Backup Fantasy Football Running Backs to Draft: Third-String RBs with Upside

Anderson's fantasy football RB3s to target in deep leagues. Third-string running backs with contingent upside include Keaton Mitchell and more.

Every season, fantasy football managers' hearts are broken by injuries to starting running backs — and backup running backs, too.

Savvy fantasy managers will keep tabs on third-string running backs so they can add them via the waiver wire or the final rounds of drafts.

Here are eight running backs worthy of a look in deep fantasy football leagues.

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Keaton Mitchell, Baltimore Ravens

Mitchell has been a fantasy sleeper before. An impressive rookie campaign in 2023 prompted managers to get excited about his long-term future, but he tore his ACL late that season and missed most of the 2024 campaign.

Still, there's excitement that Mitchell, who is currently sidelined with an undisclosed injury but shouldn't miss too much time, can return to his rookie form. Over a small sample size in 2023, he averaged 1.21 fantasy points per opportunity, which ranked second-highest among NFL running backs. He also averaged 7.1 true yards per carry (most among running backs) and +17.2 expected points added (fifth-most).

Mitchell still ranks behind Henry on the depth chart, but he'd be first in line to handle increased opportunities if Henry misses time. The Ravens' backup running back, Justice Hill, is more of a receiving threat than a rushing threat, so his presence doesn't have much of an impact on Mitchell. Hill never finished with more than five carries in a single game last year.

Even if Henry stays healthy for the full season — which is far from guaranteed — Mitchell will be able to carve out a role. Henry played more than two-thirds of the offensive snaps in just two games last year (11.8 percent), leaving plenty of snaps for other running backs in an extremely run-heavy system.

Lamar Jackson will take some of those carries, but there is still significant volume for Mitchell in an offense with a positive game script and plenty of protection in the trenches.

Keaton Mitchell looks like he’s finally back to pre-injury form. That lethal speed and explosiveness is a ton of fun to watch.

On this run I do want to point out something other than just his burst. Probably the main concern about him as a prospect was his tendency to bounce… pic.twitter.com/mJDLNEcQSc

— Charles “Chux” Maranan (@ChuxMaranan) August 9, 2025

Tahj Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals

Brooks, a standout running back from Texas A&M, continues to trend upward ahead of his much-anticipated NFL debut. After amassing 3,043 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns over his final two collegiate seasons, Brooks is ready to carve out a role for himself within the Bengals' backfield.

Brooks showcased raw talent at school, and he posted high rushing totals despite playing behind a porous Aggies offensive line. Now, he gets improved protection at the pro level, as well as a role in perhaps the NFL's most potent offense.

PFF issued Brooks an 83.3 grade for his final season at school. As a result, he ranked in the 95th percentile of collegiate running backs. He lost just two fumbles last year — both in the same game — and averaged more than three yards after contact per carry. He showed explosiveness, too, ranking 10th among all running backs with 588 breakaway yards.

This backfield still belongs to Chase Brown, but the Bengals' decision to even draft a running back suggests they're interested in adding competition to the depth chart. It was even more promising, though, to see Cincinnati release Zack Moss before preseason games were underway. Brooks now has sole possession of the No. 3 role on the depth chart, and he figures to earn more rushing work than pass-catching specialist Samaje Perine.

As a result, Brown is the only obstacle between Brooks and a heavy rushing workload out of the backfield. Brown is a physical back who exceeded expectations last year, but there's merit behind Brooks stealing opportunities from Brown. The rookie's 38.9 percent breakaway rate last year far exceeded Brown's 23.7 percent breakaway rate.

Brooks, like any depth running back, is arguably just one injury away from handling an every-down workload — but there's a path to him having standalone value behind Brown, too.

Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars turned heads when they selected Tuten, a Virginia Tech product, in the fourth round of this year's draft. He instantly injected even more confusion into an already uncertain depth chart.

Tuten joins the likes of Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby after rushing for 1,150 yards and 15 touchdowns during his final collegiate season. He is an athletic, dynamic runner who possesses top-tier straight-line speed; he reached a maximum speed of 21.5 mph at school.

