Apex Insider Blog

Rookie running backs continue to make a significant impact in fantasy football. Last year, Bucky Irving emerged as one of the best value picks in both redraft and dynasty leagues. In 2024, Bijan Robinson finished as the RB8 and Jahmyr Gibbs as the RB9. The year prior, De’Von Achane was a league-winner.

With fewer running backs playing into their 30s, teams are quicker to cycle through backs, often relying on rookies to fill starting roles. Only the elite talents secure a second contract, thereby increasing opportunities for younger players. Even if rookies don’t start immediately, the physical toll of the position and frequent injuries often create openings. That’s especially exciting in a year with a running back class that rivals 2017 as the best I’ve ever evaluated.

In this article, I’ll cover each rookie running back selected within the top 130 picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. While running backs don’t need high draft capital to be valuable, it certainly helps secure early playing time. It is worth noting that with such a terrific draft class, draft capital may be slightly skewed this year: running backs that went on Day 3 in 2025 may have easily been 2nd round picks last year. There are also several intriguing prospects taken outside these parameters, but they won’t be the focus here.

To evaluate each back, I’ll reference RotoViz’s Prospect Box Score Scout, which generates comparable players based on statistical profiles. If you don’t already subscribe to RotoViz, we highly recommend them — they’re the best in evidence-based fantasy football content.

Ashton Jeanty, 6th Overall, Oakland Raiders

One of the most hyped prospects in this class, Ashton Jeanty, became the highest-drafted running back since Saquon Barkley in 2018.

As a freshman, Jeanty contributed, but he broke out in his sophomore season with 1,920 total yards and 19 touchdowns. He followed that up with a jaw-dropping junior year: 2,739 total yards and 30 touchdowns.

As a sophomore, Jeanty nearly led his team in receptions (47 to 43). By 2024, he carried the ball a staggering 374 times — over 317 more carries than any of his teammates — and almost matched his starting quarterback in total attempts (396 passes). His workload was historic.

As Shawn Siegele noted, Jeanty’s 84 broken tackles in 2024 were the most in the past five years — 28 more than his already-elite 2023 mark, which ranked third in that span. He also led all backs in yards after contact over that five-year window.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	RecPG	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	Tyms	Forty	WT
100	Ashton Jeanty	6	119.45	2	2601	23	0.64	0.36		211
36	Bijan Robinson	8	109.94	1.94	1578	19	0.6	0.32	4.46	215
30	Christian McCaffrey	8	106	2.68	1603	37	0.58	0.36	4.48	202
17	Ezekiel Elliott	4	113.17	1.66	1821	27	0.62	0.31	4.47	225
14	Darren McFadden	4	120.76	1.21	1830	21	0.48	0.32	4.33	211
14	Donald Brown	27	105.56	1.33	2083	21	0.62	0.36	4.46	210
12	Knowshon Moreno	12	105.15	2.04	1400	33	0.64	0.32	4.5	217
6	Melvin Gordon	15	119.88	0.54	2587	19	0.41	0.27	4.52	215
6	Jonathan Stewart	13	82.03	1.37	1722	22	0.52	0.23	4.46	235
5	Rashard Mendenhall	23	72.54	1.69	1681	34	0.51	0.29	4.41	225
4	Trent Richardson	3	82.37	1.79	1679	29	0.41	0.24	4.48	228

Column Key

Sim refers to the sim score for how similar each comparable player is. RuYPG is the average per game for each rusher’s career. RecPG is the per-game receptions for each player’s career. RuYds and Rec represent rush yards and receptions for each player’s final season. RuYMS refers to the rushing yards market share. TYms refers to each player’s market share of total yards.

With top comparable players like Bijan Robinson and Christian McCaffrey, Jeanty enters the NFL with elite company. Running backs are rarely drafted this early without a strong profile, and Jeanty clearly earned the investment.

