2025 Rookie Running Back Rankings

1. Jonathon Brooks, Carolina Panthers

Despite coming off an ACL tear that ended his final season at Texas prematurely, Brooks landed in an ideal situation as the 33rd overall pick to the Panthers. Our Assistant Coach analysis projects him as the clear lead back in Carolina, with minimal competition from veterans Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders.

Brooks' college profile suggests three-down potential, as he demonstrated excellent receiving ability (25 receptions in just 9 games during his final season) and pass protection skills at Texas. His combination of size (6'0", 216 lbs) and explosiveness (4.46 40-yard dash) gives him the physical tools to handle a significant workload at the NFL level.

The Panthers' investment of a high second-round pick signals their intention to feature Brooks prominently, and new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey's history suggests a commitment to establishing the run. While Brooks may be eased in early as he completes his ACL recovery, our projection model forecasts him taking over the lead role by Week 3 or 4, with RB2 upside for the season and legitimate RB1 potential in the second half.

Currently being drafted as the RB24 in early best ball drafts, Brooks offers excellent value with a clear path to 15+ touches per game in an improved Carolina offense.

2. Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals

Benson lands at #2 in our rookie rankings despite being the fifth running back selected in the NFL draft (56th overall). What sets him apart is his landing spot in Arizona, where he joins a backfield with aging veteran James Conner and little established depth behind him.

Our film study of Benson at Florida State reveals a complete back with excellent vision, contact balance, and surprising receiving ability for his size (6'1", 216 lbs). His athletic testing was equally impressive, with a 4.39 40-yard dash and elite explosion metrics at the combine.

While Conner figures to open the season as the starter, his injury history (he's missed at least two games in six of his seven NFL seasons) and age (30 when the season begins) suggest Benson will have opportunities sooner rather than later. The Cardinals' investment of a late second-round pick indicates they view Benson as their back of the future.

Arizona's offense showed significant improvement in the second half of 2024 under Kyler Murray, and the addition of Marvin Harrison Jr. should prevent defenses from stacking the box. Our projection model forecasts Benson for 150+ touches even if Conner stays healthy, with RB1 upside if he takes over the lead role at any point.

Currently being drafted as the RB32, Benson offers tremendous upside relative to his draft position, making him an ideal target in the middle rounds.

3. Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams

Corum lands in an intriguing situation with the Rams, who selected him 83rd overall to complement incumbent starter Kyren Williams. While Williams established himself as a fantasy RB1 last season, Sean McVay's history suggests he prefers a committee approach when he has multiple talented backs available.

Our Assistant Coach analysis of Corum's college tape reveals a compact, powerful runner (5'8", 205 lbs) with excellent vision and contact balance. His production at Michigan was elite, with 1,245 yards and 27 touchdowns in his final season despite facing stacked boxes regularly.

The primary question for Corum's rookie value is his projected role. Williams handled 70% of the Rams' running back touches when healthy last season, but he wore down late in the year and missed time with injuries. Our projection model forecasts Corum for 8-10 touches per game initially, with a focus on short-yardage and goal-line work that could make him a touchdown-dependent flex option even in a secondary role.

The real upside comes if Williams misses time, as Corum would likely step into a featured role in one of the league's more running back-friendly offenses. Currently being drafted as the RB38, Corum represents solid value with week-winning upside if he becomes the starter at any point.

4. MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay Packers

Lloyd was one of the biggest winners of the NFL Draft, landing with the Packers as the 88th overall pick and joining a backfield in transition. With Aaron Jones departing for Minnesota and Josh Jacobs arriving as the presumed starter, Lloyd has a clear path to the complementary role in Matt LaFleur's running back-friendly offense.

Our film study of Lloyd at USC reveals an explosive athlete with home-run speed (4.37 40-yard dash) and surprising power for his size (5'9", 220 lbs). His receiving ability is particularly intriguing for fantasy purposes, as he showed natural hands and route-running skills that could translate to immediate third-down work in Green Bay.

While Jacobs figures to handle the majority of early-down work, his efficiency has declined in recent years, and the Packers have consistently utilized multiple backs under LaFleur. Our projection model forecasts Lloyd for 8-12 touches per game as a rookie, with particular value in PPR formats due to his receiving upside.

The long-term outlook is even more promising, as Jacobs signed just a two-year deal, potentially positioning Lloyd as the Packers' running back of the future. Currently being drafted as the RB42, Lloyd offers excellent value in the late rounds, particularly in dynasty formats.

5. Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Irving lands in a crowded but uncertain backfield in Tampa Bay, where he'll compete with Rachaad White and Sean Tucker for touches. Selected 89th overall, Irving brings a different skill set than the Bucs' existing backs, with elite agility and receiving ability that could carve out an immediate role.

Our Assistant Coach analysis of Irving's college tape at Oregon shows a dynamic playmaker who excels in space and as a receiver (54 receptions in his final two seasons). While his size (5'9", 192 lbs) limits his potential as an every-down back, his explosiveness and elusiveness make him a threat to break big plays whenever he touches the ball.

White struggled with efficiency in 2024 (3.6 yards per carry), creating an opportunity for Irving to earn more work than a typical third-round rookie. Our projection model forecasts a committee approach in Tampa Bay, with Irving handling 8-10 touches per game initially, focused primarily on passing situations and as a change-of-pace option.

