Chasing the Next Bucky Irving: Late-Round Rookie RBs in 2025 (Fantasy Football)
Everyone wants to find a diamond in the rough during rookie drafts. That late-round dart throw who turns into an unexpected fantasy gem. The reality is, the hit rate on these players is extremely low. And when they do break out, it is often completely unexpected, which only adds to the satisfaction for the managers who took the chance.
That is the underrated aspect in chasing a late-round prospect with the potential to outperform his draft capital. You need to be paying the discounted price because of the low odds. If you start paying a premium to bet on upside, you are likely setting yourself up for disappointment.
Bucky Irving fell to the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft and entered his rookie season largely overlooked in both redraft and dynasty leagues. But for those who rolled the dice, the reward was massive. Irving finished as the RB14 and emerged as a true league-winner in the second half of the season.
While expecting a repeat performance from another overlooked rookie in 2025 might be ambitious, this year’s class is deep, and a few incoming players fit the mold of potential breakout surprises. In this article, we will highlight a few late-round rookies who have a shot to break out and make a real impact despite their modest draft capital.
Best tip for your upcoming rookie drafts:
Don’t pay a premium for players with poor draft capital, hoping they’ll be “the next Bucky Irving.”
The appeal of players like Bucky is the unexpected value. When they hit – it was a bonus, not the expectation. Most Day 3 RBs don’t.
— Joe Beldner (@JoeBeldner) April 27, 2025
Editor’s Note: For more on each rookie, check out Andy, Mike, and Jason’s exclusive rookie rankings and production profiles found only in the Dynasty Pass, part of the UDK+ for 2025.
Too Chalky to Count
While most of these incoming rookies should be considered high-upside dart throws rather than guaranteed hits, two stand out from the pack. Selected back-to-back in the early fourth round, both have a clear path to meaningful roles from Day 1. Each brings a versatile skill set and fits uniquely into their team’s immediate plans. Unfortunately, despite their modest draft capital, the dynasty community is too savvy to let them slip, with both players often being selected as second-round picks in rookie drafts.
Cam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants
Cam Skattebo, selected by the New York Giants in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft (105th overall), is a powerful and versatile RB known for his physicality and well-rounded skill set. At 5’11” and 215 pounds, he blends strength with surprising agility, making him a tough matchup for defenders. In his standout senior season at Arizona State, Skattebo totaled 1,711 rushing yards, 605 receiving yards, and 24 TDs, proving himself as a true dual-threat weapon.
His resume includes a dominant 262-yard rushing performance against Mississippi State and a Peach Bowl MVP showing, where he racked up 284 total yards and four TDs. Skattebo enters a Giants backfield lacking a true physical presence, with only Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Devin Singletary ahead of him on the depth chart. Given his immediate opportunity and name recognition, he is no sleeper in rookie drafts, often going early in the second round. While he was technically drafted in the same round as Bucky Irving, his elevated draft stock in fantasy circles disqualifies him from being considered a true under-the-radar candidate for this article.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
When searching for the next Bucky Irving, it makes sense to look at the RB drafted in Liam Coen’s first year as head coach, especially after Coen helped Irving thrive as a rookie last season in Tampa Bay. Bhayshul Tuten, selected by the Jaguars in the fourth round (104th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, is a dynamic back with explosive speed and game-breaking ability. At 5’9″ and 206 pounds, he clocked a blazing 4.32-second 40-yard dash, the fastest among all RBs at the 2025 NFL Combine. His athletic profile is further bolstered by a 40.5-inch vertical and a 10-foot-10 broad jump, both elite marks for his position.
Tuten began his college career at North Carolina A&T before transferring to Virginia Tech, where he made an immediate impact. In his senior season, he racked up 1,159 rushing yards and 15 TDs en route to All-ACC honors. He consistently ripped off chunk plays, logging 34 carries of 10+ yards in 2024 alone.