Raiders offensive coordinator Chip Kelly stated, “Ashton is as talented a back as I’ve seen… His ability to sustain runs after contact is a rare quality.” Fantasy managers are already treating Jeanty as a first-round pick in redraft formats — and rightfully so.

Omarion Hampton, 22nd Overall, Los Angeles Chargers

Hampton was the second running back selected in the draft, and earning first-round capital at the position is no small feat in today’s NFL. He was active early in his college career, but took a major step forward as a sophomore, posting consecutive seasons with an 80%+ dominator rating. In his junior year, he added 373 receiving yards on 38 catches, showcasing his ability as a receiver.

At 221 pounds, Hampton ran a 4.46 forty, giving him a 94th percentile speed score. He also posted a 91st percentile burst score — elite athleticism for his size.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	RecPG	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	Tyms	Forty	WT
100	Omarion Hampton	22	96.35	1.97	1660	38	0.67	0.27	4.46	221
93	Breece Hall	36	109.22	2.28	1462	36	0.79	0.32	4.39	217
86	Dalvin Cook	41	117.47	2.08	1765	33	0.7	0.33	4.49	210
76	Cam Akers	52	79.83	1.92	1144	30	0.63	0.25	4.47	217
65	Jonathan Stewart	13	82.03	1.37	1722	22	0.52	0.23	4.46	235
63	Knowshon Moreno	12	105.15	2.04	1400	33	0.64	0.32	4.5	217
58	Travis Etienne	25	90.04	1.85	914	48	0.5	0.24	4.45	215
55	J.K. Dobbins	55	106.17	1.69	2003	23	0.56	0.25		209
51	Donald Brown	27	105.56	1.33	2083	21	0.62	0.36	4.46	210
40	Rashard Mendenhall	23	72.54	1.69	1681	34	0.51	0.29	4.41	225
36	Duke Johnson Jr.	77	106.64	2.09	1652	38	0.6	0.29	4.54	207

With top comps like Breece Hall and Dalvin Cook, Hampton has an exciting profile. On film, he’s reminiscent of DeMarco Murray — a bigger, upright running back with workhorse production. Given Najee Harris’ decline, it’s hard to imagine Hampton staying on the bench for long.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh described his plan to use Hampton and Harris as a “1-2 punch,” but by season’s end, expect Hampton to be leading the backfield.

Quinshon Judkins, 36th Overall, Cleveland Browns

It was a surprise to see Judkins selected over TreVeyon Henderson, who went just two picks later. After transferring to Ohio State from Ole Miss, Judkins split the backfield with Henderson and played the David Montgomery role to Henderson’s Jahmyr Gibbs.

Judkins broke out at Ole Miss as an 18-year-old freshman, again serving as a workhorse in his sophomore year, though his efficiency dipped. As a junior, Judkins transferred to Ohio State. He averaged 5.7 yards per touch compared to Henderson’s 7.6. His efficiency in college paints a troubling picture. Judkins’ ability to force missed tacklers and have an impact in the passing game is also underwhelming. To use a baseball term, he looks like an “innings eater.”

Still, Judkins is an impressive athlete, running a 4.48 forty at 221 lbs with a 94th percentile burst score. At just 21 years old with strong early production, there’s still hope.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	RecPG	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	Tyms	Forty	WT
100	Quinshon Judkins	36	90.12	1.4	1060	22	0.54	0.23	4.48	221
73	Eddie Lacy	61	72.79	1.06	1322	22	0.34	0.19	4.55	231
59	T.J. Yeldon	36	85.18	1.18	979	15	0.43	0.22	4.61	226
51	Cam Akers	52	79.83	1.92	1144	30	0.63	0.25	4.47	217
44	Mark Ingram	28	83.62	1.54	875	21	0.43	0.25	4.62	215
44	Glen Coffee	74	61.97	1.24	1383	16	0.37	0.2	4.5	209
43	Jeremy Hill	55	98	1.18	1401	18	0.5	0.26	4.56	233
40	David Montgomery	73	79.05	1.92	1216	22	0.62	0.25	4.63	222
27	Derrius Guice	59	90.41	0.94	1251	18	0.39	0.23	4.49	224
27	Justice Hill	113	98.31	1.36	930	13	0.59	0.21	4.4	198
22	Jeremy Langford	106	105.96	1.39	1522	11	0.54	0.26	4.42	208

