Which Rookie Running Backs Can Be Late-Round Steals & League Winners?

Hosted by Chris Raybon and Sean Koerner, the Fantasy Flex Podcast stands as a premier destination for serious NFL fantasy football enthusiasts. Combining analytical rigor with actionable strategies, the show caters to players across all formats—season-long redraft, Best Ball, and DFS.

Action Network’s Chris Raybon and Sean Koerner are back with their fantasy rookie RB guide! In this episode they will discuss their rankings of the top rookie fantasy RBs and draft them based on where they rank their potential for this season.

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Fantasy Flex Podcast: Top Fantasy Football Running Backs – Part 3

This Fantasy Flex Podcast episode, part of the show’s 2025 “Running Back Week,” features Chris Raybon and Sean Koerner running their annual Rookie RB Draft — a game where each selects rookies based on best ball ADP value rather than just talent alone. The goal is to pick players most likely to outperform their draft position, knowing many rookies will miss expectations or see little playing time.

The hosts open by noting how much deeper and more promising this year’s rookie RB class is compared to 2024. They revisit last year’s results — Sean’s Bucky Irving pick was the standout, while both learned that drafting simply by top ADP can backfire if injuries hit.

Using current best ball ADPs, they alternate selections through 12 rounds (24 picks total), weighing factors like depth charts, injury openings, coaching tendencies, and preseason buzz.

Early picks include Raybon taking Bhayshul Tuten as his top sleeper, citing his blazing speed and Liam Coen’s proven impact on run games, while Sean opens with camp standout Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Other notable value targets: Brashard Smith, Taj Brooks, Jordan James, and Jaydon Blue.

To hear the rest of their takes, watch the video below!

They balance these “deep cut” swings with safer mid-range picks — Ashton Jeanty (RB1 upside despite injury risk), Woody Marks (Texans’ injury-thinned backfield), Kaleb Johnson (Steelers’ likely early-down role), RJ Harvey, Omarion Hampton, and TreyVon Henderson — while fading certain rookies whose roles or health remain uncertain, such as Quinshon Judkins and Devin Neal.

Both also take bottom-of-the-board stabs on longshots like Kyle Monangai, Damien Martinez, Trevor Etienne, Jarquez Hunter, LeQuint Allen, and undrafted Corey Kiner in hopes of cashing in on injuries or unexpected depth chart jumps.

Throughout, they discuss how draft position in this format affects risk/reward — high ADP RB2 types can sink scores if they bust, while deeper picks have minimal downside. Coaching tendencies, offensive situations, and preseason usage will be key in determining who smashes value.

They close by recapping all picks, highlighting players whose situations demand monitoring (particularly in San Francisco, Jacksonville, and Cleveland), and teasing next week’s rookie wide receiver draft.

Pictured: Ashton Jeanty

Photo Credit: Imagn