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Corbin's top fantasy football RB sleepers draft targets for ZeroRB Strategy in 2025. His later-round RBs with upside, including Zach Charbonnet and more.
Some drafters might be fading the ZeroRB approach because running backs were profitable in the early rounds over the past two seasons. With the juicy 2025 rookie class, many receivers and running backs landed in friendly spots, making them earlier picks in drafts. The basis for the ZeroRB draft strategy came from Shawn Siegele and the idea of being anti-fragile, which he wrote about in 2013.
Shawn references the book Antifragile, which is the idea that things can thrive in volatile or random situations. That's somewhat like fantasy football, where logical coaching, injuries, and randomness make our fantasy teams sink or thrive. The goal for building an antifragile team with a ZeroRB approach would be to improve instead of staying the same when variance arrives, much like a late-round running back could turn into a week- or league-winner like Chase Brown from last season.
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The ZeroRB strategy likely works better in leagues with more flex spots and three or more wide receiver positions. In shallower formats of 10-12 teams with fewer starting spots, it makes more sense to go with a HeroRB approach to invest in one early running back. Furthermore, the off-season research on win rates by position suggests that running backs can provide better win rates in the later rounds compared to receivers. That said, we'll cover a couple of different types of ZeroRB sleepers. One involves what some in the bestball world call chaperones, who carry your team through the early stages of the season. The other would be running backs that might not have any immediate value unless one of the other running backs misses time or struggles. Let's look at five running back sleepers when using the ZeroRB strategy to thrive when there's volatility and chaos, to have teams that would be antifragile.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, NYG
FFPC ADP: 91.6, RB33
Before the 2025 NFL Draft, Tracy seemed like a fade because it's rare for a Day 3 running back to find success for multiple seasons. That may have been the correct process when the Giants drafted Cam Skattebo in the fourth round, as an earlier Day 3 selection.
Skattebo has been dealing with a hamstring injury in early August, though it doesn't sound serious. Regardless, Tracy might have the opportunity to begin the season on a hot note with Skattebo banged up. One of Tracy's top comparisons based on his rookie season was Rachaad White. That's mainly the case because of his receiving expected points per game at the running back position.
If we recall, White had a breakout season in Year 2, with 271.9 fantasy points, ranking eighth in EP/G. Since 2023, White has the fifth-most receiving expected points per game behind Alvin Kamara, Breece Hall, Bijan Robinson, and Jahmyr Gibbs. If Tracy becomes a slightly discounted version of White's breakout season in Year 2, he'll be an RB3 or flex option, especially if Skattebo misses time.
Besides the receiving profile for Tracy, he flashed an above-average missed tackles forced rate (17 percent). However, Tracy's vision and offensive line might be a concern because he had 47.9 percent of his carries that didn't result in a first down or touchdown, with fewer than 3-4 yards based on the down.
The Giants ranked 21st in adjusted yards before contact per attempt with the second-highest pressure rate in 2024. That indicates the Giants' offensive line struggled to run and pass block last season. They invested in a first-round left tackle, with a few additional depth pieces for their offensive line.
Summary
Some have mentioned players being labeled as chaperones, specifically in bestball leagues, where certain players help to carry teams through different points in the season until the big-money weeks when it matters. Tracy might fit that mold because the spike weeks may be limited, though he handled a solid role, with a 69 percent snap share, 56 percent rush percentage, and an 11 percent target rate in Weeks 4-18.
That's notable because the Giants previously relied on Devin Singletary in the first four weeks, with a 72 percent snap share, 57 percent team rush percentage, and an eight percent target share. If you load up on receivers, a high-end tight end, and an elite quarterback, Tracy could be the RB1 on your fantasy squad as a ZeroRB sleeper.
Zach Charbonnet, RB, SEA
FFPC ADP: 104.4, RB37
It's rare to find a clear backup running back who slides into a heavy workload like Charbonnet. In the eight games when Kenneth Walker III missed time, Charbonnet averaged over 17 fantasy points, with a heavy workload of 18-19 opportunities per game.
Walker has been a tackle-breaking machine, averaging an elite 30 percent missed tackles forced rate in 2024. However, Charbonnet flashed an above-average missed tackle forced rate while sharing the carries inside the five-yard line.