The concern? His comps include Eddie Lacy, T.J. Yeldon, Cam Akers, Mark Ingram, and David Montgomery — solid backs, but rarely league-winners. Judkins may prove useful, but he’s unlikely to be explosive enough to become a long-term fantasy difference-maker.

TreVeyon Henderson, 38th Overall, New England Patriots

The Patriots finally added explosiveness to their offense with the selection of TreVeyon Henderson. He burst onto the scene as a freshman at Ohio State, racking up 1,560 yards and 19 touchdowns on just 210 touches. After an injury-plagued sophomore and junior campaign, Henderson bounced back as a senior, outperforming Judkins on fewer touches.

As Scott Barrett noted, Henderson averaged 7.60 yards per touch in 2024 — the highest mark of any Power Conference RB (minimum 135 carries) in the last four years.

At the combine, Henderson ran a 4.43 forty (92nd percentile) and recorded a 91st percentile burst score. He’s dynamic and efficient — but the red flag is his usage. Since his freshman season, he has never truly dominated backfield touches, possibly due to his size (202 lbs.) or the depth of the Buckeyes’ offense.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	RecPG	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	Tyms	Forty	WT
100	TreVeyon Henderson	38	80.02	1.64	1016	27	0.49	0.21	4.43	202
89	Isaiah Pead	50	78.29	2.07	1259	39	0.61	0.25	4.39	197
89	Javonte Williams	35	76.57	1.67	1140	25	0.37	0.19	4.55	212
86	Jonathon Brooks	46	87	1.65	1139	25	0.42	0.22		216
75	Ben Tate	58	75.48	1.2	1362	20	0.43	0.23	4.34	220
72	Mark Ingram	28	83.62	1.54	875	21	0.43	0.25	4.62	215
66	Kerryon Johnson	43	69.28	1.53	1391	24	0.33	0.2		213
66	Doug Martin	31	70.02	1.37	1299	28	0.39	0.18	4.46	223
65	Michael Carter	107	77.34	1.86	1245	25	0.42	0.2	4.5	201
63	Blake Corum	83	82.82	1.24	1245	16	0.46	0.23	4.53	205
63	Najee Harris	24	75.35	1.57	1466	43	0.42	0.18

His comps aren’t overly exciting, likely a result of his market share concerns. Still, Patriots GM Eliot Wolf said the team views him as “a three-down back and a really good compliment.” With his explosiveness, Henderson should quickly eat into Rhamondre Stevenson’s workload.

If his freshman year is indicative of his ceiling, Henderson could have an immediate impact. I’ve projected him for a larger workload than many expect.

RJ Harvey, 60th Overall, Denver Broncos

Harvey’s path to the NFL was unorthodox. He began his career at Virginia as a redshirt quarterback before transferring to UCF. After missing his second season with an ACL tear, he finally broke out as a junior with a 76% dominator rating. In his final year, Harvey totaled 1,844 yards and 25 touchdowns while averaging 6.8 yards per carry — the best mark in the Big 12. Over his last three seasons, he also caught 61 passes for 720 yards.

