Before the NFL Draft, we broke down this class of rookie running backs through the lens of three core traits: Vision & Processing, Pass Protection & Receiving, and Opportunity. We spotlighted four rookie RBs in each group—players with traits that matter in Year 1 and beyond if the right doors opened.

But in the end, one trait rules them all: NFL Draft capital. It’s the NFL’s real-time report card. It tells us who the teams believe in and who’s already fighting uphill for opportunity.

This follow-up revisits those same 12 backs we spotlighted. With draft capital and landing spots locked in, we can finally sharpen the picture. What once felt crystal clear may suddenly be blurry. This is where the fantasy view comes into focus—what it means for Year 1 fantasy potential, and how it reshapes their long-term dynasty outlook.

Let’s revisit these names—one by one—to see who gained steam, and who lost their seat at the table.

Rookie RBs | Traits that Translate

Vision and Processing

Omarion Hampton | Age 22 | Pick 1.22

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers didn’t just dip their toe into the RB waters—they dove in headfirst, taking Omarion Hampton in the 1st Round and handing him the keys to Jim Harbaugh’s run-first machine. This was a home-run match of scheme and skill set. Hampton’s downhill style, patience, and vision are tailor-made for Harbaugh’s offense, and with a shallow depth chart behind him, there’s no question—he’s going to be the dude from day one.

Rookie Outlook

With one of the league’s better offensive lines and a coach who wants to assert physicality, Hampton walks into immediate volume. He’s built to handle 15+ carries per game easily and won’t come off the field near the goal line. Think strong RB2 with RB1 spike week potential when Harbaugh leans on him.

Dynasty Outlook

Mid-1st Round draft capital. No serious backfield competition. A Jim Harbaugh & Greg Roman marriage. It all lines up. Hampton’s three-down ability and system fit make him a top-3 rookie RB in dynasty formats. There’s legit long-term upside here—this is a back who could be the face of the Chargers’ run offense for the next 5 years if he stays healthy.

Dylan Sampson | Age 20 | Pick 4.24

Cleveland Browns

The Browns snagged Dylan Sampson in the 4th Round, pairing him with 2nd Rounder Quinshon Judkins in a suddenly deep but unsettled backfield. Sampson’s burst and vision make him a natural fit in Kevin Stefanski’s zone scheme. But with Judkins carrying the higher draft capital and Jerome Ford holding down a roster spot, Sampson enters as the RB3 on paper to start the season.

Rookie Outlook

Cracking the rotation won’t be easy, but the opportunity is there if things break right. The Browns’ quarterback situation is a mess, with a crowded room featuring rookies Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, alongside veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett. That instability could force Stefanski to lean on the run game more heavily. Sampson could earn a bigger role if Judkins gets injured (or if the offense needs a spark). He’s not worth a redraft pick right now, but keep him on your radar—one preseason flash, and he could become a hot waiver name before Week 1.

Dynasty Outlook

Dylan Sampson’s long-term value hinges on opportunity. His skill set—vision, burst, and contact balance—is undeniable, and he could thrive if given the chance. But with Judkins ahead of him, he’s a wait-and-see prospect. In dynasty formats, he’s a worthwhile bench stash with the upside to become a significant contributor if the depth chart shifts in his favor.

Devin Neal | Age 21 | Pick 6.08

New Orleans Saints

The Saints ended Devin Neal’s slide in the 6th Round, selecting the Kansas standout with the 184th overall pick. Despite the late selection, Neal’s addition to a backfield featuring the ageless Alvin Kamara and the yet-to-breakout Kendre Miller presents an opportunity. With Kamara’s workload management becoming a priority due to end-of-season durability concerns, and Miller still finding his footing, Neal could carve out a role in this offense.

Rookie Outlook

While immediate fantasy relevance may be limited, Neal’s path to touches isn’t as obstructed as it appears. The Saints’ quarterback situation—with Derek Carr’s status uncertain and rookie Tyler Shough acclimating to the NFL—might lead to a more run-heavy approach. This scenario could open doors for Neal to showcase his skills, especially if injuries or performance issues arise among the current running backs.

Dynasty Outlook

Neal’s collegiate production—three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons and over 700 total receiving yards—highlights his versatility. His dual-threat capability aligns well with the Saints’ offensive scheme, and with Kamara not getting any younger, Neal could emerge as a valuable asset in the coming years. He’s a savvy late-round stash with the potential for significant returns in dynasty formats.

Bhayshul Tuten | Age 23 | Pick 4.02

Jacksonville Jaguars

At first glance, Jacksonville’s backfield looks crowded with Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby. But just below the surface, it’s clear, this new coaching staff has no ties to either. Etienne’s efficiency has dipped, and Bigsby doesn’t appear to be a fit in Liam Coen’s scheme. Enter Bhayshul Tuten—a compact, explosive runner with 4.32 speed and elite burst. He’s the kind of one-cut weapon Coen can mold into a featured piece.

