Late-Round Gems: Unearthing the 2025 Rookie Running Back Sleepers for Fantasy Football Glory

The 2024 NFL season saw several unexpected running backs emerge as fantasy football stars. Players like Kyren Williams and Raheem Mostert, who were drafted in the later rounds or even picked up off waivers, became crucial pieces for championship-winning teams. This phenomenon underscores a vital truth for fantasy managers: finding those late-round gems can be the difference between a good season and a legendary one. As we turn our attention to the 2025 NFL Draft, the running back class is shaping up to be one of the deepest in recent memory, potentially rivaling the historic 2017 class. This depth means that there will be plenty of opportunities to unearth those hidden talents who can contribute significantly to your fantasy roster.

The 2025 NFL Draft: A Running Back Bonanza

Experts are already buzzing about the potential of the 2025 running back class. Dynasty Nerds’ Tristan Cook notes that this class is the deepest he has seen in several years, suggesting it could rival the 2017 class in terms of fantasy-relevant backs. With such a wealth of talent, identifying the late-round sleepers becomes even more critical.

Identifying the Sleepers: What to Look For

So, how do you find those late-round running back gems? Here are some key traits and situations to consider:

Opportunity: Keep an eye on rookies who land in favorable situations with a clear path to playing time. A back who is drafted to a team with an aging starter or a history of injuries could quickly find themselves in a prominent role.
Versatility: In today’s NFL, running backs who can contribute in the passing game are incredibly valuable. Look for backs with a proven track record of catching passes out of the backfield and excelling in pass protection.
Combine Performance: While not the only factor, a strong showing at the NFL Combine can boost a player’s draft stock and fantasy potential. Pay attention to backs who display impressive speed, agility, and explosiveness.
College Production: Dig into the stats and game film of potential sleepers. Look for backs who were highly productive in college, especially those who demonstrated the ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact.

Potential Late-Round Gems in the 2025 NFL Draft

While the early rounds of the draft will likely be dominated by names like Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) and Omarion Hampton (North Carolina), several other backs could emerge as valuable fantasy assets later on. Here are a few names to keep an eye on:

DJ Giddens (Kansas State): Giddens has the size to be a workhorse back at the NFL level. He has very good vision, patience, and contact balance as a runner. He’s a capable receiver out of the backfield. In 2024, he averaged 6.6 yards per carry for 1,343 yards with seven touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 258 yards with a touchdown.
Damien Martinez (Miami): Martinez is a big, powerful, physical downhill runner who can run through contact and punish tacklers. He is a power back that has starting potential for the NFL. In 2024, Martinez averaged 6.3 yards per carry for 1,002 yards with 10 touchdowns. He caught 17 passes for 204 yards.
Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech): Some team sources think that Brooks could be a hidden gem in the 2025 NFL Draft. He has been very productive over the last two seasons and has some natural running instincts to go along with toughness. In 2024 with the Red Raiders, Brooks averaged 5.3 yards per carry for 1,505 yards with 17 touchdowns.
Dylan Sampson (Tennessee): Sampson earned 3rd-Team Associated Press All-American honors in 2024 and SEC Offensive Player of the Year for the Tennessee Volunteers. He set a school record with 22 rushing touchdowns in 2024, ranking fourth in the FBS, and also set school records with 1,491 rushing yards and 132 points scored.

Fantasy Football Strategies for Late-Round Running Backs

Several fantasy football draft strategies can help you maximize your chances of finding and utilizing late-round running back gems:

Hero RB: This strategy involves drafting one elite running back early and then waiting until the middle rounds to select additional running backs. This allows you to secure a dependable RB1 while using your early-round picks to stockpile talent at other positions.
Zero RB: This strategy involves fading the running back position early in the draft and instead focusing on wide receivers, tight ends, and quarterbacks. The idea is to then load up on running backs in the later rounds, hoping to find a few sleepers who can outperform their draft position.
Roster Construction: Regardless of your overall draft strategy, it’s essential to allocate enough roster spots to running backs. In most leagues, you should aim to have at least five or six running backs on your roster to weather injuries and bye weeks.

The Importance of Staying Informed

The key to unearthing late-round running back gems is to stay informed throughout the offseason. Follow NFL news closely, paying attention to coaching changes, free agent signings, and of course, the NFL Draft. By doing your homework and identifying potential sleepers, you can gain a significant edge over your league mates.

The 2025 NFL Draft presents a golden opportunity to find those late-round running backs who can propel your fantasy team to glory. By understanding what to look for and employing smart draft strategies, you can unearth the next Kyren Williams or Raheem Mostert and dominate your league.