The final rounds of a fantasy football draft can be the perfect place to land hidden gems who deliver outsized value all season long. While many managers are focused on the early rounds, savvy drafters know that winning leagues often comes down to those late selections. To help you make the most of your final picks in 2025, we’ve gathered insights from our collection of Featured Pros experts. This curated list highlights fantasy football sleepers with the upside, opportunity, and talent to outperform their draft cost – giving you a strategic edge when it matters most.
- Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2025 Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football ADP
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Fantasy Football Sleepers: Final Round Targets
Which one RB outside the top 60 in half-PPR RB ADP do you plan on targeting in the final rounds of all your drafts and why?
Brashard Smith (RB – KC)
“Could Brashard Smith be Andy Reid’s next Jerick McKinnon? The comparisons are easy to draw. Smith is a converted WR who can run a full route tree and is especially strong at tracking the ball deep. Smith is already working in with the ones throughout OTAs and Early Training Camp, catching bomb TDs on wheel routes from Pat Mahomes, juking out linebackers in one-on-one Red Zone work, and flashing his 4.39 speed on a daily basis. The Chiefs have been 2nd in Neutral Pass Rate over the last 4 years, and Mahomes has become a screen & checkdown merchant in recent seasons – his 3,343 yards at or behind the line of scrimmage since 2021 are by far the most in the NFL (Goff is the next closest with 2,428). Smith fits exactly what they want to do- Smith had 14.4% of touches as screens, second most of any RB since 2017, and led this class in yards per route run and targets per route too. Don’t forget how dangerous McKinnon could be in fantasy, too: during the fantasy playoffs of 2022, he averaged 25.2 PPR FPPG and was THE RB1! This is a threat the offense sorely missed last year, and Brashard Smith seems tailor-made to fit the void.”
– Wolf of Roto Street (Roto Street Journal)
“All roads in the late rounds lead back to Brashard Smith. He has the pass-catching chops to be instantly inserted into the yesteryear Jerick McKinnon role, which we have seen pay dividends in the Chiefs offense. He also has the ability on early downs to take over if Isiah Pacheco misses any time. Kareem Hunt is a dependable known commodity, but he offers no upside at this juncture of his career in any department. For everyone who says “a seventh-round pick could never assume the starting role in the KC backfield,” I smugly point to Pacheco.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
Sean Tucker (RB – TB)
“Sean Tucker might be third on his team’s depth chart right now, but he boasts big fantasy upside. We already saw it last year when he exploded for 192 yards and 2 TDs with Rachaad White sidelined vs. the Saints. HC Todd Bowles said recently that Tucker needs more work, which could come at White’s expense. The bottom line is: an injury to White OR Bucky Irving would turn Tucker into a potential fantasy starter.”
– Jared Smola (Draft Sharks)
Tahj Brooks (RB – CIN)
“Drafting Bengals players seems like a no-brainer, but one is being overlooked more than most. With Zach Moss gone and Chase Brown now the lead back, rookie Tahj Brooks is shaping up for a key secondary role. Brooks has impressed in camp and flashed in preseason action, making him an intriguing option for Zero RB drafters or as a handcuff to Brown. There’s a real chance he carves out meaningful touches in this dynamic offense.”
– Josh Hall (IDP Army)
“Tahj Brooks is the pick. He is an extremely underrated prospect with a well-rounded skillset. He landed in one of the most explosive offenses in the league with Chase Brown and Semaje Perine in front of him. If opportunity knocks, Brooks won’t look back; it’ll be Tahj Time.”
– Will Urion (FantasyNow+)
Kyle Monangai (RB – CHI)
“Kyle Monangai, the Chicago Bears’ seventh-round rookie out of Rutgers, is a sneaky last-round pick for 2025 fantasy drafts, ready to rumble as a tackle-breaking bulldozer. In 2024, he bullied his way to 1,279 yards and 13 touchdowns on 256 carries at Rutgers, averaging a gritty 5.0 yards per carry, proving he can handle a heavy workload with zero career fumbles on 676 attempts. His physical, low-to-the-ground running style and top-10 PFF ranking for missed tackles forced among college backs with 100+ carries scream NFL-ready tenacity. With D’Andre Swift‘s shaky 2024 and Roschon Johnson‘s injury history, Monangai’s pass-blocking chops and relentless mentality could carve out RB2 snaps in Chicago’s split backfield under Ben Johnson. This compact, 5-foot-8, 211-pound bowling ball is a low-risk, high-reward dart throw who could steal carries and hearts by season’s end.”
