NEWSLETTER
This year’s rookie running back class is fairly sub-par compared to what we’ve seen in recent years. There’s no Bijan Robinson to bank on in the first round of fantasy drafts or a Jahmyr Gibbs to draft and hope he crushes in the second. We have a cluster of running backs who may be fantasy-relevant right away or possibly not at all.
This recent free-agent running back class was epic in talent and most of the juicy fantasy spots were taken away from the rookie rushers. However, newbie backs are great late-round picks in both best ball and redraft formats as they tend to get hot later in the NFL season when injuries start to take their toll and fresh legs are needed down the stretch.
Here are some of the best prospects in the 2024 rookie running back class paired with the top fantasy football landing spots based on available carries and opportunity, competition or lack thereof, and the team’s overall offensive prowess. If you want a really early fantasy mock draft, I’ve done that, too.
MORE: Check out 4for4 for all your fantasy football needs & the latest expert betting picks
2024 Rookie Running Backs to Target
Photo By: Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK
Jonathon Brooks, Texas (Underdog ADP: 10.10, RB37)
He was behind Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson at Texas so he was only the lead back for one season. In 11 games last year, Brooks posted over 1,400 all-purpose yards with 11 combined touchdowns. Sadly, a torn ACL derailed his final year in November so no workouts or testing has been done ahead of the draft.
Best Landing Spot: Arizona Cardinals
While many want to see Brooks go to the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona makes more sense. James Conner is still their guy and is perennially underrated as a fantasy running back, but he does turn 29 before this season starts and is entering the final year of his contract. Since the rookie running back is still recovering, his coming on later this season when Conner may break down a bit could be juicy for fantasy purposes. There are no available carries from 2023 for the Cardinals, but it could be a gold mine for Brooks in 2025.
Post-Draft ADP: Right now Brooks boasts a 4for4 rank of RB43, and is being drafted as the RB37 in early best ball formats. He may rise a bit if he becomes a Cardinal but Brooks likely will remain in RB3/4 territory.
Trey Benson, FSU (Underdog ADP: 9.07, RB31)
He has size, speed, and breakaway ability, and averaged an impressive 6.1 yards per carry in his two years at FSU. Benson was also one of the top running backs in the country at forced missed tackles according to PFF with 77 in 2022.
Best Landing Spot: Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has 339 running back carries up for grabs in 2024 with the departure of Tony Pollard, along with a total of 428 opportunities for the backfield. Competition is minimal even if they decide to bring back Ezekiel Elliott and the Cowboys’ offensive line should still be solid despite losing a few players to free agency. The Cowboys need a Day 1 starter and after an impressive NFL Combine and collegiate history, Benson appears to be able to fit the bill.
Post-Draft ADP: If Benson lands in Dallas his ADP should spike above guys like Austin Ekeler and Rhamondre Stevenson based on possible volume, so now is a great time to buy and draft the rookie. He’s currently the first rookie running back off draft boards.
Blake Corum, Michigan (Underdog ADP: 11.11, RB40)
While at Michigan, Corum was a stat machine, posting 1,245 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns just last season. He did well in drills at the NFL Combine and projects as an all-around back.
Best Landing Spot: Los Angeles Chargers
LA did sign Gus Edwards during free agency, but that shouldn’t stop new head coach Jim Harbaugh from picking his former running back. With the departure of Austin Ekeler, 87.9% of the carries from 2023 are available and Corum is used to splitting the backfield work.
Post-Draft ADP: Corum is currently RB48 in 4for4’s early ranks and is coming off of best ball boards as RB40, the third of the rookie running backs. If he lands in LA, expect a rise in ADP considering he has fantasy RB2 potential in this revamped offense devoid of major stars.
Honorable Mention Rookie Running Back Fits
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