We break down the top of this year's outstanding running back crop.
Ryan McDowell looks at the buzz Matthew Berry gathered from the 2025 NFL Combine and adds some dynasty spin.
Our examination of your draft options at each pick continues.
Eric Hardter looks ahead to next year's free agent running backs.
We answer your dynasty questions.
Have some early third-round picks in your rookie drafts? We have got you covered.
We dive deep into the numbers and discuss some intriguing running backs.
A behind the scene look at ranking methodology and individual rankings vs the consensus.
We dive into some murky backfields and what to expect moving forward.
We focus on four running backs and what to do with them.
We offer up an early look at what your dynasty startup may look like this off-season.
We break down for running backs this week - and what to do with them.
We enter 2025 by opening up the dynasty mailbag.
We gather some dynasty experts to do one last pre-draft rookie mock before the NFL Draft.
We break down some players in the recent dynasty spotlight.
We review last week's top fantasy performances to help make matchup decisions for week 17.
We look back at the week that was.
We look back at the week that was.
We look back at the week that was.
We pick out some final moves you can make as we reach the fantasy playoffs.
Rob provides a timely update on dynasty trade values at every skill position.
Ryan McDowell shares his biggest takeaways from week 13.
We break down some recent performances by young players worth watching.
We review last week's top fantasy performances to help make matchup decisions for week 13.
Ryan McDowell shares his biggest takeaways from week 12.
Brandon suggests five draft-eligible players who may be undervalued going into the 2025 NFL Draft.
Rob provides a timely update on dynasty trade values at every skill position.
We review last week's top fantasy performances to help make matchup decisions for week nine.
We look back at the week that was.
We break down the film on some young players.
We review last week's top fantasy performances to help make matchup decisions for week seven.
Kev White shares his biggest takeaways from week six.
We discuss some moves to make to improve your rosters this week.
We dive into your waiver wire options this week.
What moves could you make this week?
We break down a big week of big injuries.
We offer up some potential moves to make in your leagues this week.
We consider some players you may want to target sooner rather than later.
We look at seven different categories we should be thinking about.
We pick out some deeper names to keep on your radar and at the end of your rosters.
We break down all we learned from the preseason.
We consider a dynasty startup strategy than invests heavily in the running back position.
We consider a dynasty startup strategy than invests in the running back position.
We take one final look at the running back landscape.
We consider your rookie draft options in the middle of the third round.
Which players could rise, fall, or break out in Tampa Bay this season?
A guide to how to navigate a balanced strategy in a superflex startup draft.
Over the span of the next few weeks, we’re going to be bringing you our 2024 versions of the “Perfect Draft.” Anyone...
We look at how to attack a draft with a heavy emphasis on competing in year one.
We discuss four backs with moving prices this off-season, and what you should do with them.
We pick out some of the biggest risers and fallers in dynasty ADP in June.
We look at all the significant ADP movement from January to now.
We break down all the important dynasty players from the NFC South.
We answer your dynasty questions.
We examine all your potential options at running back in this year's rookie drafts.
We grade this year's rookie running back class now we know those landing spots.
John Di Bari tells you why you shouldn't go near the 2024 rookie running back class.
Which NFC South players can be considered winners or losers after the 2024 NFL Draft?
We look at two offenses dynasty managers should be investing in this year.
We bring you the final set of Dynasty Fantasy Football rookies for 2024.
We look at what kind of real value each draft pick may have this season.
We wrap up all the late-round selections and their dynasty relevance.
We continue our look at just who may be dangerous to have on your roster at the running back position.
A behind the scene look at ranking methodology and individual rankings vs the consensus.
A behind the scene look at ranking methodology and individual rankings vs the consensus.
A behind the scene look at ranking methodology and individual rankings vs the consensus.
Which teams might be looking for new wideouts this off-season?
We answer your mailbag questions.
We examine your options in the early part of the second round of rookie drafts.
