Rookie Running Back Renaissance (2025 Fantasy Football)

The 2025 NFL Draft class has injected serious talent into the running back position, and fantasy managers should take notice. With aging veterans fading and offensive schemes evolving to favor dynamic, versatile backs, rookies are more valuable than ever. Each year, we see a rookie come in and set the league on fire from all over the place. From Bucky Irving, to Jahymr Gibbs and Bijan Robinson in 2023, and Kenneth Walker III in 2022. This year’s top five rookie RBs Jeanty, Hampton, Henderson, Harvey, and Johnson offer a blend of opportunity, athleticism, and historical upside that could make them your 2025 league winners

Let’s break down each back and compare them to past fantasy stars.

Rookie Running Back Renaissance: Why 2025’s Fresh Legs Could Win Your League

Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV) – The Workhorse with Barkley-Level Upside

Drafted sixth overall by the Raiders, Ashton Jeanty is already being hailed as the best RB prospect since Saquon Barkley. His college stats are jaw-dropping: 3,948 rushing yards and 49 total touchdowns over two seasons at Boise State, with elite efficiency (6.6 YPC) and receiving chops (66 catches)

Jeanty enters a barren backfield, with only aging Raheem Mostert and depth pieces behind him. Head coach Pete Carroll has a history of leaning on bell-cow backs (think Marshawn Lynch) and Jeanty fits the mold perfectly. With Chip Kelly calling plays, expect a high-tempo offense that feeds Jeanty early and often.

Historic Comparison: Barkley (2018) and Ezekiel Elliott (2016) were top-10 picks who finished as top-5 fantasy RBs as rookies. Jeanty’s ADP (RB6) and projected volume suggest a similar trajectory.

Omarion Hampton (RB – LAC) – A Bigger, Faster Etienne

Selected 22nd overall, Omarion Hampton is a physical freak: 221 lbs, 4.46 speed, and a 94th percentile burst score. He posted 1,660 rushing yards and 38 receptions in his final college season at UNC

Hampton lands in a Greg Roman offense built for power running. With Najee Harris sidelined due to an eye injury, Hampton is already seeing first-team reps. His three-down skill set and draft capital suggest he’ll be the RB1 sooner than later.

Historic Comparison: Travis Etienne and Najee Harris both had similar college receiving profiles and were drafted in Round 1. Hampton’s blend of size and versatility gives him RB1 upside in redraft and dynasty formats.

TreVeyon Henderson (RB – NE) – The Efficiency Specialist

Henderson’s college career at Ohio State was uneven, but his final season showed elite efficiency: 7.1 YPC and 1,300 total yards on just 171 touches

He’s a 4.43 runner with elite ball security (0 fumbles on 667 touches) and underrated receiving skills.

New England plans to use Henderson in a rotational role early, but his pass-catching ability and explosiveness make him a prime candidate for a second-half breakout. Rhamondre Stevenson’s fumbling issues could open the door for Henderson to take over.

Historic Comparison: Alvin Kamara didn’t dominate touches as a rookie but finished as RB3 thanks to efficiency and receiving volume. Henderson could follow a similar path, especially in PPR formats.

RJ Harvey (RB – DEN) – The Sleeper with Kamara-Like Traits

Drafted 60th overall, RJ Harvey is one of the most underrated rookies in fantasy circles. At UCF, he posted elite metrics: top-20 in PFF rushing grade, elusive rating, and missed tackles forced

He’s a physical runner with receiving upside and fits perfectly in Sean Payton’s offense.

Though J.K. Dobbins was signed, Payton has a history of supporting multiple fantasy-relevant backs. Harvey’s vision, burst, and contact balance make him a strong candidate to lead the backfield in touches.

Historic Comparison: Alvin Kamara was a third-round pick who thrived in Payton’s system. Harvey could be this year’s version, especially if Dobbins struggles or gets hurt.

Kaleb Johnson (RB – PIT) – The Power Back in a Perfect System

Kaleb Johnson was a third-round pick out of Iowa, where he scored 23 touchdowns and averaged 6.6 yards per touch in his final season

He steps into a Steelers offense that lost Najee Harris and is committed to the run, especially with Aaron Rodgers under center.

Johnson’s red zone efficiency and early-down role make him a strong candidate for goal-line work. While Jaylen Warren may start the season as RB1, Johnson’s skill set aligns better with Pittsburgh’s offensive identity.

Historic Comparison: James Conner thrived in Pittsburgh as a volume-based back with red zone prowess. Johnson could replicate that success, especially if he earns early-down and short-yardage duties.

Final Thoughts: Betting on Youth and Opportunity

Each of these rookies offers a unique path to fantasy relevance:

Jeanty is a locked-in RB1 with elite volume.
Hampton has the athletic profile and system fit to explode.
Henderson is a high-efficiency, low-risk PPR gem.
Harvey is a sleeper with three-down upside.
Johnson is a touchdown machine in a run-heavy offense.

In fantasy football, opportunity often trumps talent, and these rookies have both. Historical comps show that when rookies get volume, they produce. Don’t be afraid to invest in youth this season. These backs could be the foundation of your championship roster.