seahawks could be introduced to Jacksonville, while Gerhart even offers up added versatility as a receiver and blitz protector.
Gerhart lacks flash and popularity, but he could end up being one of the best steals of fantasy drafts this year. Don’t sleep on him as a strong RB2.