Fantasy
1/24/25
6 min read
2025 Dynasty Fantasy Football: Initial Rookie Running Back Rankings
It’s been a while since we’ve had an incoming rookie class at the running back position like this. And we surely need it as the free-agent market might be the worst in recent memory. However, the 2025 NFL Draft could give 10-12 running backs who end up being selected in the first three rounds. And that should greatly restock the position in our dynasty leagues.
But which running backs could sneak into the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft? And who could wind up being the biggest value in the group? Here are our initial running back rankings for our dynasty leagues heading into the offseason:
Early Dynasty Fantasy Football RB Rankings
1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State 
Ashton Jeanty is the clear-cut RB1 in this class and has a real chance to be a top-15 selection. The only real question is just how good of a prospect Jeanty is. Playing at Boise State does make things more difficult to project, but many draft analysts believe he is on the same tier as Bijan Robinson as a prospect.
Jeanty racked up 1,889 yards after contact this season, more than any other player had total during the 2024 College Football season. His superpower is his ability to absorb contact and churn out more yards than anyone else in the class.
There are some optimal landing spots in that range for him, as well, including the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. Jeanty projects as a workhorse back in the NFL who should quickly establish himself as one of the most valuable assets in dynasty leagues.
2. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa 
It’s not unusual to see multiple running backs selected in Round 1, and Kaleb Johnson could be the “other” back who gets picked in the first round. Johnson led the Big Ten in rushing yards (1,537) and touchdowns (21) this year, averaging 6.4 yards per carry. He is not a top-tier athlete, but he was built to be a workhorse back in the NFL, and that should translate to a lot of touches immediately.
He is a no-nonsense runner, and teams like the Commanders, Chiefs, Texans, and Vikings could be interested in him during the back half of the first round. Teams that like players from big programs, such as Iowa, might be more inclined to wait and take Johnson than to pick Jeanty.
If Johnson lands at the back end of Round 1 to a playoff contender, it's feasible to think he could close the gap between him and Jeanty in our dynasty rankings moving forward.
3. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina 
Omarion Hampton is not the most elusive or dynamic runner in this class, but he’s got the ideal running back frame and shows good vision and patience. He led the ACC in rushing yards in each of the last two seasons and projects as a between-the-tackle grinder in the NFL.
He improved as a receiver each year at North Carolina (38 receptions in 2024), and that will certainly help his draft stock. Look for Hampton to be an early second-round pick and go to a team that wants to improve their physicality on offense. Don't be surprised if some draft analysts and dynasty players prefer Hampton over Johnson in their rankings.
4. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
If it weren’t for several lower-body injuries during the last few years, TreVeyon Henderson could be No. 2 on this list. And depending on his landing spot, it’s still possible.
Henderson is an incredible athlete with good size, and his ability to play all three downs makes him a fantastic prospect. Henderson should come off the board early on Day 2 and his home-run speed makes him a fantastic target if you miss out on the top three names on this list.
5. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
Quinshon Judkins produced big numbers at Ole Miss and Ohio State, racking up at least 1,200 yards and 16+ touchdowns in each of the past three seasons.
While his overall numbers were down in 2024, he scored five touchdowns in the final two games of the College Football Playoffs. Judkins isn’t the most dynamic running back, but he is incredibly productive, and his physical running style will endear him to teams on Day 2.
6. Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
Dylan Sampson’s value is all over the place, but he has game-breaking speed and should be picked sometime on Day 2. He played behind Jaylen Wright in 2023 seasons but racked up more than 1,600 yards from scrimmage and scored 22 touchdowns as a starter this year.
With only 462 career college touches, Sampson is entering the NFL with a lot of tread left on the tire. Look for Sampson to be a big pre-draft riser this offseason.
7. Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
At this time last year, Ollie Gordon II was viewed as a potential first-round pick and arguably the best running back in the class. Gordon has fantastic size (6-foot-1, 225) and is expected to run in the mid 4.5s, which is more than fine for a feature back.
Still, his production took a massive hit in 2024, and he suffered injuries that could hurt his draft stock. Gordon has a chance to bounce back and improve his value with a strong Senior Bowl performance and pre-draft process.
8. Devin Neal, Kansas
Devin Neal has been incredibly productive for Kansas during the last three seasons, racking up more than 3,600 rushing yards and 41 rushing touchdowns.
During that span, he averaged a whopping 6.0 yards per carry and was among the most productive backs in the nation. While he doesn’t have great size, Neal could be the lead back of a committee that prioritizes big plays and playmaking in the passing game.
9. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
Football fans around the world fell in love with Cam Skattebo during the College Football Playoffs, as he nearly willed Arizona State to a win against Texas. His effort and heart are unmatched, but his physical talents are below average for an NFL starter.
He’ll still have a role in the NFL, but for our purposes, he won’t be incredibly useful as he’s likely to be stuck in a running back by committee for much of his career.
10. Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
Teams searching for their “David Montgomery” could have an interest in Tahj Brooks, who is expected to weigh in at 230 pounds at the NFL Combine.
While his top-end speed is below average, he has excellent contact balance and makes a living dragging defenders for an extra yard or two. Brooks' game is nothing flashy, but he is a useful back similar to Tyler Allgeier.
11. RJ Harvey, UCF 
RJ Harvey is one of the shortest backs in the class (listed at 5-foot-9), but his shiftiness and explosion make him the perfect change-of-pace back in the NFL. His ability to make defenders miss in open space is what will make him a top-125 pick and could allow him to see the field early during his rookie season.
Harvey will need to improve his pass protection before he can earn a bigger role, but he is a talented and productive back that we need to keep an eye on during the draft process.
12. Kalel Mullings, Michigan
Once you get past the top six or seven names on this list, landing spot and draft capital will decide most of the dynasty values for these backs. Mullings is an intriguing Day 3 running back, as he had just 50 total carries in his first four seasons at Michigan.
But in Year 5, he outplayed and outproduced Donovan Edwards, rushing for 948 yards and 12 touchdowns. Mullings is one of the biggest running backs in this class (233 pounds) and could be the ideal fit for teams searching for a physical north-south runner.