– Brandon Murchison (RotoBaller)
“Kyle Monangai, currently the RB61 in half-ADP, is an intriguing late-round flier for those 0-RB drafters or for anyone targeting someone that could have a role in 2025. While D’Andre Swift is locked in as the RB1 in Chicago, Ben Johnson could look to incorporate his other running backs and form what could be a three-man committee if Roschon Johnson is included. Monanagi has already drawn reps with the first team offense and has been a name flying around Bears training camp thus far. The pathway to immediate reps is there for the former Rutgers RB, and he could easily outperform his ADP in 2025.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
“Although the Chicago beat is torn on the RB2 battle between Roschon Johnson and Kyle Monangai, the coaching staff has remained steadfast in their faith for Monangai. Head coach Ben Johnson recently said, “I think he’s a guy we’re gonna be able to trust this fall… He’s going to be one of those glue guys that you can count on to do it the right way.” Just three years ago, Jamaal Williams plowed into the end zone 17 times in Johnson’s offense as D’Andre Swift’s backup, signalling the potential upside for the seventh-round rookie.”
– Dave Kluge (Footballguys)
“Kyle Monangai, ADP RB62, take a flyer on this Chicago Bears backfield situation with one of your last picks. The 7th-round rookie RB from Rutgers has been a total standout at Bears training camp and has been rising in the depth chart due to Roschon Johnson’s minor foot injury. He is gaining the trust of his coaches, and that bodes well for him to see a role earlier than most expect. The 5-foot-8, 211-pound RB posted back-to-back seasons with 1,200-plus rushing yards with a top 10 PFF rushing grade in 2023 (33% dominator rating). His ball security (0 career fumbles) and overall dependability as a workhorse will be appreciated by NFL coaches. Also, it wouldn’t be the first time a 7th-round RB from Rutgers (Isiah Pacheco) took over a backfield on a team with Eric Bienemy (Bears RB coach) on the coaching staff.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Miles Sanders (RB – DAL)
“Miles Sanders at RB63 is the obvious choice for me. As crazy as it sounds, he could be the starter in Dallas at some point this season, including Week 1. I think a lot of people are ignoring him because they’ve been burned by him before, but at his current cost, who cares? Grabbing a potential starting RB with your last pick is how you win your league. As ugly as it is, all Sanders has to do is outplay Javonte Williams and rookie Jaydon Blue. I hate to say it, but that sounds entirely plausible to me.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
“Ringo’s hot take- most analysts are assuming Javonte Williams is going to win the starting gig in Dallas. And while he still could, I’m hearing that it’s been Miles Sanders who has been the more impressive of the two so far. Williams, at least last year, has lost a step due to the severe knee injury he suffered a few years ago. That’s why Sean Payton cut him, per former scout and Cowboys insider, Bryan Broaddus. According to Broaddus (and I’m paraphrasing here), Payton spoke highly of Williams’ work ethic and willingness to pass block, but at the end of the day, they wanted more burst and explosiveness from their RBs and thus Denver drafted R.J. Harvey in the late 2nd round (60th overall). Rookie Jaydon Blue is too undersized to have anything more than a role on passing downs, so as long as Dallas doesn’t bring in someone else via trade or from free agency, which they still could (for ex., Breece Hall or Dameon Pierce), Sanders is a steal with his current ADP at RB 63.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
“Miles Sanders. It’s possible he has a sizeable role in the Dallas backfield and might even emerge from training camp as the starter. Sanders faded into the background during his two years in Carolina but ran for 1,269 yards and 11 touchdowns with the Eagles in 2022. He’s averaged 4.7 yards per carry and 3.03 yards after contact per attempt for his career and has a 27.7% breakaway percentage over his six NFL seasons, according to PFF. Javonte Williams might have lost his special sauce with the major knee injury he sustained in 2022, and the Cowboys might not feel comfortable handing a big role to rookie Jaydon Blue right away. Sanders is one of the few RBs outside the top 60 in ADP with a chance to play a significant role in Week 1.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Will Shipley (RB – PHI)
“If the Madden Curse were to strike Saquon Barkley, Will Shipley could go from waiver wire pickup to the next Christian McCaffrey. AJ Dillon has shown enough to earn touches, but the Eagles appear committed to making Shipley their guy. He flashed plenty of upside during his rookie season to justify the role if the opportunity opens. While no one wishes injury on any player, the Madden Curse has hit at over a 50% rate in recent years, and if it happens again, Shipley’s stock will skyrocket overnight.”
– Muntradamus (Beast Dome)
“Drafting a back outside of the top 60 is like shopping the week after Black Friday. There likely won’t be anything in your size, but there’s a chance you can find your new everyday shirt at a great price. These backs, almost exclusively, rely on a player ahead of them getting hurt or traded to get their opportunity. With that in mind, Will Shipley is a great pick in the last round of your drafts. We never want to predict injury, but we also play a game that relies on probability. When there is a 28-year-old back, coming off of 482 touches, and has a history of injuries, the risk of injury increases. Whether you drafted Barkley or not, Shipley showcased why he is a premier backup in this league in Preseason Week 1. I hope it doesn’t happen, but he’s one hit away from getting starter touches behind one of the league’s best offensive lines.”