Rookie Outlook

Tuten starts behind two veterans, but the runway isn’t as long as it seems. Etienne averaged just 3.7 yards per carry last season, and Bigsby’s role remains undefined. If Tuten flashes in camp, he could quickly leapfrog into a larger role. He’s a high-upside stash in redraft leagues, especially in formats that reward big plays.

Dynasty Outlook

Tuten’s profile—elite speed and vision with strong pass-catching chops—screams long-term upside. With a new regime eager to make its mark, he could emerge as the backfield leader by 2026. He’s a must-target in the 3rd round of your rookie draft, offering immediate intrigue and future potential.

Pass Protection and Receiving

Cameron Skattebo | Age 23 | Pick 4.03

New York Giants

Cam Skattebo lands in New York as a Round 4 pick—and in today’s RB economy, that’s legit capital. He joins a depth chart led by Tyrone Tracy, but make no mistake, Cam brings a different flavor to the room. He’s a rugged, downhill runner who also happens to have natural hands and functional pass pro. Daboll wants physicality in his run game, and Skattebo gives it to him.

Rookie Outlook

The Tyrone Tracy hype train was building, but this pick sends that momentum off the rails. While Skattebo won’t be handed a full workload, he’s not here to sit quietly. He’ll fight for early-down work and could carve out a valuable role as the 3rd-down guy or short-yardage hammer. His versatility makes him a real threat to steal touches on any down in a committee backfield.

Dynasty Outlook

In a class where Day 3 RBs are landing in sneaky spots, Skattebo stands out as a long-term value play. He’s already shown he can do the dirty work, and he’s the kind of back who sticks around longer than expected. If Tracy falters or the offense sputters, Skattebo could rise quickly and become a PPR-friendly bruiser.

Trevor Etienne | Age 20 | Pick 4.12

Carolina Panthers

Another 4th Round gem with juice—Trevor Etienne lands in Carolina, a team that quietly offers more opportunity than the surface suggests. Yes, Chuba Hubbard got paid, but this is far from a locked room. Etienne is one Rico Dowdle-tier depth piece away from moving into the RB2 role in an offense quietly gaining momentum under Dave Canales.

Rookie Outlook

He may not start the year in a featured role, but Etienne brings a skill set this offense lacks—natural hands and explosive change-of-direction ability. He’s the kind of back who doesn’t need 15 carries to excel—a handful of touches and he’s on the radar, especially in PPR leagues. All it takes is a few 3rd-down packages with some well-timed swing routes, and he’s having a spike week before you know it.

Dynasty Outlook

Etienne has legit RB2 upside if he can secure a role. Tough runner with soft hands—the kind of profile coaches trust and rosters hang onto. If this Carolina offense takes a step forward, and Etienne finds his groove, he could become the kind of high-floor flex play you’re glad you stashed in the 4th round of your rookie draft.

LeQuint Allen | Age 20 | Pick 7.20

Jacksonville Jaguars:

Jacksonville adds yet another versatile piece with LeQuint Allen—a clear hand-picked project by the new coaching staff. His game is built more for space than power, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they use him in motion, on gadget plays, or even flexed out as a slot receiver. He brings positional versatility, but that may be more of a novelty than a reliable fantasy option.

Rookie Outlook

Don’t expect anything in 2025. Allen is a long shot to carve out meaningful touches. With Bhayshul Tuten, Travis Etienne, and Tank Bigsby ahead of him, he’d need a string of injuries and a couple of perfect game scripts to sniff a change-of-pace role.

Dynasty Outlook

Low draft capital and a crowded depth chart. Realistically, he’s a taxi squad stash at best. There’s some fun to his game; he moves well in space and catches the ball naturally, but the odds are stacked against him. File him under “Waiver Add” after the draft.

Woody Marks | Age 24 | Pick 4.14

Houston Texans

Houston was circled by many as a premium RB destination, and while they waited until Round 4, they made it count. The Texans traded a 2026 3rd to jump back into the mix for Marks, which tells you this wasn’t a throwaway pick. He brings instant juice to the RB room as a dynamic pass-catcher and change-of-pace option behind Joe Mixon.

Rookie Outlook

This isn’t just a stash situation—Marks can make noise early. He’s a natural receiver and can immediately eat into 3rd down snaps. The real roadblock might not be Mixon—it’s Houston’s offensive line. If they give C.J. Stroud enough time so the RBs have room to operate, Marks could be a sneaky PPR flex play right out of the gate.

Dynasty Outlook

Targeted by a front office that traded up to get him, now he’s tied to an elite young QB who could use a checkdown back in his corner. That’s the kind of bet you want to make. Marks profiles as a long-term complementary piece who could grow into more if Mixon slows down or Marks levels up. He’s exactly the kind of RB to stash now and watch pay off when the opportunity comes.

