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2025 Fantasy football rookie running back rankings with August updates. RotoBaller's top rookie running backs and draft targets, including Omarion Hampton, RJ Harvey, and more.
We're officially in August, which means the unofficial start of fantasy football season is here, and rookies from the 2025 NFL Draft will make their debuts next month. Whether you're set to participate in a rookie draft or are just trying to identify potential sleepers for redraft leagues, we've got you covered with our 2025 fantasy football rookie running back rankings. Below, check out where key first-year RBs like Omarion Hampton, RJ Harvey, Quinshon Judkins, Cam Skattebo, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt stand.
These rookie rankings will be continually updated all offseason long as depth chart developments, injuries, and more take place, so be sure to check back regularly for updates through the start of the regular season. In addition to this article, you should also be sure to check out our other dynasty rookie rankings and analysis articles, including in-depth coverage of various NFL rookie profiles. Identifying sleepers and busts among first-year players is key for dynasty and redraft leagues, so we have you covered.
Four of our lead fantasy football analysts -- Phil Clark, Jackson Sparks, Andrew Lalama, and Matt Donnelly -- have put together these fantasy football rookie rankings. In addition to these rookie rankings, in our 2025 fantasy football rankings dashboard, you will also find our team's Dynasty League rankings. Bookmark that page, and use it to prepare for all of your 2025 fantasy football dynasty league drafts.
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NFL Rookie Running Back Rankings for Fantasy Football (August Updates)
Check out our PPR fantasy football rankings and standard (non-PPR) fantasy football rankings as well:
| RB Tier |
RB Rank |
Player Name |
Pos. | Overall Rank |
| 1 | 1 | Ashton Jeanty | RB | 1 |
| 1 | 2 | Omarion Hampton | RB | 2 |
| 1 | 3 | TreVeyon Henderson | RB | 4 |
| 1 | 4 | RJ Harvey | RB | 7 |
| 1 | 5 | Kaleb Johnson | RB | 11 |
| 1 | 6 | Quinshon Judkins | RB | 16 |
| 2 | 7 | Cam Skattebo | RB | 18 |
| 2 | 8 | Bhayshul Tuten | RB | 19 |
| 2 | 9 | Dylan Sampson | RB | 22 |
| 3 | 10 | Jaydon Blue | RB | 25 |
| 3 | 11 | Tahj Brooks | RB | 31 |
| 3 | 12 | Jarquez Hunter | RB | 33 |
| 3 | 13 | Brashard Smith | RB | 34 |
| 3 | 14 | DJ Giddens | RB | 35 |
| 3 | 15 | Devin Neal | RB | 36 |
| 3 | 16 | Woody Marks | RB | 37 |
| 3 | 17 | Jacory Croskey-Merritt | RB | 39 |
| 4 | 18 | Jordan James | RB | 44 |
| 4 | 19 | Trevor Etienne | RB | 45 |
| 4 | 20 | Kyle Monangai | RB | 46 |
| 4 | 21 | Damien Martinez | RB | 49 |
| 4 | 22 | Ollie Gordon II | RB | 54 |
| 5 | 23 | LeQuint Allen Jr. | RB | 55 |
| 5 | 24 | Phil Mafah | RB | 57 |
| 5 | 25 | Kalel Mullings | RB | 63 |
| 5 | 26 | Lan Larison | RB | 66 |
| 5 | 27 | Raheim Sanders | RB | 70 |
| 5 | 28 | Marcus Yarns | RB | 71 |
| 5 | 29 | Montrell Johnson Jr. | RB | 72 |
| 5 | 30 | Donovan Edwards | RB | 81 |
| 5 | 31 | Corey Kiner | RB | 83 |
Recent Fantasy Football Rookie Running Back News
Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders rookie first-round running back Ashton Jeanty has made a strong impression within the organization, according to ESPN's Ryan McFadden. Head coach Pete Carroll said Jeanty was "every bit" of what the team hoped for during offseason workouts as he showcased his pass-catching abilities and understanding of the offense.
The Boise State product received most of the first-team reps during OTAs and minicamp, an indication that he's already established himself as the team's RB1. "He's such a strong and dynamic back," left tackle Kolton Miller said. "Even if he gets hit, he's still balanced, and that's super unique." There's been talk that the Raiders could use a committee backfield in 2025, but they didn't draft Jeanty sixth overall for that. He's going to cost a pretty penny in fantasy drafts and is already considered a top-five fantasy back going into his rookie campaign.