While Harvey’s production is impressive, he’s already 24 years old, which is a concern for dynasty formats. That said, he should be pro-ready. At 205 lbs, he ran a 4.4 forty and tested well in the leaping drills.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	RecPG	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	Tyms	Forty	WT
100	RJ Harvey	60	97.23	1.56	1577	20	0.54	0.28	4.4	205
99	Jamaal Charles	73	87.58	1.29	1619	17	0.57	0.26	4.38	200
97	Kendall Hunter	115	90.89	1.37	1548	20	0.49	0.23	4.46	199
97	Ameer Abdullah	54	88.23	1.4	1611	22	0.49	0.27	4.6	205
93	Blake Corum	83	82.82	1.24	1245	16	0.46	0.23	4.53	205
93	J.K. Dobbins	55	106.17	1.69	2003	23	0.56	0.25		209
89	Ben Tate	58	75.48	1.2	1362	20	0.43	0.23	4.34	220
88	Tyjae Spears	81	88.33	1.42	1581	22	0.5	0.26		201
80	Darrell Henderson	70	93.29	1.66	1909	19	0.43	0.22	4.49	208
79	Johnathan Franklin	125	83.08	1.09	1734	33	0.58	0.26	4.49	205
77	Royce Freeman	71	110.22	1.55	1475	14	0.5	0.26	4.54	229

The comps include Jamaal Charles — the crown jewel — though most of the others didn’t reach similar heights. Regardless, Harvey may have landed in the most favorable spot of any rookie. Javonte Williams is gone, and Jaleel McLaughlin struggled to earn consistent touches. Sean Payton has a history of targeting running backs in the passing game, and Harvey is expected to step in right away. He has a real shot to become Denver’s every-down back.

Kaleb Johnson, 83rd Overall, Pittsburgh Steelers

Kaleb Johnson showed flashes early, registering a 50% dominator rating as a freshman. He struggled as a sophomore while dealing with an ankle injury: he rushed for a mere 3.96 YPC and registered just a 40% dominator rating. Across his first two seasons, he recorded just seven receptions. As a junior, he had a fantastic season, reaching an 83% dominator rating while carrying the ball 240 times for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns. He even chipped in 22 receptions for 188 yards.

At 224 lbs, Johnson ran a 4.57 forty, producing a respectable 75th percentile speed score — but his 1.62-second 10-yard split was the slowest among RBs in the past four years.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	RecPG	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	Tyms	Forty	WT
100	Kaleb Johnson	83	79.4	0.83	1537	22	0.56	0.31	4.57	224
99	Mikel Leshoure	57	82.48	1.19	1697	17	0.53	0.28	4.56	227
88	Zack Moss	86	90.29	1.47	1416	28	0.55	0.27	4.65	223
87	Carlos Hyde	57	84.16	0.89	1521	16	0.49	0.26	4.62	230
74	Alex Collins	171	97.45	0.71	1577	13	0.47	0.25	4.59	217
72	Tank Bigsby	88	82.94	1.77	970	30	0.57	0.27	4.56	210
72	Ameer Abdullah	54	88.23	1.4	1611	22	0.49	0.27	4.6	205
70	Delone Carter	119	75.71	0.68	1233	8	0.57	0.27	4.54	222
70	Stevan Ridley	73	64.5	0.77	1147	11	0.4	0.21	4.65	225
69	LeVeon Bell	48	83.65	1.95	1793	32	0.54	0.25	4.6	230
68	Jeremy Hill	55	98	1.18	1401	18	0.5	0.26	4.56	233

With comps like Zack Moss, Carlos Hyde, and Stevan Ridley, Johnson profiles as a between-the-tackles grinder. He’s unlikely to see much third-down work, especially with Jaylen Warren — one of the league’s best pass blockers — already on the roster. Johnson may handle early-down carries, but his fantasy upside appears limited on an offense that should struggle to score touchdowns.

Bhayshul Tuten, 104th Overall, Jacksonville Jaguars

Tuten began his college career at North Carolina A&T, where he dominated weaker competition with a 75% dominator rating, rushing for 1,363 yards and catching 31 passes. He then transferred to Virginia Tech and continued to shine, posting an 81% dominator rating as a sophomore and a 94% mark as a junior.

Scott Barrett highlighted that Tuten led all Power Conference RBs in two key advanced metrics: career yards after contact per attempt (4.08) and missed tackles forced per touch (0.35).