Opportunity

TreVeyon Henderson | Age 22 | Pick 2.07

New England Patriots

This is the kind of spot that makes dynasty managers sit up. The Patriots didn’t overthink it, they took a dynamic weapon early in Round 2 and dropped him in to lead the backfield. TreVeyon walks in as the most explosive player on this offense. This isn’t just a typical backfield mate to Drake Maye—he’s the guy who bails him out and forces defenses to respect every motion and leak route.

Rookie Outlook

Henderson’s probably not seeing more than 15 touches a game, but that’s all he needs. Every snap he gets is high-value: screens, dump-offs, and misdirections—all chunk plays waiting to happen. This isn’t about volume, it’s about what he can do with it. Expect a strong RB2 floor with week-winning upside if the Patriots get him just a sliver of space.

Dynasty Outlook

The capital says it. The offense confirms it. TreVeyon Henderson has a real shot to become a featured weapon, not just an average back. He’s the type of asset you want on your roster during a playoff run, a guy who only needs 12 touches to drop 20 points and flip a matchup. These are the guys you draft early in your rookie drafts and don’t let go.

Kaleb Johnson | Age 21 | Pick 3.19

Pittsburgh Steelers

Kaleb Johnson is the kind of back Steelers fans can raise a towel for—blue-collar and built for December football. Kaleb Johnson walks into Pittsburgh as a 3rd Round pick with every signal pointing to him getting the ball. This is a franchise that feeds its backs, and with Mason Rudolph and Will Howard in the QB room (and even if Aaron Rodgers randomly strolls in midcamp), the identity of this offense is clear—run the ball. Johnson’s build and no-nonsense style are exactly what Mike Tomlin looks for in a lead back.

Rookie Outlook

This is the kind of spot that creates immediate relevance. Kaleb Johnson doesn’t need elite efficiency—he just needs touches. If he secures 15+ carries a game, he’s going to push RB2 value out of the gate. Give him some targets and 8 to 10 TDs, and suddenly you’re looking at a quiet RB1 season.

Dynasty Outlook

Workhorse traits and 3rd Round capital from a run-heavy team—Kaleb Johnson might not blow you away on each play, but he’ll just keep showing up in the box score every week. He’s not just worth a late-1st round rookie pick; he’s the asset you plug in every week and let others chase the boom-bust games.

Damien Martinez | Age 21 | Pick 7.07

Seattle Seahawks

It’s a rough draw. Damien Martinez brings a big frame and soft hands, but he falls to the 7th Round and lands in one of the more established backfields in the league. With Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet already in place, he’s buried from the jump. It’ll take an injury, maybe two, for him to gain meaningful snaps.

Rookie Outlook

Redraft managers can keep moving. Damien Martinez isn’t cracking this rotation without chaos. Even if he sneaks onto the active roster, the path to touches is almost nonexistent. He’s off the radar unless you’re in a 16-team league with 20-player benches.

Dynasty Outlook

Damien Martinez has a reliable, sturdy profile that coaches might like for spot work or injury insurance. But without a team committing real snaps (55%+), he’ll never reach your starting lineup. At best, he’s long-term RB4 depth. More likely, he’s just a name on your taxi squad until the next rookie class pushes him out.

Jarquez Hunter | Age 22 | Pick 4.15

Los Angeles Rams

It’s a decent real-life pick, but a tough one for fantasy. Jarquez Hunter walks into a backfield where Kyren Williams owns the workhorse role and Blake Corum is already lurking in the shadows. That leaves Hunter fighting for scraps, and there might not be much to go around.

Rookie Outlook

It’s going to take injuries or absolute chaos for Hunter to become fantasy relevant. The path to early touches is almost nonexistent, and he’ll be battling for special team depth. Unless you’re holding out hope for a surprise shakeup, there’s no year-one appeal here.

Dynasty Outlook

Trapped behind two team-invested backs, Hunter will need to flash every single chance he gets, just to earn another one. He’s a fine stash if you believe in the talent, but right now, he’s buried in the short term and on a long leash to approach RB3 value in dynasty.

Final Thought | Rookie RBs

We can fall in love with all the traits we want—pass-catching chops, contact balance, vision, play style—but at the end of the day, the NFL decides who gets the ball. Coaches aren’t playing favorites—they’re playing for their jobs. Millions of dollars could be riding on every carry, so when a front office invests draft capital, they tell us exactly how much a player matters to the team’s plans.

But remember—NFL value doesn’t always equate to fantasy value. Just because a guy gets 60 snaps doesn’t mean 10 will matter in your box score. That’s why blending what we see on tape with the capital and the landing spot is critical. Traits tell you who can play. Draft capital tells you who will get the chance. Landing spot tells you when.

Put all three together—and now you’ve got a plan for your draft.

Want the full picture for Rookie RBs?

Traits, draft capital, landing spot—it’s all part of the puzzle. But if you’re looking for a data-backed edge to rank these rookies with confidence, the Nerd Score+ does the heavy lifting. It blends film and analytics to give you a true dynasty value snapshot.

In Case You Missed It

Here’s John Hammersmith’s previous article on fantasy traits that translate. See how his pre-Draft analysis compares to the post-Draft landing spots: