2025 Rookie RB Preview (Fantasy Football)

Andy, Mike, and Jason broke down their scouting process for the top rookie RBs in the 2025 NFL Draft during this week’s podcast. With teams like the Raiders, Saints, Bears, Cowboys, Broncos, Steelers, Chargers, and Chiefs all in the market for RB help, the timing couldn’t be better—this year’s draft is loaded with talent at the position. Jason even goes as far as declaring that six players in this class are better than last year’s top rookie RB. Let’s dive straight into their fantasy outlook for these prospects.

For a more in-depth look at each prospect, check out our Rookie Profile series, going on until the 2025 NFL Draft. For more on each rookie, check out Andy, Mike, and Jason’s exclusive rookie rankings and production profiles found only in the Dynasty Pass, part of the UDK+ for 2025.

Ashton Jeanty– RB, Boise State

Ashton Jeanty is the guy in this rookie class, and it’s not even close. He dominated at his pro day, but honestly, the tape already told us everything we needed to know—this dude is electric. Jeanty forced an incredible 151 missed tackles last season, racked up 77 explosive runs of 10+ yards, and was the only RB in the class to average over 2 yards per team play—nearly three. His production profile is one of the best we’ve seen in years, totaling over 2,600 rushing yards and 29 TDs last season. He broke out at just 18 years old, and his balance, tackle-breaking ability, and highlight-reel runs make him a potential legend in the making.

RB Ashton Jeanty

Tackle breaking machine
Contact balance
Sneaky good receiving profile

This man is quite good at football! My first rookie profile of the 2025 NFL Draft season https://t.co/d3CErE35uw

— Matthew Betz (@TheFantasyPT) February 21, 2025

The only knock? He played at Boise State, meaning he didn’t face elite competition week in and week out. Even so, NFL teams aren’t overlooking him—he’s projected as a top-15 pick in the NFL Draft, and in rookie drafts, he’s the clear 1.01, even in SuperFlex formats. Jeanty checks every box, and his upside is undeniable.

Omarion Hampton– RB, North Carolina

Omarion Hampton is a bigger back than Ashton Jeanty and has the tools to be a true three-down workhorse in the NFL. Andy loved what he saw in the film and believes Hampton’s skill set will translate well to the next level. He’s a capable pass-catcher, strong in pass protection, and a reliable goal-line back—traits that will keep him on the field in all situations. His production speaks for itself, joining an elite ACC club of players with consecutive seasons of 1,500 rushing yards and 15 TDs, a list that includes Lamar Jackson, Dalvin Cook, and Travis Etienne.

The main concern? Hampton runs a bit upright, which could limit his power at the next level (Andy compared him to Arian Foster). Mike isn’t completely sold on him, believing his NFL landing spot will be a major factor in his fantasy outlook. However, if he secures first-round draft capital, he belongs in the same fantasy tier as Jeanty.

TreVeyon Henderson– RB, Ohio State

TreVeyon Henderson is an absolute demon on the field—Mike felt the same butterflies watching him as he did with Jahmyr Gibbs. He’s the type of player who could shock people with his draft capital and take any touch to the house. Henderson has multiple 90-yard-plus rushing TDs on his résumé, showcases strong hands in the receiving game, and brings elite quick-twitch explosiveness to his runs.

Now, his production isn’t quite on the same level as Jeanty or Hampton, but he shared the backfield with Quinshon Judkins, who’s also a highly-rated prospect. Having two NFL-caliber backs on the same team isn’t new—just look at Nick Chubb and Sony Michel at Georgia. One stat in Henderson’s favor? Zero fumbles in the last two seasons. At 202 pounds, Andy does have some concerns about how he’ll fit into an NFL system, but honestly, his talent is undeniable. His landing spot will be key, but wherever he goes, he’s got the upside to make an impact.

Quinshon Judkins– RB, Ohio State

Quinshon Judkins is as solid as they come—he’s a big back at 6’0”, 219 pounds, and built to handle a full workload. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry last season, found the end zone consistently, and only had one fumble all year. Then, he went to the NFL Combine and totally crushed it, showing he’s got the athleticism to back up his production.

With that being said, the next tier has 4 RBs graded very similarly – all within 1 to 2 percentage points:

• Kaleb Johnson
• Omarion Hampton
• Quinshon Judkins
• TreVeyon Henderson

Even the RB5 in this class has a chance to be an impactful producer in the NFL

[4 of 7]

— Marvin Elequin (@FF_MarvinE) February 1, 2025

Judkins is a power back, which has been a successful role in the NFL. Think of Nick Chubb—he was drafted a round later than Sony Michel. Judkins could follow a similar path, bringing a tough, physical style that should translate well to the next level. Whether he sneaks into the first round or goes on Day 2, he’s got the tools to be a real fantasy asset.

Kaleb Johnson- RB, Iowa

Kaleb Johnson may not have lit up the combine, but his production at Iowa speaks for itself. Despite a slow 40 time, his game speed tells a different story—he hit 22 mph last season and ripped off a 75-yard TD run, proving he has legitimate breakaway ability. He’s a patient runner, sometimes to a fault, as he waits for holes to open. But once he gets going, he’s a locomotive—hard to stop and even harder to catch.

Johnson finished fourth in the country in yards after contact, showcasing his ability to churn out tough yards. He does run a bit upright for a back of his size, which could be a concern at the next level, but his blend of power and long speed makes him an intriguing prospect. He may not have superstar upside, but he has the tools to be a productive NFL starter, especially in the right system.

Cam Skattebo– RB, Arizona State

Cam Skattebo is one of the most interesting guys in this draft class. He was a zero-star recruit, bounced around a bit, and didn’t have the high school hype, but he let his game do the talking. Last season, he racked up 1,700 rushing yards and 600 receiving yards, showing how versatile and dominant he can be. He was basically Arizona State’s offense. He doesn’t exactly look like a bruiser, but trust me, Skattebo runs with some serious attitude. He lowers his shoulder and continuously runs through defenders. Mike even thought his jump cut looked like it was taking him two and a half years, but somehow, it always worked.

Skattewho? Skattewhat?
Skattebo. Cam Skattebo.

Incredible contact balance
Solid pass-catching
Never afraid to run into contact
Just call him General Traag, according to @FFHitman

Check out my latest rookie profile for @TheFFBallers on ASU RB Cam Skattebo.…

— Julia_Papworth (@juliapapworth) March 28, 2025

The big question is whether the NFL buys into him. If a team picks him early, he could be a fantasy gem. But if he slips to the later rounds, he might struggle to stay relevant. He’s a total wild card, but if the right team sees the potential, he’s worth taking a shot on.

The 2025 RB class is shaping up to be one of the best we’ve seen in years, with a mix of high-end talent, versatility, and upside. The key question for fantasy managers? Draft capital and landing spots. If these backs land in the right situations, we could be looking at a historic rookie RB class.

We used the UDK+ opportunity charts to see which teams provide the best landing spots for the incoming rookie running backs.

There are a few different “types” of landing spots… a thread pic.twitter.com/eL5e0s3xKD

— Fantasy Footballers (@TheFFBallers) April 2, 2025

For now, all eyes are on the NFL Draft to see which teams invest heavily and who might slip through the cracks.  Keep following the Rookie Profile Series and the Dynasty Pass for the latest updates as we get closer to draft day.