The NFL Draft has come and gone. Several players stand out as strong trade targets based on talent, draft capital, landing spot, and long-term upside. These rookies may not be immediate stars, but their skill sets, and roles make them worthwhile acquisitions. Whether you’re rebuilding or reinforcing a contender, this rookie trade advice can become foundational assets or future trade chips.
Running Backs | Rookie Trade Advice
Kaleb Johnson | Pittsburgh Steelers | Age 21
Kaleb Johnson embodies a Pittsburgh Steelers running back. The 6’1″, 224-pound running back from Iowa brings a blend of size, speed, and versatility to allow for a bell cow role in Arthur Smith’s offense. Johnson is a capable pass catcher but will likely cede that role early on to Jaylen Warren.
In my rookie rankings, Kaleb Johnson is my RB4 and overall my RB18 in dynasty. Johnson is a running back that I am actively looking to acquire. Currently, Johnson is typically selected as an end of the 1st round, early-2nd round draft pick in most rookie drafts. Here are some recent trades using the Dynasty GM trade browser for Kaleb Johnson that I would make:
Cam Skattebo | New York Giants | Age 23
If you exclude Ashton Jeanty, there is no player more exciting to watch than Cam Skattebo. Skattebo has a unique style combining power and elusiveness. While many expected Skattebo to get Day 2 draft capital, Skattebo did get a good landing spot with the New York Giants in the 4th Round. Head Coach Brian Dabol could not hide his excitement when speaking about Skattebo saying, “He’s a 220-pound back who runs with power, toughness and has the type of personality that I think Joe (Schoen) did a great job of, along with the scouts, bringing in guys that have a lot of toughness.”
Skattebo is another player that I am actively trying to acquire. Currently, Skattbo is going in the early-2nd round of rookie drafts. As I have discussed previously, Skattebo is a player that I would try and tier down for from RJ Harvey while gaining additional assets or draft capital. If I was a rebuilding team, I would look to move older assets such as Joe Mixon, Derrick Henry, or Alvin Kamara.
Bhayshul Tuten | Jacksonville Jaguars | Age 23
Bhayshul Tuten had an impressive performance at the NFL Combine. Tuten ran the fastest 40-yard dash time for running backs (4.32), had the fastest 10-yard split time (1.49), had the top vertical jump among running backs (40.50″), and the fourth-highest broad jump (10’10”). He’s a natural one-cut runner with impressive speed, both in his acceleration and long speed.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest cons on Tuten is his fumbling issues (9 since 2023). The fumble issues continued during the Jacksonville OTA practice, where Tuten fumbled on his first carry. Tuten is part of a three-headed Jaguars backfield that I have no interest in. I prefer other rookie running back options such as Jaydon Blue, Woody Marks, or Dylan Sampson who are going later than Tuten in rookie drafts.
Woody Marks | Houston Texans | Age 24
Speaking of Woody Marks, he is the next player that I am actively targeting for my dynasty roster. While Marks is an older prospect, he provides elite PPR upside. Marks holds the Mississippi State record for most receptions by a running back with 214. The Texans were clearly impressed with Marks as they traded up in the draft to select him.
Marks is currently ranked as the RB51 in overall dynasty ranks, which screams value, as he ranks as my RB39. Marks is typically going in the 3rd round of rookie drafts, and his high-end price to acquire is currently a 2026 2nd round draft pick. With Joe Mixon’s age and injury history, Marks has the potential to be a steal.
Dylan Sampson | Cleveland Browns | Age 20
Dylan Sampson capped off his 2025 season by winning the SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Sampson is an elusive back but also capable of being a between-the-tackles running back. Sampson displays game-breaking speed, which is something the Cleveland Brown offense has been lacking.
Unfortunately for Sampson, the Cleveland Browns also selected Ohio State running back Quinshon Judkins. While Sampson’s game compliments Judkins, it is going to be hard to see Sampson get enough touches to be a weekly fantasy starter. Sampson’s early fantasy value will be in the RB4 territory, and a bye week fill in with potential upside if Judkins goes down to an injury.
Get More Trade Advice!
Rookie wide receiver trade advice is on its way. Check back soon for more WRs to target and which ones you should look to trade away. In the meantime, browse our Rookie Draft App and find out all the best targets for each round of your rookie drafts this offseason.
