5 Rookie Fantasy Football Running Back Sleepers: Top Undrafted RBs to Target in Drafts (2025)

June 25, 2025

Dawn's top 5 rookie fantasy football running back sleepers to draft in 2025. Her top undrafted RBs to target in fantasy football drafts and leagues, including Raheim Sanders, Corey Kiner, Marcus Yarns, and more.

The fantasy football draft season brings the thrill of finding that perfect late-round gem who transforms your season. While league mates chase those big-name early picks, the real magic happens when you unearth undrafted players who become weekly starters by midseason. There's nothing quite like that satisfaction of watching your waiver wire pickup quietly ascend the rankings while others scramble to figure out how they missed the obvious signs.

What separates a true undrafted sleeper from wishful thinking? First, the price point: we're targeting players available on waivers -- free assets that won't cost you draft capital. Second, landing spot opportunity, whether it's weak depth charts, aging veterans, or a coaching staff known for developing undrafted talent. Most importantly, you want bankable college production that suggests they could make an immediate impact.

With that framework in mind, let's dive into five undrafted names worth monitoring. The explosive SEC transfer finding opportunity in Los Angeles, Raheim Sanders. The 49ers' system fit with elite tackle-breaking ability in Corey Kiner. The small-school standout with receiving chops, Marcus Yarns. The powerful Washington product joining a thin backfield in Dillon Johnson and Ulysses Bentley IV, the 24-year-old looking to make his mark with Indianapolis. These aren't just lottery tickets -- they're players with clear paths to touches who could emerge as fantasy contributors if the stars align.

Raheim Sanders, Los Angeles Chargers

"The Rocket" brings an SEC pedigree to Los Angeles after transferring from Arkansas to South Carolina for his final college season. His athletic profile suggests immediate NFL upside, posting a 4.46 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, leading to an 85th percentile speed score that shows legitimate burst and explosiveness.

The Chargers' situation couldn't be better for an undrafted back looking to make his mark. While the team added veteran Najee Harris and selected Omarion Hampton in the 2025 NFL Draft, the depth behind them is questionable. Sanders will compete with players like Hassan Haskins and Kimani Vidal for the RB3 role, but his college production gives him the edge.

Prior to the draft, Raheim Sanders was projected to be a late Day 3 pick in a stacked RB class. However, the draft came & went.. Sanders wasn’t drafted but the #Chargers immediately signed him as an UDFA.

Here’s every rush & reception of his that went for 15+ yards in 2024. ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/2sFMRgtUV8

— Powder Blue Blood (@pwdrblueblood) May 18, 2025

What makes Sanders particularly valuable is his receiving ability. His double-digit receiving market share at South Carolina shows he can immediately contribute in the passing game, which is crucial for meaningful fantasy production. If injuries strike the Chargers backfield, Sanders could quickly emerge as a valuable flex play.

Sanders profiles as the classic "zero-draft-cost" pickup who could surprise watchers of the waiver wire. His combination of SEC experience and receiving ability makes him worth watching throughout the season as a potential breakout candidate.

Corey Kiner, San Francisco 49ers

If one organization knows how to turn undrafted running backs into fantasy contributors, it's the San Francisco 49ers. Kyle Shanahan's track record with UDFAs is legendary -- Raheem Mostert, Matt Breida, Jeff Wilson Jr., and Jordan Mason all became fantasy assets despite lacking draft capital. Kiner represents the latest project in this assembly line of success.

Kiner's college production at Cincinnati was quietly impressive despite flying under the radar. His missed tackles forced rate tied him with drafted prospect Jarquez Hunter for the fifth highest in the class, while his 2024 missed tackles forced per attempt (MTF/Att) ranked second behind only Ashton Jeanty. That elite elusiveness could translate immediately to fantasy production.

The 49ers' system fit is perfect for Kiner's skill set. According to advanced analytics, 74.7% of his collegiate rush attempts came on zone runs -- precisely the type of scheme San Francisco employs.

Think fast. Play faster.⚡️

Corey Kiner NFL Draft Tape🎥#Big12FB | @GoBearcatsFB pic.twitter.com/dErRThwtyd

— Big 12 Studios (@big12studios) April 22, 2025

Kiner's path to making an impact in San Francisco requires monitoring but offers significant upside. San Francisco's history of injuries at the position creates realistic scenarios where he could emerge. The 49ers also utilize multiple backs regularly, potentially creating opportunities for contributions.

His college career shows he can handle increased workloads efficiently. If Christian McCaffrey suffers any injury or the 49ers need fresh legs during their playoff push, Kiner could quickly become a valuable waiver pickup.

Marcus Yarns, New Orleans Saints

Yarns' journey from Delaware to the New Orleans Saints embodies the underdog spirit of the undrafted rookie. His receiving ability sets him apart from typical small-school prospects, ranking 10th among all FBS/FCS running backs in Pro Football Focus' receiving grade.

The Saints' landing spot provides a realistic opportunity for fantasy production. Behind Alvin Kamara, New Orleans has limited proven depth with oft-injured Kendre Miller and declining Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Yarns' receiving skills give him the best chance in the running back room to carve out a passing-down role at some point in the season.

Highlights of Saints UDFA Rb Marcus Yarns pic.twitter.com/7YGrOQ3KEm

— kaj (@kadinjanisch) April 30, 2025

The upside here is enormous for a free pickup. Yarns has the skill set and production profile that typically leads to fantasy contributions. Monitor him closely as a potential league-winning waiver addition if circumstances create an opportunity.

Dillon Johnson, Carolina Panthers

Carolina's rookie running back brings a skill set that could lead to immediate fantasy contributions. His 1,195 yards and 16 rushing scores in 2024 demonstrate goal-line skills that could translate to touchdown opportunities. His power running style and vision suggest he's ready for the NFL.

Johnson's size and power running style offer something different from what's currently on the roster, potentially creating a clear role. His 16 touchdowns at Washington show he knows how to find the end zone, which could translate to fantasy points even in limited touches. If Carolina needs short-yardage help, Johnson could quickly become an appealing target.

Ulysses Bentley IV, Indianapolis Colts

Talented football players with impressive college careers can still go unnoticed, and that's how savvy fantasy managers end up with sleepers who can help take them all the way. Bentley is a perfect example. The Ole Miss product has significant big-play potential as he arrives in Indy after going undrafted.

Bentley's college career tells the story of a productive back who transferred from SMU to Ole Miss and continued to produce. Over his entire college career, he averaged 5.5 yards per carry with 28 rushing touchdowns. His most explosive season came in 2020 at SMU, when he rushed for 913 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Fantasy managers should be on alert for Bentley's athleticism and big-play ability. Despite some technical concerns about vision and decisiveness, he's extremely difficult to bring down when he gets into open space. His footwork and athleticism can cause defenders to miss, turning small gains into significant plays.

Only 89 days until SEC football returns! 🏈
Remember when Ulysses Bentley IV took it 89 yards to the house vs Mississippi State?
Speed. Vision. Gone. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gAxMQaXUNJ

— CousinShane (@BigOrangeVolz) May 31, 2025

Indianapolis' RB room is a bit crowded, but the Colts are looking for more production behind Jonathan Taylor. Bentley's explosive ability gives him a legitimate chance to leapfrog other RBs and earn the RB2 role, especially if the Colts need someone who can break off big plays.

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