Finding the best value picks is how smart fantasy football managers build championship rosters – and our Featured Pros experts are here to help you do exactly that. In this article, our panel of trusted analysts answers the key question every fantasy football manager asks before draft day: Who is the best value pick at RB based on current ADP, and why?
Whether you’re hunting for under-the-radar steals, proven veterans flying under the radar, or breakout stars ready to smash their draft price, this list will point you toward the players our experts believe are must-draft values for 2025. Let’s dive in and find you some league-winning bargains!
Fantasy Football Value Picks by ADP
Who is the best value pick at RB based on his current half-PPR ADP and why?
Chuba Hubbard (RB – CAR)
“While his selection won’t turn any heads or earn any pats on the back from your leaguemates, Carolina’s Chuba Hubbard is a slam dunk at RB19 and ADP 54. The Panthers are built for the run, with strong interior guards in Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt. Even a modest improvement from Bryce Young and the passing game will significantly enhance offensive efficiency and at least partially offset any potential negative touchdown regression.”
– Matt De Lima (Athlon Sports)
Quinshon Judkins (RB – CLE)
“Based on his current ADP of 74 overall, Quinshon Judkins has to be the best RB value on the board. An explosive bruiser, he has light competition in Jerome Ford and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson for touches, no mobile QB to steal carries, and a less-than-stellar WR room. Cleveland is going to run the ball and Judkins has bell cow written all over him….a late 5 early 6 heist.”
– Steve Anagnos (Double G Sports)
“Quinshon Judkins is undervalued as the RB25 in the ADP. While Aston Jeanty is the clear-cut top running back from the 2025 draft class, Judkins is my second-highest-ranked rookie runner. The Browns’ passing attack could be a nightmare this season because of their quarterback situation, which only helps the former Ohio State star’s fantasy value. Head coach Kevin Stefanski wants a run-heavy offense, especially with limited options at quarterback. Therefore, expect Judkins to be the team’s new Nick Chubb. The veteran averaged 16.7 rushing attempts for 89.6 yards and 16.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game over his last three healthy years in Cleveland. Don’t be surprised if Judkins is the second-highest-scoring rookie running back and finishes the season as a high-end RB2.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
Jaylen Wright (RB – MIA)
“Jaylen Wright is currently going as the RB51 in drafts. The Dolphins traded a 2025 third-round pick to move up and draft the former Tennessee Volunteer in the fourth round of the 2024 draft. Wright is a speed demon who complements De’Von Achane and fits McDaniel’s offence perfectly. Last year, this team was abysmal on the ground, yet Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson Jr., and Wright combined for an average of 16.7 attempts per game. With Mostert now in Vegas, Wright should take a step forward in his second year and take on a majority of those touches. At this point in the draft, it’s rare to find a back that has a path to weekly double carries without an injury ahead of him. This team is primed to have a better rushing attack, and Wright could become a flex option if this offense returns to form.”
– Ellis Johnson (FantasyPros)
Omarion Hampton (RB – LAC)
“Omarion Hampton, aka “The Hammer”, is a battering ram who consistently bounces off would-be tacklers. And unlike many RBs, Omarion is built to be one of the few workhorse backs in the league, combined with his receiving prowess. My only concern is how much of a workload he’ll get this year, but if he takes over the primary role in the RBBC later in the year, he could very well be leading shrewd drafters to fantasy titles. To quote MC Hammer, with his current ADP at RB 17, “It’s Hammer Time!” Ringo’s comp- Hampton reminds me a little of former Steelers’ all-pro RB Barry Foster. Honorable mention for best value pick (RB) by ADP – Kaleb Johnson.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Brian Robinson (RB – WAS)
“Brian Robinson isn’t the most exciting pick on his own, but we can be confident about the favorable offensive situation, Austin Ekeler nearing AARP status, and Robinson being all but guaranteed 200+ touches. He should provide upside RB2 numbers at RB3 prices. If he doesn’t work out, you can easily pivot to a free Jacory Croskey-Meritt in-season.”
– Seth Miller (Crossroads Fantasy Football)
D’Andre Swift (RB – CHI)
“D’Andre Swift is currently being drafted as the RB22, which makes him an intriguing value pick in 2025 fantasy leagues. Despite a disappointing 3.8 yards per carry average last season, 26th in the NFL, the Bears have made major upgrades to their offensive line by signing Jonah Jackson, Drew Dalman, and Joe Thuney. With a clearer rushing lane and less pressure to create yards on his own, Swift is positioned to rebound in a big way. At his current ADP, he offers strong RB2 value with a realistic path to outperform his draft slot.”
