RB Kimani Vidal, LAC (2 Viewers)

[zamboni]

Would you guys rather have Vidal or Corum?

That is a very good question. I'm starting to warm up to Vidal.

I'd rather have Vidal. I think he may actually have some standalone value as the passing game option, and they run the ball a ton. Plus they may want to limit the wear and tear on Dobbins - while he's recovered impressively, I doubt they want to run him 25-30 times every game.

Corum is really a high upside contingency if Kyren gets hurt. Could happen, but I wouldn't want to bank on that.

I agree, and I'm also curious to see how much more if any run Corum gets coming out of the bye. He got a series in the last game in the redzone and even got a goaline carry but wasn't able to punch it in. He definitely looked spry running the ball.

No question, but McVay adores Kyren and seems to be willing to give him as much work as he can handle. He's not much of an RBBC guy either. Good contingency stash though for sure.

 

[Doubles]

I feel like Vidal may grow into a flex play plus contingent upside (if Dobbins breaks down), whereas Corum is just the latter for Kyren. I feel like that just because of how Roman’s run offense usually goes.

 

[BobbyLayne]

Would you guys rather have Vidal or Corum?

holding both in redraft as RB5 / RB6

long shots to payoff but clear path if something happens the starter

 

[the spanker]

Would you guys rather have Vidal or Corum?

holding both in redraft as RB5 / RB6

long shots to payoff but clear path if something happens the starter

Same here!

 

[nittanylion]

I'm in absolute agony, with a deadline approaching, over deciding whether or not to drop Jaylen Wright for Vidal (redraft).

 

[N Zone]

I'm in absolute agony, with a deadline approaching, over deciding whether or not to drop Jaylen Wright for Vidal (redraft).

You only have a decision to make if they are both handcuffs for Achane and JK Dobbins. If only one is a handcuff, keep the handcuff and drop the other. Otherwise it doesn't matter which one you keep or cut because you can't predict which starter will get hurt and how severely hurt.

 

[Houston turmOiler]

I feel like Vidal may have a clearer path to a larger role and standalone value as a receiving RB. But none of Dobbins, Achane,or Mostert have been models of health throughout their career.

 

[FarFromHome]

I feel like Vidal may have a clearer path to a larger role and standalone value as a receiving RB. But none of Dobbins, Achane,or Mostert have been models of health throughout their career.

Kinda, but like Emanuel Wilson for this year he is a handcuff. Ha ha

 

[TampaMike19]

I'm in absolute agony, with a deadline approaching, over deciding whether or not to drop Jaylen Wright for Vidal (redraft).

Jaylen Wright seriously needs an offense to be effective and for the players in front of him to go down. Vidal has a lot going for him already rest of season probably.

 

[nittanylion]

Hmm...KV to the White Courtesy Phone?

 

[kyoun1e]

Hmm...KV to the White Courtesy Phone?

Definitely looking to grab him tonight.

 

[kinghill]

Why?

 

[ShamrockPride]

Why?

If Dobbins misses any time, he becomes the most explosive option out of their backfield. Gus is not much of an exciting option in either fantasy or real life when he's the slow power type. Currently avg 3.3ypc on the year.

And yes, Vidal's 2.4 off 18 carries isn't great, but he's shown some promise as a pass catcher.

 

[zamboni]

Why?

Gus doesn’t catch passes and outside of Ladd and maybe Dissly, not very many dependable passing options.

 

[Jacob's Ladder]

One of the last times I saw him play this season he got absolutely blown up in pass protection. That won't fly in this offense, hopefully he's worked on his craft since going back to the inactives. Gus will get all the run he can handle while JK is down. Vidal will get a chance, let's see if he's improved?

Edit to fix error - Brain fart, he never went to the PS. Just inactive.

 

[zamboni]

One of the last times I saw him play this season he got absolutely blown up in pass protection. That won't fly in this offense, hopefully he's worked on his craft since going back to the PS. Gus will get all the run he can handle while JK is down. Vidal will get a chance, let's see if he's improved?