With Jacksonville’s backfield in flux and Travis Etienne’s role uncertain under the new regime, Tuten has a clear path to meaningful touches. His blend of passing-game chops and breakaway speed could make him a fantasy difference-maker if given the opportunity. As the first RB drafted in Coen’s tenure, Tuten has the potential to follow in Irving’s footsteps and emerge as this year’s surprise rookie standout, though with each passing day, he is becoming less of a secret.
Fishing for Upside
Following Skattebo and Tuten, several RBs fit the mold we are targeting as players with real promise and the potential to emerge despite modest draft capital. I have highlighted a few who not only have a realistic path to early relevance but also boast production profiles strong enough to warrant serious attention. The road to stardom may be narrow, but it is not out of reach.
Jaydon Blue, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Jaydon Blue stands out as a quietly intriguing candidate to break out in his rookie year. Drafted by the Cowboys in the fifth round (149th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, Blue enters a backfield with recognizable names, but not insurmountable competition. While Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders once carried weight in fantasy circles, both have seen their value diminish due to injuries and inefficiency, leaving the door open for a fresh face to rise.
At 5’9″ and 196 pounds, Blue ran a 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the combine and flashes that speed consistently on tape. He is a smooth, agile runner with solid vision and the ability to contribute in the passing game. After a quiet start at Texas, Blue finished strong in his final season, racking up 1,083 rushing yards, 12 TDs, and 26 receptions, showcasing a well-rounded skill set when given the opportunity.
Blue is not my favorite later-round prospect from a pure talent evaluation standpoint, but his landing spot elevates his appeal. With a path to early touches in a backfield lacking long-term answers, the opportunity alone makes him worth a look above some more talented peers in less favorable situations.
Jordan James, RB, San Francisco 49ers
In the search for this year’s late-round gem, Jordan James fits the mold of a potential grinder who could thrive in the right system and situation. Drafted by the 49ers in the fifth round (147th overall), James brings a physical running style and compact frame that align well with San Francisco’s run-heavy, zone-based scheme. At 5’9″ and 205 pounds, he plays bigger than his size, consistently breaking tackles and finishing runs with power.
James runs with a low center of gravity and violent contact balance, but he also shows sharp lateral agility and the ability to change direction quickly. While finesse is not his calling card, his toughness and ability to churn out yards after contact give him a clear role. After spending the early part of his college career behind Bucky Irving at Oregon, James broke out in 2024. He earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors after leading his team with 1,267 rushing yards and 15 TDs on 233 carries (5.4 YPC), while adding 26 receptions for 209 yards (8.0 YPR).
In San Francisco, James enters a backfield led by Christian McCaffrey, who remains elite but turns 29 next month and has struggled to stay healthy in recent years. Should McCaffrey miss time, James could find himself in position to contribute. His primary competition for the No. 2 role is Isaac Guerendo, a straight-line speedster with a very different athletic profile. James will need to outperform Guerendo to earn a spot in the rotation, but if he does, his physical, no-nonsense style fits seamlessly as a change-of-pace option in one of the NFL’s most RB-friendly systems.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans
Drafted by the Texans in the fourth round (116th overall), Woody Marks enters the league as a polished, versatile back with one of the more well-rounded profiles in the 2025 class.
At 5’10” and 207 pounds, Marks brings a refined game built on vision, patience, and short-area burst. He is a smooth runner who excels at setting up blocks and slicing through lanes with efficiency. While he lacks breakaway speed and is not a punishing inside runner, he consistently forces missed tackles at the first and second levels. He also adds real value as a pass catcher, with dependable hands and an ability to shake the first defender in space, evident in his 47 receptions for 321 yards (6.8 YPR) in 2024.
That same year, he led USC with 1,133 rushing yards and 9 TDs on 198 carries (5.7 YPC), starting all 13 games. Though not flashy, Marks projects as a complementary back who can contribute immediately on passing downs and potentially grow into more. With Joe Mixon approaching 29 and nearing the inevitable age cliff for NFL RBs, Marks is quietly positioned as a long-term contingency plan in a rising offense. He may not start the year in a lead role, but he is a stash-worthy name with a realistic path to relevance.