Tuten is also a freakish athlete — at 206 lbs, he ran a 4.32 forty and recorded a 97th percentile burst score.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	RecPG	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	Tyms	Forty	WT
100	Bhayshul Tuten	104	96.69	2.29	1158	22	0.69	0.34	4.32	206
92	Marlon Mack	143	100.25	1.81	1187	28	0.66	0.32	4.5	213
89	Steve Slaton	89	112.09	1.86	1051	26	0.6	0.41	4.45	197
75	Isaiah Spiller	123	85.66	2.11	1012	25	0.55	0.27		217
66	Jamaal Charles	73	87.58	1.29	1619	17	0.57	0.26	4.38	200
63	Will Shipley	127	76.14	2.36	827	31	0.54	0.26		206
59	Paul Perkins	149	89.44	2.05	1343	30	0.55	0.25	4.54	208
59	Cam Akers	52	79.83	1.92	1144	30	0.63	0.25	4.47	217
58	Tank Bigsby	88	82.94	1.77	970	30	0.57	0.27	4.56	210
58	Javon Ringer	173	97.48	2.14	1637	28	0.6	0.28	4.5	205
58	Rasheen Ali	165	97.79	2.59	1140	28	0.68	0.29		206

Despite being a fourth-round pick, Tuten looks capable of overtaking Jacksonville’s underperforming backfield. A little deeper on the comparable player list was De’Von Achane, who looks quite similar.

Player	Draft	RuYPG	RecPG	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	Tyms	Forty	WT
Bhayshul Tuten	104	96.69	2.29	1158	22	0.69	0.34	4.32	206
Devon Achane	84	84.82	2.32	1102	36	0.52	0.28	4.32	188

He may not have De’Von Achane’s elite receiving skillset, but his physical profile is similar — just as fast, but heavier. Tuten could emerge as a breakout rookie – maybe fumbles in practice can keep his ADP in check?

Cam Skattebo, 105th Overall, New York Giants

Skattebo began his career at Sacramento State, where he broke out in his sophomore season with over 1,500 rushing yards and 30 receptions — averaging an impressive 7.26 yards per carry. After transferring to Arizona State, he posted an excellent 79% dominator rating in his junior season. His senior year was nothing short of phenomenal: 1,715 rushing yards, 45 receptions for 605 yards, and 24 touchdowns.

His 1,144 yards after contact in 2024 were the most by any Power Conference running back in the last five years. He also forced 115 missed tackles — the most ever charted in a single season by PFF College.

All FBS RBs in CFB history with 1,600+ rushing yards and 600+ receiving yards in a single season:

+ 2015 Christian McCaffrey
+ 2024 Cam Skattebo
/end of list

— Scott Barrett (@ScottBarrettDFB) January 30, 2025

Despite his incredible production, Skattebo didn’t run at the combine due to a reported injury and clocked a disappointing 4.65 at his Pro Day. This likely hurt his draft position. That said, he posted excellent jumping numbers at the combine, earning an 89th percentile burst score.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	RecPG	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	Tyms	Forty	WT
100	Cameron Skattebo	105	104.16	2.68	1715	45	0.69	0.36		219
47	James Starks	193	87.22	3.53	1333	52	0.7	0.34	4.5	218
42	Aaron Jones	182	117.54	2.03	1773	28	0.67	0.4	4.56	208
37	Devontae Booker	136	120.57	3.48	1261	37	0.81	0.42	4.56	219
34	Justin Jackson	251	106.67	2.39	1311	44	0.69	0.34	4.52	199
34	Jeremy McNichols	162	94.26	3.03	1709	37	0.5	0.26	4.49	214
30	Tank Bigsby	88	82.94	1.77	970	30	0.57	0.27	4.56	210
28	Duke Johnson Jr.	77	106.64	2.09	1652	38	0.6	0.29	4.54	207
28	LeVeon Bell	48	83.65	1.95	1793	32	0.54	0.25	4.6	230
27	Jay Ajayi	149	99.89	1.92	1823	50	0.6	0.28	4.57	221
26	Rachaad White	91	95.4	3.4	1011	43	0.56	0.38	4.48	214

Comps like Aaron Jones and Le’Veon Bell suggest Skattebo is a versatile back with all-around skills. While his 40-time may scare some, I prioritize production, and Skattebo has it in spades. He’s the kind of player I want to be overweight on in drafts.