That's a fair point if pass pro is indeed a weakness of his, although IIRC that seemed to be one of his biggest strengths coming out of college. In any event, protecting the franchise QB has to be objective #1.

 

[King of the Jungle]

Is he above Haskins or does Haskins dress because he plays special teams (not sure if he does not)?

 

[BladeRunner]

For what it's worth, Jeff Mans at Elite sports recommends targeting Vidal instead of Edwards. I didn't catch the full convo as I just got in my car but he said Vidal is the one you want, not Edwards.

 

[doeseatplace]

I lifted this from a pretty thorough Substack article I can no longer find.

Look at snap counts wk 12--Haskins, not Edwards, benefited from Dobbins' absence. Yet on 31 snaps, he got 1 carry and no targets. The second half game script wasn't great, but it was still 14-13 at the half when Dobbins left the game.

Edwards has exactly 1 target for the year, in week 1.

So, in essence, if Edwards is on the field, the defense knows its a run.

If Haskins is on the field, the defense knows he is unlikely to be involved in the play at all.
Vidal best replicates Dobbins' 3-down skillset (although I have no idea if he's any good at it)

Running Back	Wk 1	Wk 2	Wk 3	Wk 4	Wk 5	Wk 6	Wk 7	Wk 8	Wk 9	Wk 10	Wk 11	Wk 12	total
J.K. Dobbins	33 58%	32 46%	30 65%	40 71%	0	57 73%	45 68%	54 82%	42 74%	39 66%	49 73%	21 30%	442
Gus Edwards	24 42%	33 48%	16 35%	14 25%	0	0	0	0	0	15 25%	11 16%	16 23%	129
Kimani Vidal	0	0	0	0	0	19 24%	18 27%	11 17%	11 19%	0	0	0	59
Hassan Haskins	0 0%	5 7%	0 0%	2 4%	0	3 4%	3 5%	1 2%	0 0%	5 8%	6 9%	31 45%	56

 

[nittanylion]

Vidal was graded as the best pass pro RB in this draft class, if I remember correctly.

Probably good idea to verify, but that's sticking in my brain, fwiw...

 

[Jacob's Ladder]

One of the last times I saw him play this season he got absolutely blown up in pass protection. That won't fly in this offense, hopefully he's worked on his craft since going back to the PS. Gus will get all the run he can handle while JK is down. Vidal will get a chance, let's see if he's improved?

That's a fair point if pass pro is indeed a weakness of his, although IIRC that seemed to be one of his biggest strengths coming out of college. In any event, protecting the franchise QB has to be objective #1.

To be honest, I didn't know a lot about him pre-draft but I did do some reading after he went to the Chargers. He did have one of the highest pass protection grades in his class, so who knows what's going on as a Charger. He has been borderline awful in limited action as a pro, but that comment is subjective based on what I saw. I do not have premium PFF access but would be curious to know what his pro pass protection grade is during the 4 games he saw action.

He looked very small out there, maybe he was unprepared for the size, speed and strength of the NFL coming from Troy? I don't know, but his college grades at least give me hope he can figure it out. His fluidity and burst in his first action got me excited but one of the last memories I have of him is completely failing to protect Herbert on a blitz. He's a stash for now. If he's activated in JK's absence, that's a positive sign for his progress but I'm not convinced we won't just see a steady diet of Gus/Haskins in the interim with Vidal around for depth.

 

[Jacob's Ladder]

Vidal was graded as the best pass pro RB in this draft class, if I remember correctly.

Probably good idea to verify, but that's sticking in my brain, fwiw...

He was definitely ranked as one of the best pass protectors. Also one of the best rushing grades of the class. Maybe the lights were too bright in his first action. Maybe he was unprepared for the competition in the NFL. I'm far from giving up on him at this point, he was too good in college to be written off after a limited 4 game stint in the NFL.

 

[Winning IS Everything]

I just dropped Mostert for Vidal. Curious to see this play out.