The upside scenario involves Irving's efficiency forcing a larger role as the season progresses, similar to how De'Von Achane emerged in Miami last year. Currently being drafted as the RB45, Irving represents a high-upside dart throw in the late rounds, particularly in PPR formats.

6. Jaylen Wright, Miami Dolphins

Wright lands in one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL, joining the Dolphins as the 120th overall pick. While the presence of Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane limits his immediate path to touches, Wright's elite speed (4.38 40-yard dash) and big-play ability make him an intriguing stash in Mike McDaniel's running back-friendly system.

Our film study of Wright at Tennessee reveals a home-run hitter with exceptional burst and long speed. His 7.4 yards per carry in his final college season demonstrates his explosiveness, though his limited receiving production (20 career receptions) raises questions about his three-down potential.

The immediate outlook depends largely on health, as both Mostert (33 years old) and Achane (missed 6 games in 2024) have durability concerns. Our projection model forecasts Wright for a limited role early, but with significant upside if injuries create opportunity. The Dolphins' offense generated the second-most running back fantasy points in 2024, making any back with a significant role valuable for fantasy.

Currently going undrafted in many leagues, Wright represents a high-upside lottery ticket worth considering with your final pick, particularly in best ball formats where his week-winning potential carries more value.

7. Audric Estimé, Denver Broncos

Estimé joins a Broncos backfield in transition after the departure of Javonte Williams, landing in Denver as the 147th overall pick. While the Broncos signed veteran Samaje Perine and return Jaleel McLaughlin, neither profiles as a true lead back, creating opportunity for the rookie.

Our Assistant Coach analysis of Estimé's college tape at Notre Dame shows a powerful, downhill runner with excellent size (5'11", 221 lbs) and surprising burst for his build. His limited receiving production (27 career receptions) suggests he may be a two-down back initially, but his physical running style could make him valuable in short-yardage and goal-line situations.

New offensive coordinator Mike Kafka comes from Kansas City, where the Chiefs have typically employed a committee approach. Our projection model forecasts a similar situation in Denver, with Estimé potentially handling early downs, McLaughlin working as the change-of-pace option, and Perine handling passing situations.

While this committee caps his immediate ceiling, Estimé's physical profile and draft capital suggest he could emerge as the leader of this backfield by midseason. Currently going undrafted in most formats, he represents a solid late-round flier with RB3/flex upside if he secures the early-down role.

8. Kimani Vidal, Los Angeles Chargers

Vidal lands in an intriguing situation with the Chargers, who selected him 181st overall to join a backfield led by veteran J.K. Dobbins. New head coach Jim Harbaugh's run-heavy approach creates potential opportunity, though Vidal faces competition from Gus Edwards and Isaiah Spiller for backup duties.

Our film study of Vidal at Troy reveals a productive, well-rounded back who excels between the tackles despite his modest size (5'8", 213 lbs). His college production was impressive (1,661 yards, 14 TDs in his final season), though the level of competition raises some questions about how his game will translate to the NFL.

The immediate outlook depends largely on Dobbins' health, as the former Raven has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Our projection model forecasts Vidal as the RB3 initially, but with potential to climb the depth chart if he impresses in training camp or if injuries create opportunity.

Harbaugh's history suggests he'll utilize multiple backs, creating a path for Vidal to earn 5-8 touches per game even in a backup role. Currently going undrafted in most formats, he represents a deep sleeper worth monitoring in training camp, particularly in deeper leagues.

9. Ray Davis, Buffalo Bills

Davis joins a Bills backfield in transition after the departure of Devin Singletary, landing in Buffalo as the 128th overall pick. While the Bills signed veteran Ty Johnson and return James Cook, Davis brings a physical running style that could earn him a complementary role immediately.

Our Assistant Coach analysis of Davis' college tape at Kentucky shows a tough, determined runner with good contact balance and surprising receiving ability (32 receptions in his final season). His age (25 as a rookie) is a concern for dynasty formats, but his NFL-ready skill set could lead to immediate playing time.

Cook established himself as the lead back in Buffalo last season but has never handled a full workload at the NFL level. Our projection model forecasts Davis as the primary backup, with potential to handle short-yardage and goal-line work in an offense that should provide plenty of scoring opportunities.

The Bills' offense has consistently supported fantasy-relevant running backs, and offensive coordinator Joe Brady showed a willingness to utilize multiple backs last season. Currently going undrafted in most formats, Davis represents a solid handcuff for Cook managers and a deep sleeper worth monitoring in training camp.

10. Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants

Tracy lands in a crowded but unproven Giants backfield as the 166th overall pick. While Devin Singletary was signed to be the presumed starter, his one-year deal and journeyman status leave the door open for Tracy to earn playing time if he impresses in training camp.

Our film study of Tracy at Purdue reveals an intriguing prospect with excellent athleticism (4.48 40-yard dash) and a unique background, having converted from wide receiver to running back late in his college career. This position switch explains his limited production but also highlights his receiving upside, which could help him earn third-down work early in his career.

The Giants' offense remains a work in progress, but new offensive coordinator Carmen Bricillo comes from Las Vegas, where the Raiders frequently utilized multiple backs. Our projection model forecasts Tracy as the RB3 initially behind Singletary and Eric Gray, but with potential to climb the depth chart as he develops.

Tracy's receiving ability and athleticism make him an intriguing stash in deeper leagues and dynasty formats. Currently going undrafted in most redraft leagues, he represents a deep sleeper worth monitoring in training camp and preseason.