Fantasy Football Sleeper Alert: RJ Harvey and Other Rookie RBs Ready to Explode in 2025

The 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be a banner year for rookie running backs. While names like Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton dominate the headlines, several other first-year players are poised to become fantasy football gold. Keep your eye on these potential league-winners who could be available later in your drafts.

RJ Harvey: The Denver Broncos’ Secret Weapon

RJ Harvey, drafted by the Denver Broncos, is generating significant buzz as a potential fantasy football sleeper. The Broncos selected Harvey with the 60th overall pick in the second round, signaling their belief in his potential to lead their backfield. Landing in Denver, Harvey is viewed as a dual-threat running back perfectly suited for Sean Payton’s pass-heavy offensive scheme.

Harvey’s strengths lie in his elusiveness, burst, and receiving skills. He is a compact, twitchy back who thrives in space and can win at the second level with burst and lateral agility. His ability to make defenders miss and finish runs through contact is impressive given his size. He’s also a natural receiver with soft hands.

Fantasy Outlook:

Floor: RB3 with FLEX value in PPR formats.
Ceiling: RB2 with weekly spike weeks if he secures receiving and early-down work.
Early Projection: 140–160 carries, 40+ receptions, 1,100 total yards, 6–8 TDs.

Analysts are already projecting Harvey to have a significant impact. Matt Okada noted that Harvey landed in arguably the best RB landing spot in the league, with a clear road to RB2 production in 2025. Given the Broncos’ ascending offense, led by Bo Nix and an improved offensive line, Harvey has the opportunity to become a valuable fantasy asset.

Jaydon Blue: A Cowboy on the Rise

Jaydon Blue, drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, is another rookie running back to watch. The Cowboys selected Blue in the fifth round, and he could be on the fast track to snaps.

Blue averaged 5.4 yards per carry last season, with 517 yards after contact, while excelling as a receiver. With only Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders in front of Blue on the depth chart, both of whom are on one-year deals, there is a wide-open path to becoming the lead back in his rookie season.

Cam Skattebo: The Giants’ Versatile Threat

Cam Skattebo, joining the New York Giants, is a versatile, multi-faceted player with strong receiving ability. His production potential, draft capital and PFF grades all point to his usurping Devin Singletary and Tyrone Tracy Jr. sooner rather than later.

Skattebo is a different style of back, playing more of a tough, bruising role. That could also make him useful in goal-line situations, which is where Skattebo has a shot to bring some value to fantasy managers.

Other Notable Rookie Running Backs

Ashton Jeanty (Las Vegas Raiders): Jeanty is considered the top running back in this rookie class. He’s joining a Raiders offense that should heavily feature him in both the running and passing game.
Omarion Hampton (Los Angeles Chargers): Hampton landed in a favorable spot with the Chargers. Jim Harbaugh is known for wanting to pound the rock; the Chargers ranked 24th in rushing attempts and 25th in rushing yards in 2023 before improving under Harbaugh’s watch in 2024 to 11th and 17th, respectively.
Kaleb Johnson (Pittsburgh Steelers): Johnson landed in a great spot to shine immediately. A bruiser, he’s the perfect replacement in the offense.

Why Target Rookie Running Backs?

Rookie running backs often represent excellent value in fantasy drafts. Their potential is frequently underestimated, and they can emerge as key contributors as the season progresses. Here’s why you should consider drafting them:

Opportunity: NFL teams are increasingly willing to give rookies significant roles in their offenses. Injuries to veteran players can also create opportunities for rookies to step up and shine.
Untapped Potential: Rookies haven’t yet established a track record in the NFL, making them difficult to project. However, this also means their upside is immense. A well-scouted rookie can exceed expectations and become a fantasy star.
Cost-Effective: In many cases, rookie running backs can be acquired at a lower draft cost than established veterans. This allows you to build a well-rounded roster with depth at multiple positions.

The Importance of Opportunity

Ultimately, a running back’s fantasy value hinges on opportunity. Talented players can be held back by unfavorable situations, while less heralded backs can thrive when given the chance to carry the load. As you evaluate rookie running backs, pay close attention to their projected role within their respective offenses.

Conclusion

The 2025 NFL season promises to be an exciting one for rookie running backs. While the top prospects will likely be drafted early, don’t overlook the potential sleepers who could emerge as fantasy stars. RJ Harvey, Jaydon Blue, and Cam Skattebo are just a few of the names to watch as you prepare for your fantasy drafts. By targeting these players, you can gain a competitive edge and build a team capable of dominating your league.