 

[sushinsky4tsar]

One of the last times I saw him play this season he got absolutely blown up in pass protection. That won't fly in this offense, hopefully he's worked on his craft since going back to the PS. Gus will get all the run he can handle while JK is down. Vidal will get a chance, let's see if he's improved?

That's a fair point if pass pro is indeed a weakness of his, although IIRC that seemed to be one of his biggest strengths coming out of college. In any event, protecting the franchise QB has to be objective #1.

To be honest, I didn't know a lot about him pre-draft but I did do some reading after he went to the Chargers. He did have one of the highest pass protection grades in his class, so who knows what's going on as a Charger. He has been borderline awful in limited action as a pro, but that comment is subjective based on what I saw. I do not have premium PFF access but would be curious to know what his pro pass protection grade is during the 4 games he saw action.

He looked very small out there, maybe he was unprepared for the size, speed and strength of the NFL coming from Troy? I don't know, but his college grades at least give me hope he can figure it out. His fluidity and burst in his first action got me excited but one of the last memories I have of him is completely failing to protect Herbert on a blitz. He's a stash for now. If he's activated in JK's absence, that's a positive sign for his progress but I'm not convinced we won't just see a steady diet of Gus/Haskins in the interim with Vidal around for depth.

Well, I'll say this much... Matt Waldman is overdue to hit on one of these guys at some point. It might as well be now. My Tyjae Spears and Khalil Herbert shares are locked and loaded this weekend with young Kimani.

With that said, your Gus/Haskins scenario feels much more likely.

 

[Jacob's Ladder]

One of the last times I saw him play this season he got absolutely blown up in pass protection. That won't fly in this offense, hopefully he's worked on his craft since going back to the PS. Gus will get all the run he can handle while JK is down. Vidal will get a chance, let's see if he's improved?

That's a fair point if pass pro is indeed a weakness of his, although IIRC that seemed to be one of his biggest strengths coming out of college. In any event, protecting the franchise QB has to be objective #1.

To be honest, I didn't know a lot about him pre-draft but I did do some reading after he went to the Chargers. He did have one of the highest pass protection grades in his class, so who knows what's going on as a Charger. He has been borderline awful in limited action as a pro, but that comment is subjective based on what I saw. I do not have premium PFF access but would be curious to know what his pro pass protection grade is during the 4 games he saw action.

He looked very small out there, maybe he was unprepared for the size, speed and strength of the NFL coming from Troy? I don't know, but his college grades at least give me hope he can figure it out. His fluidity and burst in his first action got me excited but one of the last memories I have of him is completely failing to protect Herbert on a blitz. He's a stash for now. If he's activated in JK's absence, that's a positive sign for his progress but I'm not convinced we won't just see a steady diet of Gus/Haskins in the interim with Vidal around for depth.

Well, I'll say this much... Matt Waldman is overdue to hit on one of these guys at some point. It might as well be now. My Tyjae Spears and Khalil Herbert shares are locked and loaded this weekend with young Kimani.

With that said, your Gus/Haskins scenario feels much more likely.

I read Waldman's write-ups ever year, and I'll say after seeing so many RB valuations I tend to think he has some blind spots in his evaluations of that position. From what I've seen, Waldman excels in evaluating WRs, and tends to fall flat looking at RBs. I always excitedly skip to the WR section to see where he stands on my favorite prospects at the position and use the other stuff as toilet reading material.

His checklist at RB seems to be missing something at that position. To me, it feels like he relies on too many of the traditional valuation criteria and metrics that made RBs in the early 2000's great, but since then, the skillset needed to succeed at RB in the NFL has changed radically IMHO. ETA - Chris Johnson changed everything.

The one thing I'll say about Vidal is Waldman wasn't alone. Vidal was almost universally loved for his rushing ability and 3 down skillset. It's hard to believe he went so late in the draft, but telling Harbaugh wanted him over his boy Corum.

 

[zamboni]

It's hard to believe he went so late in the draft, but telling Harbaugh wanted him over his boy Corum.