– Ellis Johnson (FantasyPros)
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB – WAS)
“Jacory Croskey-Merritt is the RB67 in the ADP and one of my favorite final round draft targets. Unfortunately, he might not be available in the final round of fantasy drafts moving forward after a strong start to training camp and a solid Week 1 preseason performance. While many expected the Commanders to use an early pick in the NFL Draft on a running back, they waited until the last round to select Croskey-Merritt. He only played in one game last year because of eligibility issues. However, the rookie was outstanding in 2023, totaling 1,190 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns. More importantly, Croskey-Merritt has been the star of training camp, earning first-team reps. Don’t be surprised if the seventh-round rookie is this year’s Isiah Pacheco and is Washington’s starting running back by Halloween, if not sooner.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“I’m targeting Jacory Croskey-Merritt, the Washington Commanders’ rookie running back, in the final rounds of all my half-PPR drafts. Despite being a seventh-round pick, he’s generating buzz in training camp, earning first-team reps with Jayden Daniels and praise for his explosive cuts and vision. With Brian Robinson Jr. as a plodding starter and Austin Ekeler in a third-down role, the Commanders’ backfield is open for Croskey-Merritt to carve out a role. His elite 4.41 forty-yard dash and 41.5-inch vertical at the Shrine Bowl highlight his upside as a big-play threat. At an ADP around RB70 (213.6 overall), he’s a low-risk, high-reward stash with potential to climb the depth chart.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
Ollie Gordon (RB – MIA)
“Dolphins running back Ollie Gordon is someone you could consider taking with your last pick in your drafts. The Dolphins have De’Von Achane, but his durability raises some questions about his game. Gordon was once touted as one of the best running backs in college during his junior season. If Gordon continues to shine in preseason, he may jump Jaylen Wright for the RB2 role and potentially see the goal line work in the offense.”
– Steven Pintado (The Fantasy Coaches)
Jordan James (RB – SF)
“Jordan James is a late-round running back target with sneaky upside in San Francisco’s elite zone-blocking scheme. Drafted in the fifth round out of Oregon, James rushed for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024 and enters 2025 as the RB74 in half-PPR ADP. With Christian McCaffrey coming off an injury-riddled season and Isaac Guerendo sidelined by a shoulder issue, James could be thrust into meaningful snaps early. He’s currently recovering from a broken finger but is expected back by Week 1, and his no-fumble college resume (386 carries, zero fumbles) makes him a trusted option behind Trent Williams and Dominick Puni. If McCaffrey or Guerendo miss time, James could be a plug-and-play RB3 with touchdown upside in Kyle Shanahan’s run-heavy offense.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)
Roschon Johnson (RB – CHI)
“Roschon Johnson has all the talent and opportunities to get the job done in Chicago. I expect a 60/40 with D’Andre Swift being the leader, but close enough for Johnson to get it done.”
– Alejandro Orellana (Estadio Fantasy)
DJ Giddens (RB – IND)
“Jonathan Taylor has missed more games (16) in the last two seasons than Christian McCaffrey (14). The Indianapolis Colts grabbed D.J. Giddens in the draft this year. Giddens could see time as a third-down back in this offense with good natural hands. But, he has the size and skill to be an early down back if Taylor were to go down. Currently being drafted as RB65, sign me up.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)
Braelon Allen (RB – NYJ)
“Braelon Allen is currently RB 54, but is being talked about as a part of the committee backfield for the New York Jets, which will have him ending the year much higher. He is a big, bruising back at 6’1″/235lbs, with some comparing his size and power to Derrick Henry (minus a few pounds). Fantasy owners should remember that Henry started his career in a committee before blowing up and becoming “The King”. Allen is sharing the backfield with Breece Hall, a heralded running back who has never eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing. Based on the current team plan, owners can expect Hall to be the thunder to Hall’s lightning, with the ability to steal the goal-line carries, which are very valuable to fantasy owners.”
– Adam Dove (The Fantasy Couriers)
Woody Marks (RB – HOU)
“On July 26th, it was reported that Joe Mixon would miss an “extended period of time” with a foot injury. Since this report, there has been little, if anything, said of Mixon’s health. Should Mixon miss time, Woody Marks’ main competition for touches would likely be Nick Chubb, who doesn’t look like his old self, according to coach DeMeco Ryans. The Texans traded away a 2026 third-round pick to acquire Marks 116th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Given his extensive pass-catching work in college (averaging 52.2 receptions per season), if given a chance by the Texans, he could be very fantasy relevant.”
– Charlie Sisian (The Fantasy DC)
Samaje Perine (RB – CIN)
“Samaje Perine is a name few are discussing right now as the Bengals handcuff back to roster. He’s got a legitimate path to immediate work in the passing game and has proven viable in the Cincy system already in his career. Though he’s older than I’d like, Perine is a Chase Brown injury away from a massive workload as rookie Tahj Brooks ramps up in season. Rostered for necessary depth on a top-3 NFL offense, Perine’s familiarity with the Bengals system makes him the highest-upside, last round pick in your fantasy drafts.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
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