Trevor Etienne, 114th Overall, Carolina Panthers

Trevor Etienne started at Florida, posting a 28% dominator rating as a true freshman. In his sophomore year, he became more involved as a receiver, with 21 catches for 172 yards. He transferred to Georgia as a junior, where he shared the backfield with Nate Frazier but led the team’s running backs in receptions with 32.

At 198 lbs, Etienne ran a 4.42 forty and profiles as a capable third-down back at the next level.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	RecPG	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	Tyms	Forty	WT
100	Trevor Etienne	114	61.21	1.82	609	32	0.44	0.19	4.42	198
96	Mike Goodson	111	54.56	2.5	406	37	0.43	0.24	4.43	208
95	John Kelly	176	58.26	1.59	778	37	0.41	0.21		216
89	Cyrus Gray	182	67.31	2.1	1045	31	0.47	0.2	4.4	206
81	Devonta Freeman	103	60.95	1.27	1016	22	0.37	0.17	4.58	206
81	Will Shipley	127	76.14	2.36	827	31	0.54	0.26		206
80	Travis Homer	204	71.43	1.32	985	19	0.48	0.24	4.48	201
77	Bryce Love	112	78.76	1	736	20	0.43	0.23		200
77	Chris Thompson	154	48.22	1.25	687	21	0.33	0.15	4.42	192
76	Mike Weber	218	70.42	1.42	954	21	0.42	0.18	4.47	211
74	Mike Davis	126	65.95	1.89	982	32	0.47	0.22	4.61	217

Chris Thompson seems like the perfect comp for Etienne, but Etienne appears to be the better rusher. With Jonathan Brooks expected to miss the season, Etienne looks well-positioned to take over Carolina’s passing-down work.

Woody Marks, 116th Overall, Houston Texans

Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks entered college as a receiving specialist, catching 60 passes as a true freshman at Mississippi State and an eye-popping 83 the following year. Despite a 57% dominator rating as a sophomore, he averaged just 3.92 yards per carry. In his fifth year, as a 24-year-old, he transferred to USC, where he improved as a rusher while still catching 47 passes.

Marks has an elite receiving profile, but his athleticism is underwhelming. He ran a 4.54 forty at 207 lbs and didn’t test well in the jumping drills.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	RecPG	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	Tyms	Forty	WT
100	Joquavious Marks	116	52.91	4.58	1133	47	0.54	0.2	4.54	207
49	Charles Sims		72.19	4.23	1095	45	0.51	0.22
30	Shannon Woods		55.1	3.73	716	36	0.53	0.16
27	Josh Ferguson		56.22	3.65	708	37	0.48	0.25	4.48	198
26	DeAndre Washington	143	72.57	2.64	1492	41	0.53	0.19	4.49	204
21	Evan Hull	176	70.94	2.74	913	55	0.53	0.3	4.47	209
20	Baron Batch		58.16	3.26	816	32	0.49	0.17
18	Jamal Morrow		36.63	4.12	522	60	0.4	0.15
18	Ulonzo Gilliam		98.8	4.4	1191	50	0.6	0.29
16	Ontario Sneed		60.91	3.34	548	32	0.62	0.25
16	Ronnie Rivers		65.71	2.88	788	34	0.51	0.23	4.6	195

His closest comps are mostly undrafted receiving specialists. He’s unlikely to ever become a lead back, but he could carve out a role as a passing-down contributor. If the Texans deploy him creatively, Marks might return value in deeper PPR formats — but his upside is limited.