I also was surprised Harbaugh didn't nab Corum, although to be fair he might have wanted to wait a bit and the Rams took Corum in the 3rd.

 

[Jacob's Ladder]

It's hard to believe he went so late in the draft, but telling Harbaugh wanted him over his boy Corum.

I also was surprised Harbaugh didn't nab Corum, although to be fair he might have wanted to wait a bit and the Rams took Corum in the 3rd.

Personally, I thought Corum would go in the 2nd round. When he was available in R3 for the Chargers pick, my jaw kind of dropped when they picked a LB from Michigan instead. Harbaugh is smart enough to know this team is likely a year away and needs more talent at WR/TE, he has also proven himself to be well versed in what it takes to build a winner, so I'm not about to argue with his decision making process in the draft as he builds a team. All of this is just more of a reason to take note when the guy spends a draft pick on a RB from Troy. I'm super excited to see what KV does with his second stint this season.

 

[Runkle]

Not sure if I want to use a spot to get him for playoff depth/block an opponent, or, considering his schedule, leave him out there as a potential land mine for someone else to potentially use against the gauntlet Vidal faces the next few weeks

 

[Faust]

The Coachspeak Index
#Chargers OC Greg Roman on Kimani Vidal:

“We fully expect Kimani to step in if J.K. [Dobbins] can’t go, which doesn’t look like he will this week. He’s been in there before. Might get a little bit bigger workload, we’ll see. We have full confidence in him and where he’s at. It’s past the midway point of the season, so there are no rookies anymore. Everybody feels great about him.”

x.com

x.com

 

[markrc99]

I just dropped Mostert for Vidal. Curious to see this play out.

Moved Kareem Hunt for Vidal, not exactly a similar move but relate to the situation, really like this player.

 

[kyoun1e]

Now Dobbins on IR.

I assume that means he's out for the rest of the fantasy season anyway.

Dropped Spears for Vidal earlier in the week when I read that quote.

Team that likes to run, decent D, Gus not always the picture of great health, count me in.

Some good games on the schedule too:

Week 13: ATL
Week 14: @KC -- Not impressed after what LV RBs did yesterday.
Week 15: TB
Week 16: DEN - Tough
Week 17: @NE - Run D terrible

 

[JohnnyU]

Now Dobbins on IR.

I assume that means he's out for the rest of the fantasy season anyway.

Dropped Spears for Vidal earlier in the week when I read that quote.

Team that likes to run, decent D, Gus not always the picture of great health, count me in.

Some good games on the schedule too:

Week 13: ATL
Week 14: @KC -- Not impressed after what LV RBs did yesterday.
Week 15: TB
Week 16: DEN - Tough
Week 17: @NE - Run D terrible

That Hassan guy

 

[BladeRunner]

Now Dobbins on IR.

I assume that means he's out for the rest of the fantasy season anyway.

Dropped Spears for Vidal earlier in the week when I read that quote.

Team that likes to run, decent D, Gus not always the picture of great health, count me in.

Some good games on the schedule too:

Week 13: ATL
Week 14: @KC -- Not impressed after what LV RBs did yesterday.
Week 15: TB
Week 16: DEN - Tough
Week 17: @NE - Run D terrible

That Hassan guy

Not buying it. Vidal is the guy here, IMO.

 

[Ghoti]

Picking him up wherever I can. Might be dumping him in another week or two, but stranger things have happened. There haven't been many huge waiver wire success stories this season, especially at RB. Maybe this is the guy.

 

[Ray_T]

Now Dobbins on IR.

I assume that means he's out for the rest of the fantasy season anyway.

Dropped Spears for Vidal earlier in the week when I read that quote.

Team that likes to run, decent D, Gus not always the picture of great health, count me in.

Some good games on the schedule too:

Week 13: ATL
Week 14: @KC -- Not impressed after what LV RBs did yesterday.
Week 15: TB
Week 16: DEN - Tough
Week 17: @NE - Run D terrible

That Hassan guy

Not buying it. Vidal is the guy here, IMO.

agreed. if you are a RB needy fantasy team, Vidal is a decent pickup.