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers
Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton started in Thursday's Hall of Fame Game against the Detroit Lions, rushing twice for nine yards in the Chargers' 34-7 victory. Hampton showed his signature burst and tackle-breaking ability on his first carry, an eight-yard gain, but failed to cut upfield on his second, falling just short of a first down.
While he was limited to only one drive, the 2025 first-round pick looks poised to take on a larger role in Greg Roman's ground-and-pound offense as Najee Harris (eye) is still dealing with an ambiguous eye injury. RotoBaller has Hampton projected for 1,210 yards and 10 TDs, with a current RB15 ranking that could rise depending on the severity and duration of Harris's injury.
RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos' first unofficial depth chart of the preseason lists J.K. Dobbins as the starting running back, Jaleel McLaughlin as second-string, Audric Estime as third-string, Tyler Badie as fourth-string, and Blake Watson and rookie second-rounder RJ Harvey as fifth-string, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. It's eye-opening since Harvey has mixed in with Dobbins on the first-team offense during training camp.
Head coach Sean Payton typically lists rookies near the bottom of the first depth chart, so fantasy managers probably shouldn't read too much into Harvey's depth-chart positioning just yet. All signs from practice suggest that Harvey will be the RB2 behind Dobbins this year, with McLaughlin and Estime being sprinkled in. Especially in PPR leagues, Harvey is worth targeting as an RB3/flex, and he'd be a weekly starter if Dobbins misses more time with injury.
Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam said he is "cautiously optimistic" that rookie running back Quinshon Judkins will play for the Browns this season, according to Daniel Oyefusi of ESPN. Judkins was arrested on domestic violence charges earlier in July and remains unsigned as a result.
The Browns drafted Judkins in the second round out of Ohio State, where he collected over 1,200 yards from scrimmage and 16 touchdowns in 2024. He had been expected to compete with veteran Jerome Ford and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson for backfield touches in Cleveland, but Judkins could be facing missed time due to suspension as a result of his off-field issues. Until there's more clarity around Judkins' legal situation, fantasy managers in re-draft leagues should proceed with caution.
Cam Skattebo, New York Giants
The MRI exam on New York Giants rookie running back Cam Skattebo (hamstring) was optimistic, according to head coach Brian Daboll. Skattebo will sit out of Monday's training camp practice, but Daboll said all the injured guys are "getting better." With Skattebo nursing a hamstring injury, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary have seen more work with the first-team offense in camp. The 23-year-old's injury isn't serious, but don't be surprised if the G-Men hold Skattebo out of their first preseason contest this Saturday versus the Buffalo Bills.
Although Skattebo is one of the slowest RBs in the league, he makes up for it by being extremely powerful and explosive in short areas. He has workhorse potential but will have to settle for a complementary role in his first NFL season alongside Tracy and Singletary. RotoBaller has Skattebo ranked as the RB37 heading into fantasy draft season.
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Browns rookie running back Dylan Sampson is "essentially playing the 1B role" next to veteran Jerome Ford, according to Zac Jackson of The Athletic. A fourth-round rookie out of Tennessee, Sampson rushed for 1,491 yards and 22 touchdowns in 13 games last season for the Volunteers.
With second-round running back Quinshon Judkins still unsigned by the team due to a July arrest, Sampson appears to be in line for a significant role as a rookie. Ford is entering his fourth season in Cleveland, but he's never truly earned a workhorse role throughout a full season. The backfield mix for the Browns will remain a bit muddled until Judkins' legal situation gets ironed out, but it sounds like Ford and Sampson will share the workload relatively evenly while Judkins is out.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders
Washington Commanders rookie seventh-round running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is getting reps with quarterback Jayden Daniels and the first-team offense in the no-huddle session during Tuesday's training camp practice. It's something worth watching for the 245th overall pick of the 2024 NFL draft back in April. The 24-year-old had 1,190 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2023 at New Mexico, but then ran into eligibility issues in 2024 after transferring to Arizona and played in one game.
It's the reason why he fell to the final round of the draft, although he does have some intrigue as a between-the-tackles bruiser. As long as Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. are healthy, Croskey-Merritt figures to compete for the No. 3 change-of-pace role with Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues can likely ignore him.
More Rookies Fantasy Football Analysis
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Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.
