1. Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
- NFL Team: Las Vegas Raiders
- Draft Pick: 1st Round, 6th Overall
Fantasy Analysis: This is a phenomenal landing spot for Ashton Jeanty. Being drafted at No. 6 overall signifies the Raiders view him as a cornerstone piece of their offense and a true bell-cow back. Head Coach Pete Carroll has historically favored a strong running game, and Jeanty’s versatile skillset as both a runner and receiver fits well into an offense that will likely lean on the ground attack. Expect Jeanty to immediately step into a featured role, offering high-end fantasy production, especially in PPR leagues due to his pass-catching ability. This is arguably the best possible outcome for his fantasy value among all the running backs in this class.
2. Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)
- NFL Team: Los Angeles Chargers
- Draft Pick: 1st Round, 22nd Overall
Fantasy Analysis: Landing with the Los Angeles Chargers is a very good situation for Omarion Hampton. The Chargers, under Jim Harbaugh, have a physical, run-heavy identity. While the Chargers did add Najee Harris in free agency, drafting Hampton in the first round suggests they envision him playing a significant role, potentially even as the lead back in a thunder-and-lightning type of backfield with Harris. Hampton’s power and vision should be a good fit for Harbaugh’s scheme. The presence of Harris caps his immediate ceiling slightly compared to a situation where he’d be the undisputed lead back, but the overall expected volume of the running game in Los Angeles makes this a promising spot for fantasy production.
3. Treveyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
- NFL Team: New England Patriots
- Draft Pick: 2nd Round, 38th Overall
Fantasy Analysis: Treveyon Henderson joining the New England Patriots in the second round presents a mixed fantasy outlook. The Patriots’ backfield lacks a clear lead back, offering an opportunity for significant touches. Henderson will compete with Rhamondre Stevenson for touches, but I could see Rhamondre becoming a 3rd down specialist and Henderson being the early down back. The Patriots’ offense has been a question mark, particularly at quarterback (We’ll see how Drake Maye can progress in Year 2). Henderson has the talent to be a lead back, possessing explosive playmaking ability. His fantasy value will heavily depend on the overall improvement of the Patriots’ offense. He should see a substantial workload, which is a positive for fantasy, but the efficiency of that workload might be limited by the surrounding talent and offensive scheme. He has RB2 upside with potential for more if the offense exceeds expectations.
4. Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
- NFL Team: Cleveland Browns
- Draft Pick: 2nd Round, 36th Overall
Fantasy Analysis: Quinshon Judkins heading to the Cleveland Browns in the early second round is an interesting development. The Browns still have Nick Chubb, but his status after a significant injury is a question mark, and Jerome Ford is also on the roster (They also drafted Dylan Sampson in the 4th Round, Pick 126). Drafting Judkins at this spot indicates the Browns are planning for the future at the position and likely want to ease Chubb back while creating a formidable committee. Judkins is a powerful, no-nonsense runner who fits the Browns’ desired identity. His immediate fantasy value is somewhat suppressed by the presence of Chubb, Ford, and Sampson, but he has the talent to earn a significant share of the carries and could be in line for a lead role down the line. He’s a good dynasty asset with potential RB 2 appeal in redraft leagues depending on how the backfield snaps shake out.
5. RJ Harvey (RB, UCF)
- NFL Team: Denver Broncos
- Draft Pick: 2nd Round, 60th Overall
Fantasy Analysis: RJ Harvey landing with the Denver Broncos in the second round puts him in a backfield that was somewhat in flux in 2024. While Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime are on the depth chart, drafting Harvey in the second round suggests the Broncos see him as a significant piece of their future. Head Coach Sean Payton has a history of utilizing multiple backs effectively. Harvey’s explosive playmaking ability could make him a valuable asset in Payton’s offense. While it might be a committee approach initially, Harvey has the talent and draft capital to earn a substantial role and potentially emerge as the lead back, giving him solid RB 2 fantasy upside.
6. Kaleb Johnson (RB, Iowa)
- NFL Team: Pittsburgh Steelers
- Draft Pick: 3rd Round, 83rd Overall
Fantasy Analysis: Kaleb Johnson landing with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third round places him in a backfield currently led by Jaylen Warren after the departure of Najee Harris. This creates a clear path for Johnson to potentially earn significant touches alongside Warren. The Steelers have historically been a team that utilizes their running backs. Johnson’s size and running style could complement Warren’s skillset. While Warren will likely retain a significant role, Johnson has an opportunity to carve out a valuable share of the carries, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations, giving him fantasy relevance, likely as a flex option with upside if he excels.
7. Cam Skattebo (RB, Arizona State)
- NFL Team: New York Giants
- Draft Pick: 4th Round, 105th Overall
Fantasy Analysis: Cam Skattebo joining the New York Giants in the fourth round presents an opportunity for him to compete for touches. Tyrone Tracy emerged last year as a viable running back, but New York using a 4th round selection on Skattebo suggests that he could take over the backfield eventually. Skattebo’s versatile skillset, including his ability to run with power and contribute as a receiver, could make him a valuable change-of-pace or situational back for the Giants. His fantasy value will be tied to how quickly he can earn the trust of the coaching staff and carve out a consistent role behind Tracy. He’s likely a late-round fantasy draft pick with potential for sporadic fantasy-relevant weeks depending on game script and his usage.
8. Dylan Sampson (RB, Tennessee)
- NFL Team: Cleveland Browns
- Draft Pick: 4th Round, 126th Overall
Fantasy Analysis: Dylan Sampson also being drafted by the Cleveland Browns, after Quinshon Judkins, makes their backfield quite crowded. As mentioned with Judkins, the Browns have Nick Chubb and Jerome Ford. Adding both Judkins and Sampson suggests a committee approach is likely, and perhaps they were planning for various scenarios with Chubb’s health and future. Sampson is a speedy and explosive back, offering a different dynamic than Judkins and Ford. His fantasy value is hurt by the sheer number of competent backs on the roster. He will likely need to impress in a complementary role or benefit from injuries to have significant fantasy relevance in his rookie season.
9. Devin Neal (RB, Kansas)
- NFL Team: New Orleans Saints
- Draft Pick: 6th Round, 184th Overall
Fantasy Analysis: Devin Neal being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round is a less ideal landing spot for immediate fantasy production. The Saints currently have Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller on the roster. Neal has a very similar profile to Kamara. He is great at both receiving and running the football. The sixth-round pick faces an uphill battle to significant touches in the near term. Neal’s college production was impressive, but the draft capital and the current depth chart make him a long shot for immediate fantasy impact. He’s likely a dynasty stash candidate who will need to prove his worth on special teams and in limited opportunities to earn a larger role down the line.
10. Ollie Gordon II (RB, Oklahoma State)
- NFL Team: Miami Dolphins
- Draft Pick: 6th Round, 179th Overall
Fantasy Analysis: Ollie Gordon II going to the Miami Dolphins in the sixth round is a challenging spot for immediate fantasy value. The Dolphins have a dynamic backfield led by De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright, and Alexander Mattison also on the roster. While Gordon was a highly productive college back, the depth and talent ahead of him on the Dolphins’ depth chart make it difficult to envision a significant workload in his rookie season. He will likely need to contribute on special teams and wait for an opportunity due to injury or a change in the depth chart to become fantasy relevant. He’s a player to monitor for the future, but his redraft fantasy value is minimal right out of the gate.
