As fantasy drafts are approaching, every owner is searching for their game-changing rookie to draft. Only one person will be lucky enough to select Ashton Jeanty in the first round, so who are the other reliable rookies to look for? Here is a list of three rookie running backs that bring significant value to any fantasy team.
As he enters the Big Apple for his rookie season, Cameron Skattebo finds himself third on the depth chart with a lot of work to do to move up the ladder. As fantasy owners saw last season, Tyrone Tracy Jr. proved that rookie running backs can bring significant value coming from the New York Giants system. Being third on the depth chart behind Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary, it may result in a slower start for this rookie’s season. Once Skattebo gets the ball rolling, he will exceed his 2025 projections.
In 2025, Skattebo is projected to have 630 rushing yards with four touchdowns. Being known as a downhill runner, he will primarily be used in short-yardage and goal-line situations at the beginning of the season. Don’t be surprised; once he makes a few big plays, he will be moved into the primary backup role behind Tracy Jr., which will increase Skattebo’s playing time and showcase the rest of his dynamic skills.
Selected on average as the 33rd running back and 97th overall pick in fantasy drafts, Skattebo offers significant value at a low cost. If he can be drafted anytime after the tenth round, it will be a steal for any fantasy owner. Once he shows the organization that he deserves the ball more than Singletary, Skattebo will beat his 2025 projection and finish the year with over 700 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
After being selected by the Denver Broncos in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, RJ Harvey is set to take the role of the starting running back. Rushing for over 1,400 yards in consecutive college seasons and leading the Big 12 conference in rushing touchdowns and yards per attempt in 2024, it’s no surprise that he was given the starting role. Instead of starting J.K. Dobbins, Audric Estime, or Jaleel McLaughlin, the Broncos are ready to see what this rookie can do.
On paper, Harvey is set to be the starting running back for the organization, but in Sean Payton’s past offenses, multiple running backs have always been utilized. Denver’s backfield will likely employ a running back by committee approach, with Harvey leading the charge and Dobbins being the primary backup. This could be a downside of drafting Harvey at first glance, but in fact, it will help his production by taking the pressure off this rookie and allowing him to play to his strengths. If Payton can use this dual-threat running back correctly, Harvey will exceed his 2025 projections of 700 rushing yards, 4.8 touchdowns, and 230 receiving yards.
Rated as the 24th running back and being drafted on average as the 63rd overall pick, Harvey will be drafted in most 12-man leagues in the sixth round. Being drafted as a sixth-round pick, given his high ceiling coming into the season, is a steal in this round and provides fantasy owners with a solid flex starter from week one. If he can take this opportunity as the starting running back and secure it early in the season, he will break his projections and end the season with over 800 rushing yards and 300 receiving yards.
As the second-best running back in the 2025 NFL draft behind Jeanty, Omarion Hampton was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers with the 22nd overall pick in the first round. Coming into this season, he was set to take the primary backup position behind Najee Harris. After a freak fourth of July injury, though, that is leaving Harris’ season in jeopardy, Hampton is set to be the starting running back until Harris returns.
Currently, Hampton is projected to rush for 899 yards and score 7.6 touchdowns. If Harris doesn’t return from his injury before week one, his absence will likely cause these numbers to increase significantly. For now, Hampton is expected to be a strong running back two option for fantasy owners, projected to have a 55% to 45% split in carries in his favor compared to Harris. As the season progresses, these percentages will shift further in his favor once Hampton demonstrates to the organization that he is a better version of Harris. Being 221 pounds at 6’1, having breakaway speed, and the toughness to run through defenders, Hampton will excel in his rookie season.
Being drafted on average as the 45th overall pick and being rated as the 17th overall running back coming into 2025 seems like a steal with Hampton’s current situation. Before the Harris injury, Hampton was set to become the starting running back around the middle of the season. Now, with the chance to take on that role in week one, he has become a must-draft player this year. Currently, on average, a fourth-round pick in fantasy drafts puts him in a position for owners to take a highly sought-after rookie with boundless potential.
Every year, there is a rookie who surprises the world by ending up in an ideal situation and thriving in fantasy football. I expect all three rookie running backs to exceed their projections heading into their first season. The best of the group is Hampton, having the best chance at a 1,000-yard season, but Harvey and Skattebo could take off and hit the mark if the opportunity presents itself.
I would sit back on Skattebo and Harvey and draft them around their projected positions, hoping they fall a round or two below. As for Hampton, I recommend going after him in the third round to secure this dynamic rookie early. With Harris recovering from an eye injury and the Chargers having already drafted a running back early, it’s clear that Hampton is pushing Harris out of the starting position. Now, Hampton has the opportunity to start early this year and prove how well he can perform, bringing significant value to any fantasy football team.
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