There have been talks about Charbonnet taking on a larger role in 2025, turning the Seahawks' backfield into a shared one. That might give him RB3-type value, though Charbonnet and Walker might eat into each other's ceiling since they're both above-average running backs.
Instead of being a player to stash, Charbonnet might be someone to roll in a lineup when injuries or bye weeks occur, especially if his usage increases. With Klint Kubiak as the new offensive coordinator, it should be fruitful for the Seahawks' running backs, especially in the receiving game. Kubiak should also have a positive impact on the running game.
Last season with the Saints, Kamara had 71.9 percent of his attempts in zone run concepts, per FantasyPoints Data. Meanwhile, under Ryan Grubb, Walker and Charbonnet had an even split in their percentage of carries in zone or man/gap concepts. Interestingly, Walker and Charbonnet had better success rates in man/gap concepts in 2024 than the projected zone rushing scheme under Kubiak.
Summary
Thankfully, Charbonnet's price didn't rise too much in recent weeks after the report of him taking on a larger workload in early August. Most times, the backup running back might not take on a heavy workload. However, Charbonnet checks that box because he can handle carrying and receiving work. He would likely be a starting running back on several other teams without Walker. Charbonnet remains a priority stash candidate using a ZeroRB build because he can thrive if Walker misses time.
Jaydon Blue, RB, DAL
FFPC ADP: 113.1, RB40
Texas has been churning out NFL prospects, including Bijan Robinson, Xavier Worthy, Matthew Golden, Jonathon Brooks, and Ja'Tavion Sanders. Blue played behind several of those running backs and peaked in his final collegiate season. During Blue's peak season, he shared the backfield with Quintrevion Wisner, who led the team in carries (226) and receptions (44).
That's why Blue's analytical comparisons involve Nyheim Hines, Tony Pollard, and Chris Thompson. Blue provides an explosive element that the Cowboys need. Last season, the Cowboys ranked 26th in explosive rush rate. However, Blue teased us with his straight-line speed, evidenced by his 78th-percentile Speed Score, as a smaller running back under 200 pounds who ran a 4.38 40-yard dash.
The Cowboys have two veterans in Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, who might take low-value touches in this offense. However, Blue's collegiate profile suggests that he'll likely be paired with another running back. Williams and Sanders lack the explosiveness and ability to break tackles. That's evident in Williams's having a below-average 13 percent missed tackles forced rate and a 2.9 percent explosive rush rate.
Meanwhile, Sanders had a similarly poor 11 percent missed tackles forced percentage, and only 1.8 percent of his carries went for explosive yardage. The Panthers ranked 15th, with the Broncos at 16th in adjusted yards before contact per attempt. The Cowboys ranked 26th in adjusted yards before contact per attempt, but they invested two first-round picks in offensive linemen over the past two seasons. Williams and Sanders need an improved offensive line to thrive, but Blue can succeed via his efficiency and explosiveness, which could warrant more touches throughout the season.
Summary
Blue should give the Cowboys an explosive piece on offense among their running backs. He possesses a unique skill that Williams and Sanders lack at this point in their careers. We want to take swings on players like Blue, who have potential week-winning upside if he can be an efficient rusher and receiver. He's a low-risk, high-reward player to target using the ZeroRB draft strategy.
Rachaad White, RB, TB
FFPC ADP: 129.9, RB49
We discussed White because of his receiving profile, and he fits the mold of a cheaper version of Tracy. Yes, there should be regression in the Buccaneers' offense because Baker Mayfield had a career-high 7.2 percent passing touchdown rate compared to a career average of five percent.
That's further evident by Mayfield averaging 4.1 fantasy points over expected per game (FPOE/G), ranking fourth in 2024. For context, Mayfield had negative FPOE/G in his previous three seasons. Maybe that's the Liam Coen effect, and we shouldn't expect Mayfield and the Buccaneers' offense to continue being uber-efficient.
The visual below shows the team-level running back expected fantasy points from 2021 to 2024 for the Buccaneers.
Interestingly, the Buccaneers' running backs had one of the lowest targets and receiving EP/G in 2023 when White broke out. For context, that's likely because Mike Evans and Chris Godwin had an identical 24 percent target share, with Trey Palmer (12 percent) and Cade Otton (12 percent) being the other two players with a double-digit target share in 2023
Godwin was healthy in 2023 but dealt with injuries in 2024, leading to a slight offensive shift toward Otton, seeing a bump in target share (19 percent). Meanwhile, White and Bucky Irving account for 20 percent of the team's targets in 2024.