We examine what holders of a late first-round rookie draft pick can expect to see when they are on the clock.
Welcome back to another installment in our series of articles where DLF rankers not only explain their dynasty fantasy football rankings, but...
We pick out the teams that could have new-look backfields next season, and which players could be on the move.
We break down the off-season running back landscape.
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We examine the top of each positional in terms of ADP data, and pick out the biggest risers and fallers.
An early look at the first four rounds of 2024 mock draft ADP.
The DLF Mailbag is back, and we answer your dynasty questions.
A final look back at the 2023 rookies in a post-season mock draft.
We continue our weekly series designed to break down the biggest stories of the week.
We provide some insight into various player usage around the league.
Ryan returns with his statistical analysis for week sixteen.
We review the week that was.
Ryan McDowell shares his takeaways from the week, and dynasty thoughts for your eyes only.
Cody Mortensen picks out some players he is targeting for the fantasy playoffs.
We roundup the top fantasy football performances in week 13 to find an edge in week 14.
Whether you are contending or rebuilding, we pick out a potential trade target for you.
We roundup the top fantasy football performances in week 12 to find an edge in week 13.
We identify some reasons behind a handful of second-year running back breakouts.
We pick out some buy and sell candidates.
We roundup the top fantasy football performances in week ten to find an edge in week eleven.
We break down some more interesting data nuggets at this point of the season.
We examine some young players in the news this week.
We roundup the top fantasy football performances in week nine to find an edge in week ten.
We cover some players who are on the move in dynasty rankings.
We break down all the important usage data from each team.
A shocking revelation about time travel and Travis Kelce has been uncovered.
We break down some of the more interesting usage numbers.
We roundup the top fantasy football performances in week six to find an edge in week seven.
Mike Bee and Eileen Addison apparently choose your lineups this week.
We roundup the top fantasy football performances in week five by position.
We break down the ramifications of the surprising contract extension for Jonathan Taylor.
We pick out some of the more interest target and usage data from last week.
We examine some usage trends you should know about.
Ryan McDowell shares his game notes from week one, along with dynasty strategy and how to navigate the waiver wire.
Peter Howard attempts to identify the runners who will break out in 2023.
We review the injuries to key players based on their current ADP.
We pick out two running backs who could be worth acquiring on the cheap.
Which player will be in your sights towards the early 4th round of your rookie drafts?
A behind the scene look at ranking methodology and individual rookie rankings vs the consensus.
We pick out some potential value movers in the NFC South.
A behind the scene look at ranking methodology and individual rookie rankings vs the consensus.
We examine the intriguing backfield situations around the NFL.
Which running backs rose and fell in dynasty ADP last month?
We dive into the AFC North to determine some dynasty buys, sells and holds.
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We look at the outlook for the NFC South, including some dynasty predictions.
We focus on each rookie's situation, talent, opportunity, risk, and market to provide post-draft analysis for dynasty managers.
Which running backs have risen or fallen over the last year?
We open up the mailbag to answer your dynasty questions.
Which veterans (or rookies) won or lost in the NFC South during the NFL Draft?
Here is an article to help guide you through your running back woes this season
We compare rookie rankings to redraft rankings to see which first-year players might have an immediate impact.
We answer your questions, including one about a trade haul for Bijan Robinson.
A group of DLF staff members takes on a three-round post-draft rookie mock.
We look at some potential contributors from this year's UDFA market.
We cover the biggest dynasty winners and losers from day two.
What RBs are at risk of losing touches as we head into the NFL Draft?
We look at some risers and fallers in ADP, focusing this time on running backs.
We take a look at the options from the 10th spot in 2023 rookie drafts.
A behind the scene look at ranking methodology and individual rankings vs the consensus.
We break down which second-year backs will thrive or fall off in 2023.
We cover the 2022-23 season the best way we know how.
Hutchinson Brown shares his views on last year's rookie running back class.