– Mason (RPO Football)
Travis Etienne (RB – JAC)
“Despite all the trade rumors swirling around the Jaguars’ backfield, Travis Etienne remains on the roster as the likeliest to open as the Day 1 starter for the Jacksonville Jaguars. It’s too early to write off Etienne entirely after an injury-riddled 2024 season, with him going outside the top 100 in back-end RB3 territory in early best ball drafts. Tank Bigsby and Bhayshul Tuten still need to prove themselves to this new Tampa Bay coaching staff as well, given their ball security issues. I love Tuten as a rookie sleeper, but I can acknowledge it’s not his backfield form from the jump. Etienne has the trust of the Jaguars’ QB, Trevor Lawrence, dating back to their time at Clemson. The Jaguars’ RB has never finished worse than RB36 in half-PPR (RB33 ADP).”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Derrick Henry (RB – BAL)
“Derrick Henry is the best value pick at RB based on his current half-PPR ADP. He’s the 6th RB going off the board. Have you seen what he did last season in Baltimore? Henry rushed for 1,921 yards and scored 18 touchdowns! I don’t care about his age, as he still has plenty left in the tank for this season. Plus, he has a very favorable fantasy playoffs schedule.”
– Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire)
Alvin Kamara (RB – NO)
“Alvin Kamara has a current ADP of RB16 despite being an RB1 in FPPG in seven out of the last eight seasons. The one season he was not an RB1, he was the RB15. Kamara is the Saints’ best offensive weapon, and I expect him to be heavily involved in the offense and to be an RB1 in FPPG again this season.”
– Nick Penticoff (Fantasy Football Astronauts)
David Montgomery (RB – DET)
“Put the name aside; David Montgomery is being drafted as RB21 when he finished as RB17 last year, when he missed three and a half games. Montgomery is the ultimate value. Jahmyr Gibbs is absolutely the Batman role in this offense, but there’s no reason for the Detroit Lions to take Monty out of his Robin role. That role has served him and the Lions well and has the added perk of keeping Gibbs fresh and healthy.”
– Trevor Land (FlurrySports)
James Conner (RB – ARI)
“James Conner offers the best value if you are looking for a running back that has an RB1 upside in round six. Conner may be older, but he has been productive in Arizona. Last season, he played 16 games and dominated the Cardinals’ backfield. He was RB11 last year, and he’ll have a strong chance to duplicate his numbers if he can play another full season.”
– Steven Pintado (The Fantasy Coaches)
Aaron Jones (RB – MIN)
“Aaron Jones had 255-1,138-5 rushing and 51-408-2 receiving last season, has basically the same situation this year — except with an upgraded offensive line — and his ADP is RB27? Sure, Jones is 30 now, and the age cliff is looming. But he didn’t miss a game last season, and his efficiency numbers were fine. He averaged 4.5 yards per carry. He averaged 6.6 yards per target — the second-best mark of his career in that category. Jones is playing for Kevin O’Connell, one of the best offensive minds in the league. And I like Jordan Mason, too, but I don’t think Mason leapfrogs Jones to become the starter unless Jones gets hurt.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Brashard Smith (RB – KC)
“A great under-the-radar value at RB with incredible upside is Chiefs seventh-round pick Brashard Smith. A converted WR, he brings added speed and versatility to a Chiefs offense craving an explosive skill set. His ability to line up in the backfield or slot is sure to excite Andy Reid. With 4.39 speed, Smith’s skill set positions him perfectly to fill the McKinnon/Perine role in the Chiefs offense and emerge as a dynamic contributor and a massive fantasy value.”
– Dennis Sosic (Fantasy Six Pack)
RJ Harvey (RB – DEN)
“RJ Harvey, currently the RB21 and player overall 59, will lead the Denver Broncos in carries come the end of 2025. The presence of J.K. Dobbins in this backfield has been talked about almost to death, but here it is once again: Do not be deterred. Harvey is an athlete who thrives in space, using his outstanding vision and agility to create plays. Denver could be a hot spot for fantasy production in 2025, and grabbing their RB1 at the cost of a low-end RB2 is a steal.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Kaleb Johnson (RB – PIT)
“Kaleb Johnson is a steal at RB26. Last year, Najee Harris operated in an offense that was fourth in rushing attempts as Harris soaked up 299 touches (10th-most). Even if we lower those year-one expectations for Johnson, even 250 touches would have ranked 21st in the NFL. This number is attainable even if Pittsburgh leans more heavily into the passing game with Aaron Rodgers under center. Johnson brings a big-play ability that has been lacking in the Steelers’ run game over the last 2-3 years. Last year, not only did he rank fifth in breakaway percentage, but he was also eighth in yards after contact per attempt and 14th in elusive rating (per PFF). He should be valued as an RB2 across the board with his combination of talent and projected volume.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
Joe Mixon (RB – HOU)
“Joe Mixon should file a discrimination lawsuit against drafters for leaving him on the board until RB19. The guy finished RB8 in half-PPR points per game in 2022, RB14 in 2023, and then RB9 in his first Houston season — and that’s without any injury adjustment. What are you scared of? Nick Chubb? Please. Woody Marks and his 38th-percentile speed score? I’ll let you know when I stop laughing. The age cliff? That’s legit … but also easier to combat when the guy is set up for workhorse usage once again and going dramatically lower than where he finished any recent season.”
– Matt Schauf (Draft Sharks)
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