The team preferred using another running back to pair with Irving, hinting at similar usage in 2025. That's especially notable when Irving started taking over from Weeks 6-18, as seen in the visual above. Irving's draft price skyrocketed because of his late-season breakout, with White being a massive discount that should have some RB3-type value when healthy.
Summary
Recently, we've seen Sean Tucker garner positive notes and vibes during the offseason. There's a chance Tucker takes over White's role as the secondary running back in the Tampa Bay backfield. However, we could argue that White's receiving profile might be underappreciated, though he might not be an explosive player. We're banking on White being a part of this backfield to provide RB3 or flex-type numbers, with more upside if Irving misses time.
This article was drafted before White's groin injury. It doesn't sound serious, but Tucker might be someone to prioritize as a last-round pick. The same situational analysis with White applies to Tucker, who teased us with his high-end explosive rush percentage (eight percent) and an above-average missed forced tackle rate (20 percent) in the small sample of 50 carries.
Tucker handled a hefty workload in his final seasons at Syracuse with a career 85 percent RB Dominator and 10 percent receiving yardage market share. There's an explosive element to Tucker, like Irving, giving him multiple paths for upside if either one misses time.
Jaylen Wright, RB, MIA
FFPC ADP: 142.7, RB54
Wright wasn't able to carve out a role last season with De'Von Achane and Raheem Mostert handling the majority of the workload. The only week when Wright handled double-digit carries came in Week 5 when Achane left with a concussion. Besides that, Wright trailed Achane, Mostert, and fullback Alec Ingold in snaps last season.
Wright was one of the most explosive and athletic running backs in last year's class. He boasted a 92nd percentile Speed Score and a 98th percentile Explosion Score. Some of Wright's athletic comparables include David Wilson, Jerick McKinnon, Elijah Mitchell, and Chase Brown. If there's a discounted version of Achane in the Dolphins' offense, it's Wright.
In Wright's small rookie sample of 68 carries, he forced missed tackles 18 percent of the time, with nearly six percent (5.9) of his carries going for explosive runs of 15 or more yards. Wright only saw stacked boxes (8+ defenders) 11.8 percent of the time compared to Achane at 20.2 percent.
He can make splash plays, but his vision might be an issue, with a below-average 1.46 yards before contact per attempt. The Dolphins' offensive line was middle of the pack, with the 17th-best adjusted yards before contact per attempt (1.85).
Wright was one of 12 running backs with a five percent explosive run percentage and an 18 percent missed tackles forced rate, as seen in the visual below. The visual below includes mostly high-end running backs, besides a few outliers.
If there were two fun metrics for running backs besides targets, it would be explosive plays and forcing missed tackles. Wright might be more like Tucker, where he'll tease us in small samples until he garners a heavier workload.
Summary
The Dolphins added Alexander Mattison during the offseason, but he recently underwent season-ending neck surgery. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dolphins brought in Jamaal Williams for a workout. Mattison and Williams have different skill sets from Achane and Wright, possibly indicating they want a heavier, short-yardage type rusher in the mix. Draft and stash Wright because there's contingent value if Achane or whoever else they mix in misses time.
Ollie Gordon II is also somewhat interesting. Had a pretty productive second season at Oklahoma State, with the 7th-best RB Dominator in 2024 among the RB prospects.
Had a peak season with 9% receiving yardage market share in 2023. Might have better breakaway in-game speed,… https://t.co/BxLoUruqAB pic.twitter.com/ZOnT6VvuoA
— Corbin (@corbin_young21) August 11, 2025
Like Tucker, Ollie Gordon II might be worthy of a last-round selection because he doesn't have any overlapping skills with Achane or Wright. Gordon had the seventh-highest RB Dominator, with him profiling more as an early-down rusher. He might have better in-game speed because his athletic measurables include T.J. Yeldon, Jordan Howard, and Tyler Allgeier. Though Gordon posted mediocre athletic numbers, he had the sixth-highest breakaway rush percentage in his career, yet ranked 34th in 2024 out of 38 running back prospects. Gordon probably won't force many missed tackles, but he gives the Dolphins a different element in their rushing attack.
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