A behind the scene look at ranking methodology and individual rankings vs the consensus.
We answer some of your mailbag questions.
We break down the running back free agent class and potential cap casualties.
We look into your possible options with an early second-round pick in rookie drafts this year.
A preview of what might happen at the RB position for dynasty purposes.
We grade a second batch of rookie runners and consider their long-term potential.
A behind the scene look at ranking methodology and individual rankings vs the consensus.
Which players are due touchdowns in week 17?
Which players are 'due' touchdowns this weekend?
We cover some topics and ideas to consider as we approach the dynasty off-season.
We look back on the second round of 2022 rookie rankings - which players have lived up or disappointed?
We look back on one man's 2022 dynasty rookie rankings and evaluate how they look now.
We break down the most notable injuries from last week and players possibly returning soon.
What are six intriguing dynasty storylines this week?
What were some of the key dynasty injuries this week? Which injured players could be returning?
We examine some recent changes in the dynasty landscape.
We examine the latest big injuries in the dynasty world.
We bring you a 2022 rookie mock draft do-over with the knowledge we have midway through the season.
After six weeks, keep your chin up.
After five weeks, some things aren't just big.
We don't have a gas crisis, but there's still a lot to worry about.
We cover all the lineup fun, gut checks, MVPs, LVPs, and have some fun with numbers from week two.
We round up another week of devastating injuries.
We cover all the important news from week one in the way we know best.
Shane Hallam rounds up some of the more interesting performances and news from our cornerstone players.
We cover all the news and notes from the final week of the preseason.
We run down all the important happenings from week two.
We take a look at week one of the preseason.
We look at this year's handcuffs and assess who could help you win your league.
We examine whether Rachaad White will have an immediate impact in Tampa Bay or if he owners will need to show patience.
How were the veterans in the AFC West affected by new additions in the NFL Draft?
Desperate for a running back this year? We outline your potential rookie draft options.
We bring you one of our first mock drafts of the off-season.
We bring you our initial dynasty fantasy football rookie rankings
Mike Havens offers his view of this year's running back class by dishing out post-draft grades.
We break down the veteran winners and losers from day two.
We break down the happenings of day two.
We check back in with some unanswered questions from this week's show.
We hit the top three of this year's class.
We put together the best in the business for a pre-draft mock.
We break down the game of Rachaad White.
We take a look at the options from the 12th spot in upcoming rookie drafts.
Mike Havens offers his insight on the supposed top four backs in this year's class.
Shane Hallam breaks down the dynasty fallout if his own seven-round mock draft came to fruition.
We take a look at Rachaad White, who has one of the most intriguing profiles of any back in the 2022 class.
We cover some relevant questions from this week's show.
We break down one man's view on the rookie class.
The NFL Combine is in the books! Jeff Haverlack shares his pre-draft rookie tiers
For the last time before the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, we examine what the top of rookie drafts might look like.
Who does Rachaad White project to be at the next level? What is his background?
We offer up another mock draft, imagining rookies in their landing spots.
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We examine the Senior Bowl performers who you could be selecting in your rookie drafts this summer.
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We pick out the top devy prospects and intriguing names playing in bowl games today.
We round up the best and worst from the Pac-12 in 2021.
We review some of last week's performances and pick out some top receivers in the 2023 class.
We round up some of the top college performances from week ten.
We scour the Pac-12 to pick out the top potential future dynasty stars.
Last week, we kicked this series off with a look at the 2025 crop of quarterbacks. From prospect summaries to class comparisons to rookie draft projections, we laid out the landscape for what is arguably the most shallow and least exciting position in this year's NFL draft. Now we get to the good stuff.
This will be the second article in a six-part series covering the relevant names in the class, with one each on the quarterbacks and tight ends and two each on the running backs and wide receivers. Most specifically, we'll be painting this year's prospects in the context of previous classes — granting you a helpful point of reference for each position.