 

[N Zone]

I just moved Dobbins to IR and added Vidal. Gus Edwards is still available but I have no droppable players and prefer Vidal. PPR league. Thanks for this thread. I'm a little slower to react with having a losing season for the first time since I can remember and with the Thanksgiving holiday; that's my excuse for only adding him tonight.

 

[FGITLOTR]

I just moved Dobbins to IR and added Vidal. Gus Edwards is still available but I have no droppable players and prefer Vidal. PPR league. Thanks for this thread. I'm a little slower to react with having a losing season for the first time since I can remember and with the Thanksgiving holiday; that's my excuse for only adding him tonight.

in standard leagues, Gus is the add and Vidsl in PPR…can’t see Haskins being too involved

 

[GoBirds]

Anyone see potential here to take the job and be a playoff performer or better to roll the dice on the other SF RBs?

 

[ATB]

Anyone see potential here to take the job and be a playoff performer or better to roll the dice on the other SF RBs?

I ended up dropping him for Isaiah Davis on the Jets because I just lost Breece. I think it's possible he gets a lot more touches but he's still competing with Edwards and even Haskins. I don't know if it's going to happen this year.

 

[Man In The Box]

I guess I’m the guinea pig. Forced to start him with Walker out. I need to win this week to get in. Giddy up.

 

[N Zone]

I dropped him for Braelon Allen who I will probably start.

 

[FGITLOTR]

big Gus game today

 

[Down Under]

Per Fantasypros, Gus is out this week. Would you play Vidal over Michael Carter or Trey Benson (if Connor is out)??

 

[rockaction]

Dobbins returned to practice, per numerous reports. Listed as questionable. Vidal and Haskins would be next guys up if Edwards (out) and Dobbins (questionable) can’t go.

eta* Dobbins listed as having a full practice, but he is still listed as questionable. If that helps at all, which I think it does.

 

[JohnnyU]

Can’t say that I’ve been impressed so far.

 

[Uncle Leo]

Dobbins returned to practice, per numerous reports. Listed as questionable. Vidal and Haskins would be next guys up if Edwards (out) and Dobbins (questionable) can’t go.

eta* Dobbins listed as having a full practice, but he is still listed as questionable. If that helps at all, which I think it does.

Dec 26 3:00pm ET
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) is officially questionable to be activated from Injured Reserve and play against the New England Patriots on Saturday. The former Baltimore Ravens' second-round pick has missed the last four games after suffering a knee injury but could return to action after logging two limited practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, he did not practice on Thursday, so he might be on the wrong side of questionable for Week 17. Gus Edwards (ankle) won't play against the Patriots, so if Dobbins is also out, rookie Kimani Vidal and veteran Hassan Haskins will likely share touches. All Chargers' backs are risky fantasy options given all the uncertainty.

 

[rockaction]

Dobbins returned to practice, per numerous reports. Listed as questionable. Vidal and Haskins would be next guys up if Edwards (out) and Dobbins (questionable) can’t go.

eta* Dobbins listed as having a full practice, but he is still listed as questionable. If that helps at all, which I think it does.

Dec 26 3:00pm ET
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) is officially questionable to be activated from Injured Reserve and play against the New England Patriots on Saturday. The former Baltimore Ravens' second-round pick has missed the last four games after suffering a knee injury but could return to action after logging two limited practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, he did not practice on Thursday, so he might be on the wrong side of questionable for Week 17. Gus Edwards (ankle) won't play against the Patriots, so if Dobbins is also out, rookie Kimani Vidal and veteran Hassan Haskins will likely share touches. All Chargers' backs are risky fantasy options given all the uncertainty.

No. Right from the Chargers. Full participant, questionable. Thursday.

Scroll down right past the post that says “headin’ east” and you’ll see Dobbins above Edwards. Edwards DNP and listed as “out."

x.com

x.com

 

[KingPrawn]

Dobbins returned to practice, per numerous reports. Listed as questionable. Vidal and Haskins would be next guys up if Edwards (out) and Dobbins (questionable) can’t go.

eta* Dobbins listed as having a full practice, but he is still listed as questionable. If that helps at all, which I think it does.

