The 2025 NFL Draft injected a fresh wave of talent into team backfields, creating both immediate opportunities and long-term potential for fantasy football managers.
Identifying which rookie running backs are poised for success is crucial for building a championship-winning roster.
This guide dives into the most promising rookie ball carriers, dissecting their new team environments and providing insights into their 2025 redraft and dynasty league value.
Ashton Jeanty, Raiders: A highly productive back out of Boise State, Jeanty broke records and earned All-American honors. With his receiving ability and elusiveness, he has the potential for a high-end RB2 floor and RB1 overall ceiling if he earns a true feature role. Early projections suggest significant carries and targets, making him a valuable dynasty asset.
Omarion Hampton, Chargers: Drafted in the first round, Hampton is a powerful, downhill runner expected to lead the Chargers’ ground game. He has a clear path to early touches and projects as a high-volume back with RB2 floor and RB1 upside in dynasty formats.
Quinshon Judkins, Browns: Judkins is a physically imposing back with good burst and a nose for the end zone. Joining a Browns team looking to rebuild its ground game, he has the potential for RB2 value with consistent rushing volume and touchdown upside.
TreVeyon Henderson, Patriots: Known for his speed, receiving ability, and playmaking, Henderson amassed impressive stats in college. While durability is a consideration, his versatility positions him as a dynamic addition to New England’s backfield alongside Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, particularly in the passing game.
RJ Harvey, Broncos: Harvey is a compact and powerful runner who excels at finding the endzone and demonstrated improved receiving skills in his final college season. He joins a Broncos backfield looking for clarity and could compete for early-down carries and goal-line work.
Kaleb Johnson, Steelers: The Steelers drafted Johnson to potentially be their lead back, signaling a change after Najee Harris. Johnson offers big-play ability and efficiency. He’s projected as an RB2/3 with the potential for more if he establishes himself as the primary ball carrier over Jaylen Warren.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jaguars: Tuten joins a backfield with Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby. While Etienne’s performance dipped last season, Tuten’s college efficiency suggests he could compete for touches and be an upside flier, especially if he carves out a significant role.
Cam Skattebo, Giants: Skattebo, a volume monster in college with three-down capabilities, could become the Giants’ workhorse. He showed well in yards after contact and receiving metrics, making him a strong RB3/flex with potential to climb into the top 15 running backs if he commands the majority of touches over Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Trevor Etienne, Panthers: Etienne is an explosive playmaker with excellent speed and receiving ability, showcasing big-play potential throughout his college career. He joins a Panthers team where he’ll compete with veterans Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle for touches.
Woody Marks, Texans: Marks is an older prospect who produced consistently in college. He could be a late-round dynasty sleeper, especially if he finds a role in the Texans’ offense.
Jarquez Hunter, Rams: Hunter possesses the skills to be a high-upside handcuff behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. His college efficiency in yards per rush and broken tackles suggests he could become a significant factor if given the opportunity and has dynasty appeal.
Dylan Sampson, Browns: Sampson is an explosive, albeit smaller, back with a knack for big plays. Being one of two running backs selected by the Browns certainly caps off his ceiling.
Jordan James, 49ers: James is a physical runner with short-area quickness and goal-line effectiveness. Projected as a mid-to-late round draft pick, his fantasy value will depend on his role within the 49ers’ system.
Jaydon Blue, Cowboys: Blue has impressive speed and receiving skills. With Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders on one-year deals, Blue has a favorable path to potentially becoming the lead back in his rookie season, especially in PPR formats.
DJ Giddens, Colts: Giddens is a well-rounded back with good size and receiving ability. He’s considered a potential Day 3 steal in the NFL draft and could offer value in dynasty leagues, particularly if he finds a clear role in the Colts’ backfield.
Ollie Gordon II, Dolphins: After a dominant sophomore season followed by a dip in production, Gordon is an intriguing prospect with size and explosiveness. His dynasty value will depend on whether he can recapture his earlier form at the NFL level.
Devin Neal, Saints: Neal will compete with Kendre Miller for the RB2 spot behind Alvin Kamara. Unless Kamara misses time, Neal’s redraft value is limited to being a potential handcuff. But if he proves himself capable of handling a workload, he could have dynasty value.
Kalel Mullings, Titans: Mullings is a physical, downhill runner drafted in the sixth round. He has a chance to be the RB3 for the Titans and is a deep dynasty league add, especially in leagues that reward rushing attempts.
Tahj Brooks, Bengals: Brooks is known for his powerful running style and ability to break tackles, consistently churning out yardage in college. He joins a Bengals backfield looking for a strong complement to Chase Brown but will have his work cut out for him to fill that role as a grinder.
Damien Martinez, Seahawks: Martinez is a power runner with good vision as a Day 3 pick. Unless Ken Walker gets traded or leaves when his contract is up, the path to fantasy relevance is narrow for Martinez.
Brashard Smith, Chiefs: Smith is a seventh-round pick with explosive speed. He could become a target in the Chiefs’ backfield and is a player to watch in PPR formats.
Kyle Monangai, Bears: Monangai is a physical back with good burst and zero career fumbles in college. His fantasy value will depend on whether the Bears add an additional veteran running back this offseason, but he could be a mid-to-late round dynasty rookie pick.
LeQuint Allen, Jaguars: Allen has shown receiving ability and could be utilized in the screen game under Liam Coen. While currently behind Tuten, his role in Coen’s offense makes him a noteworthy player for fantasy consideration as a deep, dark horse sleeper.
Phil Mafah, Cowboys: Mafah was a late-round pick for the Cowboys and currently projects as a third-string running back. His path to fantasy relevance appears challenging in the short term.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Commanders: Croskey-Merritt had a productive 2023 season and possesses good metrics in yards per attempt and missed tackles forced. As a seventh-round pick, he could be a late-round dynasty sleeper who might compete for a role in the Commanders’ backfield.