Updated Fantasy Football Rookie RB Rankings (August): Omarion Hampton, Ashton Jeanty, Jaydon Blue, RJ Harvey, Treveyon Henderson, Kaleb Johnson

August 18, 2025

Updated 2025 fantasy football rookie RB rankings for August. See the top rookie running backs and draft targets, including Omarion Hampton, Jaydon Blue, RJ Harvey, Kaleb Johnson.

The 2025 rookie running back class is loaded, and many of these players will be on the fantasy football radar right away and as the season progresses. To help you in your rookie, dynasty, and redraft leagues, we're back with our updated 2025 fantasy football rookie running back rankings. In the rankings of first-year RBs below, find out where Omarion Hampton, Ashton Jeanty, Jaydon Blue, RJ Harvey, TreVeyon Henderson, and Kaleb Johnson stand, among all others.

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. 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 fantasy football rankings. Bookmark that page, and use it to prepare for all of your 2025 fantasy football dynasty league drafts.

Fantasy Football Rookie Running Back Rankings (August Updates)

Rookie rankings are from after the 2025 NFL Draft with August Updates. Bookmark our PPR rankings, Half-PPR rankings, and standard (non-PPR) rankings.

Recent Fantasy Football News for Rookie RBs

Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Chargers rookie running back Omarion Hampton played only the first series in the Chargers' last-second 23-22 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Showing his burst and tackle-breaking ability on limited touches, the 22-year-old rushed for 17 yards on just two carries.

The first-round pick from UNC, who posted 1,660 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 12 games his junior year, is rising up draft boards as veteran RB Najee Harris' (eye) availability for the start of the season is still unknown.

Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty showcased his blend of power and speed in the team's second preseason contest. The rookie logged seven carries for 33 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a 13-yard burst where he lowered his shoulder and flattened cornerback Deommodore Lenoir. Jeanty's strong playstyle and decisive running fit well into Pete Carroll's offensive scheme, which favors physical backs who can finish runs.

Currently being selected late in the first round of redraft leagues, Jeanty's expanding workload in preseason action suggests he has a clear path to providing immediate fantasy value in 2025.

RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos rookie second-round running back RJ Harvey didn't see much run in the team's second preseason game on Saturday against the visiting Arizona Cardinals, but it didn't stop him from scoring his first NFL touchdown in the 27-7 victory. Harvey only carried the ball three times for 18 yards while catching his only target for a two-yard gain.

The 24-year-old was the starter in this contest with J.K. Dobbins not suiting up. His touchdown run went for eight yards up the middle to get the team on the board in the first quarter. The fact that Dobbins didn't play at all suggests he could have a leg up as the "starter" for the Broncos over Harvey, but make no mistake, Harvey is going to have a key role in Denver's backfield in 2025. He should be viewed as a low-end RB2/high-end RB3 with more home-run ability than Dobbins.

TreVeyon Henderson, Denver Broncos

New England Patriots running back TreVeyon Henderson rushed four times for 20 yards and one touchdown during Saturday's preseason win over the Minnesota Vikings. He also returned a kick 26 yards and was targeted once in the passing game. It was an interesting game for the Patriots' backfield as Henderson looked great, Antonio Gibson struggled, and Rhamondre Stevenson (undisclosed) didn't play a snap. Although Stevenson is the incumbent No. 1 running back and Gibson also earned a start in 2024, Henderson has looked like the Patriots' best and most dependable running back so far this summer.

The rookie figures to earn the starting job at some point this season, and we can't rule out the possibility of him getting the first snap in Week 1. Henderson is the most intriguing Patriots player in fantasy football drafts with a highly justifiable ADP of 59 (RB20).

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders rookie running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt (shoulder) was wearing a non-contact jersey in Saturday's training camp practice, according to Ben Standig. Croskey-Merritt only took part in individual drills at practice as he works through a minor shoulder injury. The 24-year-old seventh-rounder suffered the shoulder injury in the preseason opener last week against the New England Patriots, when he carried the ball seven times for 24 yards while catching his only target for eight yards.

He has been impressive during camp as he competes for a depth role in Washington's backfield behind Austin Ekeler and Brian Robinson Jr. (who is reportedly on the trade block). Croskey-Merritt's primary competition for a 53-man roster spot this summer is Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. From all accounts, Croskey-Merritt has done enough so far to make the team.

Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson handled 11 carries for 50 rushing yards and hauled in his only target for nine yards in a 17-14 preseason loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Johnson once again struggled to find much room in the early going, but he managed to get loose a few times in the second and third quarters, including on a 14-yard scamper that marked the longest gain of his young NFL career.

Although veteran halfback Jaylen Warren is primed to begin the campaign as the team's primary ballcarrier, Johnson, a third-round selection in April's draft, should mix in regularly and see an expanded role as the season progresses. His final audition before Week 1 will come against the Carolina Panthers on Thursday.

Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns

The NFL will continue its own investigation into Cleveland Brown rookie running back Quinshon Judkins despite the fact that the second-rounder isn't expected to face any formal charges for a domestic-violence incident that took place on July 12 in Florida, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. "We have been following developments in the matter which remains under review," a league spokesman said. Because of the 21-year-old's off-the-field issues, the Browns have yet to sign him to his rookie deal, which means he hasn't practiced at all with the team in training camp.

The fact that no formal charges have been filed is good news for Judkins, but it doesn't mean he won't face a suspension from the NFL, and he still may not be ready to play by Week 1 of the regular season. Judkins has fallen to an RB56 ranking at RotoBaller because of the uncertainty, while rookie Dylan Sampson and Jerome Ford are primed to share the backfield for however long Judkins is away.

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