Additionally, Tuten had a 54 percent breakaway rate in 2024. That ranked fifth among 89 draft-eligible running backs (minimum 50 carries), confirming that his explosiveness and big-play ability were among the best of the best in college football. He also ranked third among draft-eligible running backs with 4.47 yards after contact per rushing attempt.

While the NCAA and NFL aren't directly comparable, it's worth noting that Tuten's advanced metrics from 2024 surpassed those of Etienne (19 percent breakaway rate, 2.48 YAC per rush) and Bigsby (32 percent breakaway rate, 3.74 YAC per rush).

Tuten isn't a major receiving threat, as he caught just 23 passes for 81 yards while averaging 0.43 yards per route run last season. As a result, he probably won't get much passing-down work over Etienne and Bisgby. However, there's a legitimate chance that he leads the team in rushing attempts and yards. He could also be the Jaguars' go-to option in short-yardage plays near the first-down marker and goal line.

Tuten is currently listed as the third running back on the Jaguars' depth chart, but in reality, he could quickly work his way into the starting running back role, perhaps as early as September.

"Yeah! That's it! That's the standard!" - Jaguars RB Coach Chad Morton (re: Bhayshul Tuten's gauntlet work)

📹 via @TravisDHolmes pic.twitter.com/yD7PWGxFJJ

— Big Cat Country (@BigCatCountry) August 14, 2025

Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears

Monangai is a rookie seventh-rounder from Rutgers whose stock has gradually risen throughout the offseason. As the lone Bears running back hand-picked by new head coach Ben Johnson, Monangai has a strong chance to carve out a meaningful role this season.

During his final collegiate season, Monangai rushed for 1,279 yards and 13 touchdowns. He posted a modest 36.9 percent breakaway rate and moved the chains 78 times. The 23-year-old also avoided being a liability; he totaled just one penalty and zero fumbles throughout the 2024 NCAA campaign.

Monangai plays a clean, physical style of football, contributing as a runner and blocker. Just like Johnson had David Montgomery as his physical, reliable running back in Detroit, he now has Monangai in Chicago. Montgomery was less of a breakaway threat in 2024, but he was a dependable back with just one penalty, two fumbles, and excellent results in short-yardage scenarios.

Theoretically, Monangai will pose more of a threat to Roschon Johnson than D'Andre Swift. Swift was solid last year, totaling six touchdowns and a career-high 1,345 scrimmage yards, and he has a connection to his new head coach from their time together in Detroit. Swift's role could be scaled back, but he should hold onto the lead role.

Johnson, on the other hand, has a short leash. He has failed to truly break out in each of his first two pro seasons. As the Bears' backup running back last year, he mustered six touchdowns but just 254 scrimmage yards through 14 games. He was a true short-yardage option, averaging 2.7 yards per carry. He was drafted by general manager Ryan Poles but has no pre-existing connection to the new coaching staff.

Monangai is going to have to earn opportunities; there's no doubt about it. His minimal draft capital makes him much easier to cut if he doesn't live up to expectations. On the other end of the spectrum, though, he's a low-cost option whom the Bears made sure to draft so that he couldn't reach undrafted free agency.

The Rutgers product is worth snagging with a late-round pick in deeper drafts. He's incredibly talented, and there's a chance he could have standalone fantasy value pretty quickly this year.

Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys

Blue is still third on the Cowboys' depth chart, slotting in behind Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders. Dallas brought in both of those veteran backs during free agency, so they plan on getting them involved and don't have any reason to give Blue a larger workload than he can handle.

But make no mistake: Blue will get involved. Dallas has more of a long-term vision for him than Williams or Sanders.

Blue, a Texas product, finished his final collegiate season with 706 rushing yards, 302 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns. He had an impressive 40.8 percent breakaway rate, and he broke off a huge 77-yard run during the season finale against Clemson.

