Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton top fantasy football rookie RB rankings

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The 2025 NFL Draft was widely considered one of the best classes for running back prospects in the modern era. All-around featured backs, pass-catching threats and power runners were all featured in the 25 running backs selected over seven rounds of the NFL Draft. Many more were signed as undrafted free agents.
This is a stark contrast to a year ago which saw 19 running backs selected and just one within the top 50 picks, Jonathon Brooks, who appeared in just three games as a rookie.
At least three rookies look set as the primary ball-carriers in the backfield this season. Nearly a dozen more should compete for a share of the production out as well. That'll likely translate to value in fantasy football at one of the most important positions.
First-round NFL draft picks Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton could be two of the top running backs in fantasy football this season but they're far from the only major players. Here are our top 10 rookie running backs in fantasy football in 2025:
1. Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas made Jeanty the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley went No. 2 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft. His addition means the Raiders' top weapons on offense are at tight end with Brock Bowers and running back with Jeanty.
New offensive coordinator Chip Kelly designed some creative run schemes for the national champion Ohio State Buckeyes last season. Jeanty's generational talents as a runner and untapped potential as a receiving weapon could make him one of the most productive players in fantasy football, regardless of position or experience, in 2025.
2. Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers
Hampton wasn't considered in Jeanty's tier as a prospect in the draft but he's far from a consolation prize. The North Carolina product has ideal size and skills to be a feature running back in an NFL offense. Veteran addition Najee Harris is dealing with an eye injury as training camps continue, giving Hampton the chance to fully take control as RB1.
The Chargers' offense lacks proven weapons beyond wide receiver Ladd McConkey. Hampton's background lends to the idea he can be a three-down back with receiving skills out of the backfield. Los Angeles will want to run the ball often and effectively and Hampton should be the man to lead the charge.
3. Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Johnson fell to the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft despite being widely regarded as at least a top-50 talent. The Iowa product lacked game-breaking speed but makes up for it with the burst, vision, and size to maximize his carries.
Pittsburgh has a potentially ascending offensive line group with right tackle Troy Fautanu healthy in year two and another year of development from center Zach Frazier and guard Mason McCormick. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith wants to run the ball and that'll set the offense up for success with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. Johnson's a great value pick who should get plenty of carries despite veteran Jaylen Warren's presence.
4. RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos
Harvey lands in one of the best situations for a rookie running back in the league. There's a well-established offensive play-caller, a good offensive line and a defense so good it'll likely lean the game script towards more running.
Harvey's more of a dynamic open-field threat with great vision compared to Johnson's powerful profile. His abilities as a receiver could be a perfect fit for the Broncos as coach Sean Payton often includes running backs in the passing game. Harvey will have to split carries with veteran J.K. Dobbins but there should be enough for him to have a big impact as a rookie.
5. TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots
Henderson excelled at Ohio State as a home-run hitter who could take the ball the distance at any time. His workload will be a question mark because he never hit 200 carries in any of his three years in college. Henderson offers lots of value as a receiver, much like Harvey, in addition to his playmaking abilities in the run game.
He'll likely be sharing carries with veteran incumbent Rhamondre Stevenson. But Henderson is likely the Patriots' most explosive weapon on offense. That alone should get him plenty of attention as a rookie this season.
6. Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns
Much like the Browns' quarterback situation, it's tough to parse who will be the lead back in Cleveland. Veteran Jerome Ford returns this year and is expected to get a good share of the touches out of the backfield. Sampson and fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins will take the rest.
Judkins is still unsigned following his arrest in July. That gives Sampson the opportunity to capitalize ahead of Week 1 of the regular season. Sampson was remarkably productive in the SEC in his final year at Tennessee, leading the conference in carries, yards and rushing touchdowns. He was one of the best receiving backs in college football as well and should get plenty of attention in the passing game as well as a rookie.
7. Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys
There are a pair of veteran running backs in Dallas in Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders but neither offer the playmaking abilities that Blue shows. Fellow veteran Deuce Vaughn has also impressed in camp, making it tough for Blue to find a role early on.
But there's a chance by Week 8 that offensive coordinator Klayton Adams has Blue working in on a regular basis to provide explosives in the run game. It could take time but injuries and opportunities could lead to a big role by season's end.
8. Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars
It's a busy backfield in Jacksonville with four players vying for touches. Veterans Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby are back with rookies Tuten and LeQuint Allen Jr. all offering positives as well.
Of the two rookies, Tuten looks to be the more compelling option. It's been a committee approach in training camp so far and new Jaguars coach Liam Coen used three running backs effectively last year in Tampa Bay. Tuten was one of the most impressive athletes at the NFL combine, regardless of position, so he should see plenty of action in the passing game as a screen pass target.
Bigsby or Etienne will likely take most of the early-down touches so that does limit Tuten's production, especially early on. Much like Blue, Tuten could work into a bigger role as the season progresses.
9. Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City is hoping for a full season of Isiah Pacheco. If not, they've got veterans Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell signed to the position for some experienced depth.
Smith could be a wild card in that. The seventh-round pick should have a specific role in the offense similar to what Jerick McKinnon had for years with the Chiefs. Smith's background as a wide receiver gives him a skillset the team should maximize as a receiver out of the backfield. That may not mean much in standard scoring leagues but he could emerge with some value in PPR formats in time.
10. Tahj Brooks, Cincinnati Bengals
Brooks was a sixth-round pick for the Bengals in April but he could easily outplay that draft position this season. The Bengals got a lot out of 2023 fifth-round pick Chase Brown last season. Brown was a top-10 fantasy running back in the second half of the season. He's a weapon in the passing game as well as the running game with his playmaking abilities.
Durability may be a concern with Brown and that's where Brooks comes in. The Texas Tech product is not the speedy threat in the open field Brown is but he offers an ideal compliment as a powerful runner with great contact balance. He could get a lot of work on early downs to spell Brown and keep him fresh for more explosive plays.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Top fantasy football rookie RBs: Ashton Jeanty leads the way