Jarquez Hunter, 117th Overall, Los Angeles Rams

A four-year player at Auburn, Hunter flashed early, averaging 6.66 yards per carry on 89 attempts as a freshman. He posted a 59% dominator rating as a sophomore. Hunter saved his best for last as a senior with 1,201 rushing yards, 21 receptions, and a 77% dominator rating. He led the SEC in yards per carry and broke 40 tackles. Per Rotoworld, he averaged 3.96 yards after contact per attempt and forced a missed tackle on over 30% of his carries.

At the NFL Combine, Hunter ran a 4.44 forty at 204 lbs.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	RecPG	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	Tyms	Forty	WT
100	Jarquez Hunter	117	68.94	1.39	1201	21	0.49	0.23	4.44	204
100	Bilal Powell	126	61.53	1.18	1405	18	0.4	0.19	4.51	207
99	Michael Carter	107	77.34	1.86	1245	25	0.42	0.2	4.5	201
97	Blake Corum	83	82.82	1.24	1245	16	0.46	0.23	4.53	205
97	Darrynton Evans	93	77.92	1.05	1479	21	0.38	0.22	4.41	203
96	Travis Homer	204	71.43	1.32	985	19	0.48	0.24	4.48	201
95	Tyjae Spears	81	88.33	1.42	1581	22	0.5	0.26		201
95	Elijah Mitchell	194	77.6	1.17	878	16	0.36	0.21	4.38	201
94	Israel Abanikanda	143	72.57	1.27	1431	12	0.5	0.2		216
94	Cyrus Gray	182	67.31	2.1	1045	31	0.47	0.2	4.4	206
91	Andre Ellington	187	70.12	1.2	1081	14	0.46	0.2	4.61	199

The comparable players list includes some interesting names but no big hits. Hunter isn’t a big back and wasn’t a dominant receiver in college, but his advanced rushing metrics were excellent. After the Rams traded up to draft him, he should project ahead of Blake Corum for the No. 2 role behind Kyren Williams.

Dylan Sampson, 126th Overall, Cleveland Browns

Sampson played sparingly as a freshman at Tennessee but was extremely efficient (6.84 YPC). As a sophomore, he took control of the backfield, posting a 59% dominator rating. He followed it up with an excellent junior season: 1,491 rushing yards on 258 carries and 22 touchdowns.

Though he didn’t run at the combine, Sampson reportedly ran a 4.42 forty at his Pro Day. He checks in at 200 lbs.

Sim	Player	Draft	RuYPG	RecPG	RuYds	Rec	RuYMS	Tyms	Forty	WT
100	Dylan Sampson	126	75.48	1.21	1491	20	0.39	0.19		200
99	Bilal Powell	126	61.53	1.18	1405	18	0.4	0.19	4.51	207
98	Glen Coffee	74	61.97	1.24	1383	16	0.37	0.2	4.5	209
97	Darrynton Evans	93	77.92	1.05	1479	21	0.38	0.22	4.41	203
95	Israel Abanikanda	143	72.57	1.27	1431	12	0.5	0.2		216
94	Devonta Freeman	103	60.95	1.27	1016	22	0.37	0.17	4.58	206
93	Mike Weber	218	70.42	1.42	954	21	0.42	0.18	4.47	211
92	Travis Homer	204	71.43	1.32	985	19	0.48	0.24	4.48	201
88	Tyjae Spears	81	88.33	1.42	1581	22	0.5	0.26		201
83	Cameron Artis-Payne	174	85.31	0.54	1608	13	0.38	0.22	4.53	212
80	Jeremy Langford	106	105.96	1.39	1522	11	0.54	0.26	4.42	208

Sampson’s comps aren’t elite, but his production may be undersold because of the depth of this class. The landing spot is less than ideal, as he joins a Browns backfield that already features fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins. However, GM Andrew Berry said Sampson has “untapped potential in the passing game.” He’ll likely be competing to earn passing down work over Jerome Ford.