Dec 26 3:00pm ET
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) is officially questionable to be activated from Injured Reserve and play against the New England Patriots on Saturday. The former Baltimore Ravens' second-round pick has missed the last four games after suffering a knee injury but could return to action after logging two limited practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, he did not practice on Thursday, so he might be on the wrong side of questionable for Week 17. Gus Edwards (ankle) won't play against the Patriots, so if Dobbins is also out, rookie Kimani Vidal and veteran Hassan Haskins will likely share touches. All Chargers' backs are risky fantasy options given all the uncertainty.

No. Right from the Chargers. Full participant, questionable. Thursday.

Scroll down right past the post that says “headin’ east” and you’ll see Dobbins above Edwards. Edwards DNP and listed as “out."

x.com

x.com

Hopefully we get Dobbins back this week. But can we trust him in our championship lineups?

 

[Uncle Leo]

Dobbins returned to practice, per numerous reports. Listed as questionable. Vidal and Haskins would be next guys up if Edwards (out) and Dobbins (questionable) can’t go.

eta* Dobbins listed as having a full practice, but he is still listed as questionable. If that helps at all, which I think it does.

Dec 26 3:00pm ET
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) is officially questionable to be activated from Injured Reserve and play against the New England Patriots on Saturday. The former Baltimore Ravens' second-round pick has missed the last four games after suffering a knee injury but could return to action after logging two limited practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, he did not practice on Thursday, so he might be on the wrong side of questionable for Week 17. Gus Edwards (ankle) won't play against the Patriots, so if Dobbins is also out, rookie Kimani Vidal and veteran Hassan Haskins will likely share touches. All Chargers' backs are risky fantasy options given all the uncertainty.

No. Right from the Chargers. Full participant, questionable. Thursday.

Scroll down right past the post that says “headin’ east” and you’ll see Dobbins above Edwards. Edwards DNP and listed as “out."

x.com

x.com

Ok. Thanks for the info. I got it from the today’s snips from RTSports. I did pick him up just in case.

 

[rockaction]

Dobbins returned to practice, per numerous reports. Listed as questionable. Vidal and Haskins would be next guys up if Edwards (out) and Dobbins (questionable) can’t go.

eta* Dobbins listed as having a full practice, but he is still listed as questionable. If that helps at all, which I think it does.

Dec 26 3:00pm ET
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) is officially questionable to be activated from Injured Reserve and play against the New England Patriots on Saturday. The former Baltimore Ravens' second-round pick has missed the last four games after suffering a knee injury but could return to action after logging two limited practices on Tuesday and Wednesday. However, he did not practice on Thursday, so he might be on the wrong side of questionable for Week 17. Gus Edwards (ankle) won't play against the Patriots, so if Dobbins is also out, rookie Kimani Vidal and veteran Hassan Haskins will likely share touches. All Chargers' backs are risky fantasy options given all the uncertainty.

No. Right from the Chargers. Full participant, questionable. Thursday.

Scroll down right past the post that says “headin’ east” and you’ll see Dobbins above Edwards. Edwards DNP and listed as “out."

x.com

x.com

Hopefully we get Dobbins back this week. But can we trust him in our championship lineups?

Depends on your rooster, guy. No, I’m kidding but being serious. I also posted this in the Vidal thread because somebody was thinking of going with Vidal. I thought the Dobbins practice report was important enough to Vidal’s prospects to post.

So this wasn’t a Dobbins post, really. It was a “how does this affect Vidal” posting.

But to your question: If you were in my situation where you were staring at Tyrone Tracy, Kendre Miller, or Austin Hooper to fill out your last TE/RB spot (been my Achilles’ heel all year), you’d love a Dobbins on your roster returning from the dead. If you had, say, a Charbonnet sitting around, I’d go with Charbonnet in a heartbeat.