And while the quarterbacks were somewhere between average and uninspiring, the running back group is both star-studded at the top and deep enough to demand multiple articles in this series. We'll cover the names likely to go in the first round of rookie drafts here and the balance in the ensuing piece.
Before we dive into the names on 2025 draft boards, let's set the scene with a quick look at recent classes.
Class | Notable Players | Grade |
---|---|---|
2024 | Jonathon Brooks, Tyrone Tracy Jr, Trey Benson, Ray Davis, Isaac Guerendo, Blake Corum | F |
2023 | Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs, De'Von Achane, Chase Brown, Tank Bigsby, Tyjae Spears, Zach Charbonnet | A+ |
2022 | Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker III, Kyren Williams, James Cook, Rachaad White, Brian Robinson, Isiah Pacheco, Dameon Pierce, Tyler Allgeier, Zamir White, Ty Chandler | A |
2021 | Najee Harris, Travis Etienne, Rhamondre Stevenson, Chuba Hubbard, Javonte Williams, Kenneth Gainwell, Elijah Mitchell | C+ |
2020 | Jonathan Taylor, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, D'Andre Swift, Cam Akers, JK Dobbins, AJ Dillon, Antonio Gibson, Zack Moss | C- |
Coming off a dismal 2024, you may be tempted to avoid running backs in rookie drafts until the end of time. That would be a mistake. The class was predictably weak, with zero backs selected in the first round and just one — with a torn ACL — selected in round one (Jonathon Brooks). Still, it was a historically unproductive group: they combined for just 1,036 PPR fantasy points, fewest by any class in the last 15 years. And to make matters worse, not a single one is likely to have a strong hold on an RB1 role in 2025, with fifth-round pick Tyrone Tracy Jr being the closest (for now).
However, we only need to look back one year prior to remember just how good a rookie RB group can be. The 2023 class gave us Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, both round one locks in startup drafts today, along with De'Von Achane, who's squarely in the top five at the position as well. Plus, second-year breakout Chase Brown (RB15 in startup ADP) is an unexpected stud, and even Tank Bigsby, Tyjae Spears, and Zach Charbonnet have had valuable stretches. If Robinson, Gibbs, Achane, and Brown remain in their current value ranges for a few years, this could be remembered as one of the better classes of the (young) century.
Think that was a flash in the pan? Slide back one more year to the 2022 class. While none of these guys were selected on day one, Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker III, Kyren Williams, and James Cook are currently all top-12 startup picks at the position. Hall, Williams, and Cook have all already posted at least one top-eight PPR fantasy season — as has Rachaad White — while Walker, Isiah Pacheco, and Brian Robinson Jr. have all logged RB1 stretches of varying lengths. The class may not be quite as top-heavy as 2023, but it's still an excellent group that's given us several valuable assets.
Unfortunately, the couple of classes prior to 2023 were more disappointing than they were landscape-changing. We expected more out of Najee Harris, Travis Etienne, and Javonte Williams in 2021, and while Rhamondre Stevenson and Chuba Hubbard have been quite good over short stretches, no one in this class has cemented themselves as a multi-year RB1. As for 2020, Jonathan Taylor has done his best to carry the class, but Clyde Edwards-Helaire was a mega-bust at 32nd overall and none of the other Round 2 picks — D'Andre Swift, Cam Akers, JK Dobbins, and AJ Dillon — have garnered any consistent or lasting value. Both classes have given us enough to avoid the "F" grade that 2024 has earned (so far), but neither has shifted the state of the position in dynasty.
So where does the 2025 class stack up? We're going to have to dive in to find out.
The clear number one running back in this class is also the consensus 1.01 in rookie drafts, even in superflex formats, so this is the kind of player who changes a class and a positional landscape all on his own.
Pick Projection: Round 1 (Raiders, Cowboys, Steelers)
Comps: LaDainian Tomlinson, Alvin Kamara
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