His explosiveness is undeniable, but there's also some concern about his ability to handle an every-down role after he fumbled four times on 125 carries in 2024.

Furthermore, it's worth noting that Blue only played 149 snaps — an average of 12.4 snaps per game — last year. On one hand, he has fresh legs. On the other hand, it's unclear if a larger, fuller workload would negatively impact Blue's productivity.

Neither Williams nor Sanders is a dependable every-down option, and they'll likely both wind up in the doghouse within the first half of the season. When that happens, Blue will get a fair share of opportunities to establish himself as Dallas' No. 1 running back. Even if he is limited to 10-15 carries per game, his efficiency and receiving upside would give him standalone fantasy value.

Jaydon Blue looking more and more like one of the better values in drafts pic.twitter.com/MLh9e7Ldya

— Jeremy (@PopesFFH) August 6, 2025

Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints

The Saints selected Neal in the sixth round of this year's NFL Draft, giving him a chance to compete with Kendre Miller for the No. 2 running back role. He also has the potential to push for the lead-back role when Alvin Kamara eventually steps away from the Saints and football.

There's a lot to like about Neal, who was productive as a runner and receiver while playing against good competition at Kansas. He rushed for 1,262 yards and 16 touchdowns last year, fumbling just once. He added 266 receiving yards and averaged a whopping 1.30 yards per route run, which ranked among the top 20 percent of draft-eligible running backs.

Neal's 468 breakaway yards in 2024 ranked 14th-best among 135 draft-eligible running backs. He also averaged 3.73 yards after contact per attempt, ranking in the 76th percentile.

Talent and productivity are just one part of the story for Neal. Another major component is New Orleans' backfield as a whole. Alvin Kamara is here to stay until he gives the Saints a reason to part ways. The veteran dual-threat back should continue to fill an every-down role, leaving Neal and his fellow backfield-mates scrounging for opportunities.

Furthermore, the Saints could have a miserable offense in 2025. The unit is led by inexperienced rookie Tyler Shough, with New Orleans projected by DraftKings to win just five games. If the Saints are stuck with a low time of possession and must throw the ball to score points, Neal will be negatively impacted.

Pounding the table for a rookie running back in a backup role within a poor offense is not usually an ideal fantasy football strategy. However, Neal has a clear path to the No. 2 role this year, as he should be able to beat out the oft-injured Miller.

Neal will have an early leg up on the starting role if Kamara suffers an injury or eventually retires.

Kansas RB Devin Neal’s ability to make defenders miss in the tightest of spaces is what makes him one of my favorite Day 3 prospects in this class. #rb #NFL #nfldraft pic.twitter.com/f1D8cTl4Zc

— Todd McShay (@McShay13) March 16, 2025

Jordan James, San Francisco 49ers

James is dealing with a broken finger, but the rookie should be healthy near the start of the regular season. At worst, he'll only miss a couple of games.

The 21-year-old running back from Oregon was selected in the fifth round of this year's NFL Draft. He totaled 1,167 rushing yards, 180 receiving yards, and 13 touchdowns at school last season. He moved the chains 76 times but had an extremely modest 20 percent breakaway rate. His ability to break tackles and extend plays was promising, as he averaged 3.33 yards after contact per rush in 2024.

Fantasy managers should also be intrigued by the fact that James never fumbled through three seasons (342 carries) at Oregon. His ability to protect the football will earn him additional opportunities at the NFL level.

Opportunities won't come right away, though, as James opens the year behind both Christian McCaffrey and Isaac Guerendo. He'll likely need some sort of injury to McCaffrey before he sniffs the field consistently.

McCaffrey hasn't been healthy for a full season since 2022, following a pattern of numerous 49ers running backs struggling to stay on the field. If this pattern persists, both Guerendo and James will have opportunities to handle 15-plus touches in a single game. Once James gets touches, he should thrive, as Kyle Shanahan's system benefits most running backs.

Since McCaffrey is expected to be healthy for Week 1, James won't have standalone value right away. However, his time will come, making him a high-ceiling bench stash in most leagues.

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