Dynasty Rookies to Avoid: Running Backs (2025 Fantasy Football)

Rookie hype runs wild every offseason, but savvy dynasty managers know that not every first-year player is worth the investment. In fact, some of the most talked-about rookies in fantasy football end up being costly mistakes in long-term formats. To help you avoid those traps, we’ve asked our collection of Featured Pros to highlight the overvalued dynasty rookies to avoid heading into the 2025 season. Whether it’s inflated draft capital, poor landing spots, or long-term uncertainty, these players carry more risk than reward based on current market value. Before you lock in your rookie draft picks, make sure to review this expert-driven list to avoid setting your dynasty team back.

Overvalued Dynasty Rookies to Avoid: Running Backs

Who is an overvalued rookie RB based on early rookie rankings that you’ll be avoiding in dynasty drafts and why?

RJ Harvey (RB – DEN)

“For me, it has to be RJ Harvey in Denver, who is ranked as RB6 and 11th overall in SuperFlex drafts. The Broncos have a history of deploying a strong running back by committee. The team used their second-round pick on him, which says a lot, but they still roster Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin. Both RBs averaged over 4 yards per carry last year in limited snaps behind now departed Javonte Williams. Harvey could be the guy, but spending that kind of draft capital seems very risky given what we know.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)

Cam Skattebo (RB – NYG)

“For the most part, I feel the top RBs are being valued appropriately in dynasty rookie drafts. However, there is one RB/WR back-to-back ECR ranking that deserves highlighting: Cam Skattebo versus Jayden Higgins. FWIW, in both rookie drafts I’ve been in, I’ve seen Higgins go after the Arizona State RB. Skattebo was a Day 3 RB selected 105th overall (albeit missed Round 3 by three draft slots), and Higgins was selected 34th overall. “Reaching” for the running back with a clearer path to Year 1 production versus selecting a fringe Round 1 WR tends to be a poor process that doesn’t work out in the long run, especially when that WR is attached to C.J. Stroud.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)

“At the time of this writing, Cam Skattebo is ranked as the 7th best rookie RB, and while that feels appropriate based on the talent in this year’s draft, his long-term outlook is murky. The Giants have Tyrone Tracy reprising his starting role and a Brian Daboll favorite, Devin Singletary, returning as well (though Singletary is a potential cut candidate). It’s possible Skattebo could carve out a role, but he’s more of a plug-and-play type than a 3-down back. Given that skillset, projected usage/competition, limited ceiling, and the Giants offense, I’d much rather snag a Tony Pollard or James Conner type (who currently bookend Cam Skattebo in overall dynasty RB rankings) that I know will have weekly contributions, than draft a forever taxi-squad member in Skattebo.”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)

“Cam Skattebo is a hard-nosed runner, whose greatest strength is his ability to break tackles. The main issue I have is his lack of speed and explosiveness. Cam is downright slow for an RB (forty time 4.65). That might cut it in the Big 12, but not in the NFL, especially when you have to play the defending champion Eagles twice a year, who have Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis clogging the middle. The lack of speed, combined with the Giants’ shaky offensive line, is not a good combo for a player currently ranked at Rookie RB 7, imo. Ringo does love saying his name though…Skattebo!!!”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

Quinshon Judkins (RB – CLE)

“Based on my rankings and slight worries with Quinshon Judkins, I won’t be drafting him much in rookie drafts. The draft capital was great for his outlook, but I still can’t select him before Kaleb Johnson or R.J. Harvey in rookie drafts. The Browns also drafted Dylan Sampson in the fourth round after selecting Judkins, which is telling. Judkins is likely the early down hammer without much pass-game upside. Even as an early down option, I have some lingering concerns with Judkins as a player who has ranked no higher than 82nd in yards after contact per attempt over the last two years (per PFF). I won’t be crying myself to sleep at night after missing out on Judkins.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)

“This is tough because loving the player and hating the situation go right into this. However, it is hard to argue that Quinshon Judkins fell into a mess in Cleveland. While he will have every opportunity to win that job, what kind of offense will Cleveland be in the next few years? Is their QB of the future on their roster currently, and will this coaching administration survive another failed Browns season? There are simply too many questions that need to be answered, and despite the unbelievable talent Judkins possesses, his newfound situation in Cleveland is reason to be out on chasing after him in rookie drafts.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

Omarion Hampton (RB – LAC)

“Omarion Hampton, ranked as the RB2 in 2025 dynasty rookie drafts per, is overvalued due to his likely timeshare with Najee Harris in the Chargers’ backfield, limiting his immediate fantasy impact. His ground-heavy running style lacks the receiving upside prized in PPR leagues, and Greg Roman’s committee-based scheme further clouds his path to a workhorse role. Compared to rookie receivers in the same range with a far higher ceiling, Hampton’s top 5 ADP feels inflated. Dynasty managers should consider pivoting to players with better short-term roles or long-term positional value, like high-upside WRs or TEs, at similar draft costs.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)

Dylan Sampson (RB – CLE)

“Dylan Sampson (RB9 and 23rd overall in the rankings) is someone I have no interest in picking in dynasty rookie drafts. The former Tennessee star landed in a crowded backfield, headlined by second-round pick Quinshon Judkins. Furthermore, Jerome Ford is staying in Cleveland after agreeing to a reworked contract. While he could carve out a secondary role behind Judkins, Sampson doesn’t offer enough upside to be ahead of Elijah Arroyo (24th), Harold Fannin Jr. (31st), and Terrance Ferguson (32nd) in the overall rookie rankings. Furthermore, I would rather take a shot on Jayden Blue (RB10) and Jarquez Hunter (RB13) than draft Sampson.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)