5 RBs To Target in Dynasty Rookie Drafts (Post NFL Draft)

The NFL Draft is officially in the books and it feels right to talk about the running back position first. Just based on my initial reaction, this felt like an underwhelming few days for such a deep class. There weren’t a lot of great landing spots that were filled out.

For example, the Dallas Cowboys didn’t pick their first running back until day two. The Chicago Bears didn’t take a running back until round seven.

Nonetheless, today, we’re going to break down the top five running backs to target for your dynasty rookie drafts. This will be taking Fantasy Pros’ average ECR ranking (PPR, Superflex) into account.

2025 Dynasty Rookie RBs To Target (Post NFL Draft)

1. Kaleb Johnson – ECR:11
(Pittsburgh Steelers)

Starting off with the highest ranked player, Kaleb Johnson has an ECR of 11 which is a bit too low. Both Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren are ranked ahead of Johnson, which I disagree with.

I’d rather take Johnson who is going to have a role right away instead of these two tight ends who may struggle in years one and two. Johnson was a good prospect who was a fantastic pure runner despite not being great as a receiver.

Going to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he’s projected out to be the three-down back on day one, makes him a great pick in 2025 rookie drafts.

2. Jaydon Blue – ECR:44
(Dallas Cowboys)

With the Dallas Cowboys not taking a running back before round five, Jaydon Blue is a good value by default. His ECR rank of 44 is way too low. Javonte Williams has yet to run for more than 800 yards since 2021 and Miles Sanders hasn’t had more than 500 yards since 2022.

Blue is set up very nicely to take over the RB1 spot on the Cowboys, who have a strong offense, and they just invested their first-round pick on another lineman. On top of that, Blue was a solid prospect, but he came out of Texas earlier than expected.

If Blue can continue his development in the pros, he has a chance to make the most of this situation and thrive with the Cowboys.

3. Jarquez Hunter – ECR: 47
(Los Angeles Rams)

Jarquez Hunter has an ECR of 47 and he’s worth a shot at that price. Hunter ended up getting decent draft capital as he went in round four. This could be an indication that the Los Angeles Rams aren’t sold on Blake Corum, who they spent a third-rounder on last year.

Hunter could gain value if the Rams let Kyren Williams in 2026. Williams is set to be a free agent and many are speculating that Sean McVay doesn’t want a running back on his second contract.

4. Kyle Monangai – ECR:62
(Chicago Bears)

Just like the Cowboys, the Chicago Bears decided to only draft one running back, which was Kyle Monangai. Fantasy Pros has Monangai’s ECR at 62, which is way too low. If you can get him in round four, he’s a great dart throw.

With how much the Bears invested in offense, Monangai should be getting a ton of opportunities in 2025. D’Andre Swift struggled heavily last year and Roschon Johnson hasn’t had a big role with the team yet.

Monangai thrives between the tackles, whereas Swift wins through the air. Monangai has a real chance to get touches almost right away and with Swift struggling in 2024 (3.8 YPC), Monangai could even take over that RB1 job.

5. Jacory Croskey-Merritt – ECR:70
(Washington Commanders)

Jacory Croskey-Merritt is also another great 4th round pick who could even go undrafted in most leagues. In fact, the ECR implies that having Croskey-Merritt at 70.

Croskey-Merritt doesn’t have elite speed and in fact, the main issue is that he doesn’t really do anything that’s too special. That being said, Croskey-Merritt is able to see the field well and he hits the hole very well

The Washington Commanders give him a shot to carve out a role with Austin Ekeler, who is already 29 years old and Brian Robinson isn’t an elite back either. With how explosive the Commanders offense is, Croskey-Merritt is a good back to target at cost