In the ever‑evolving landscape of fantasy football, the conversation around late‑round running backs often hinges on hidden upside. While many managers lock in established starters early, a handful of players drafted as RB3s are quietly positioned to exceed expectations and potentially ascend to RB1 status.
The Players Poised to Break Out
Bhayshul Tuten, a second‑year back for the Jacksonville Jaguars, currently sits at an ADP of RB25. His combine performance was eye‑catching, with a 4.32‑second 40‑yard dash, and he has posted a 47 % success rate among running backs with at least 50 carries. The Jaguars’ offense ranked sixth in the league for points per game last season, giving Tuten a fertile environment to showcase his workhorse stamina.
Jadarian Price entered the league as a first‑round selection of the Seattle Seahawks, a team that has built its identity around a run‑heavy scheme. While his primary competition is UDFA George Holani, who has logged fewer than 100 career rushing yards, Price’s draft capital and the offensive philosophy suggest a substantial share of touches could materialize.
RJ Harvey, a second‑round pick of the Denver Broncos, burst onto the scene with 12 total touchdowns as a rookie. He attracted 58 targets, ranking eighth among backs, though his ground‑game efficiency lagged. The Broncos have re‑signed J.K. Dobbins, adding a veteran presence that may carve into Harvey’s workload, but the coaching staff’s commitment to a balanced attack keeps his upside intact.
Jonathon Brooks, a running back for the Carolina Panthers, carries an ADP of RB38 despite a limited NFL résumé of just nine career carries, largely due to injuries. Now fully healthy, he has generated buzz in training camp and was selected 46th overall in the 2024 draft despite being sidelined at the time. The Panthers’ backfield is currently led by Chuba Hubbard, who temporarily lost his starting role to Rico Dowdle, opening a window for Brooks to claim a larger share of carries.
The competition for touches in Carolina reflects a broader transition. Hubbard’s brief stint as the primary back was interrupted by Dowdle’s emergence, creating a rotating committee. With Brooks’ health restored, the coaching staff, overseen by offensive coordinator Liam Coen, may lean on a diversified rotation that could elevate the rookie’s snap count.
If any of these four backs capitalize on the opportunities presented by their respective offenses, they could reshape late‑round strategies and force fantasy managers to reconsider their draft boards. The blend of athletic upside, favorable offensive contexts, and reduced competition sets the stage for a potential breakout that could see them finish the season as RB1 contributors.