Jarquez Hunter, RB, Los Angeles Rams
If you are looking for a team to uncover another late-round gem, few are better at it than the Los Angeles Rams. Long a fantasy goldmine, the Rams most recently struck gold with Kyren Williams, a former Day 3 pick who has developed into a star. While Williams is now in extension talks with the team, Los Angeles made another investment in the backfield, selecting Jarquez Hunter in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft (117th overall).
Hunter brings a bruising, physical style to the backfield. At 5’9″ and 204 pounds, he is compact and powerful, excelling at churning out yards after contact. He rarely goes down on first touch, consistently finishing runs by dragging defenders and falling forward. While he is not an absolute burner for his size, he makes up for it with decisiveness and an instinctive feel for developing lanes, particularly in zone-blocking concepts.
Hunter projects as a two-down grinder who can handle early-down and short-yardage duties, offering the Rams a physical complement to Kyren Williams. While Blake Corum remains on the roster after being a third-round pick in 2024, his quiet rookie season makes his presence less imposing than his college resume might suggest. Hunter’s skill set arguably aligns better with what the Rams need behind Williams, as his power and contact balance help offset Williams’ lighter frame and outside-focused style. If injuries strike or the team leans into a more physical game plan, Hunter could emerge as a tone-setting back capable of wearing down defenses and securing a larger role.
Trevor Etienne, RB, Carolina Panthers
While we have all come to know his older brother Travis, incoming rookie Trevor Etienne is eager to make a name for himself. Drafted by the Panthers in the fourth round (114th overall), Etienne is a slightly undersized back with a modest production profile, but he flashed enough potential during his time at Florida and Georgia for Carolina to trade up and secure him.
At 5’9″ and 198 pounds, Etienne’s athleticism is evident, with quickness, burst, and agility that stand out on tape. Following his transfer from the University of Florida, Etienne started 10 games for the Bulldogs in 2024, totaling 122 carries for 609 yards (5.0 YPC) and 9 TDs on the ground, while adding 32 receptions for 194 yards (6.1 YPR). His well-rounded game showcases his ability to contribute both as a rusher and a receiver.
However, Etienne faces significant competition in Carolina’s backfield, even with Jonathon Brooks out for the year. Chuba Hubbard had a breakout season that earned him a contract extension, and the team also brought in Rico Dowdle, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last year with Dallas. If both Hubbard and Dowdle’s performances regress, Etienne could rise to take the lead role, though that scenario seems unlikely at this point. With the current depth chart stacked against him, Etienne remains a speculative pick, one to monitor in case of a backfield shakeup or injury.
Ollie Gordon II, RB, Miami Dolphins
Ollie Gordon II is a fascinating prospect with a mixed profile. Once viewed as one of the top RBs in college football, his stock took a significant hit after a disappointing 2024 season. In 2023, Gordon posted elite production, rushing for 1,731 yards (6.1 YPC) and 21 TDs, while also contributing 39 receptions for 330 yards and a score through the air. However, his efficiency fell off in 2024, managing just 858 rushing yards, 12 TDs, and a reduced 4.5 yards per carry. That decline caused him to slide all the way to the sixth round, where the Miami Dolphins selected him with the 179th overall pick.
Despite the late draft capital, Gordon’s landing spot is intriguing. Miami’s current lead back, De’Von Achane, is explosive but undersized, and has shown limitations running between the tackles and staying healthy. At 6’1″ and 226 pounds, Gordon offers a physical presence the Dolphins have lacked. He is a bruising back who thrives on contact, can break tackles, and grind out tough yards when the blocking breaks down.
Gordon will need to compete with Jaylen Wright and Alexander Mattison for the No. 2 job, but if he carves out that role, there is a realistic path to early-down work and valuable goal-line touches. And if Achane misses time again, Gordon could be thrust into a featured role. Given the upside and opportunity in front of him, Gordon is a worthwhile late-round dart throw.
Devin Neal, RB, New Orleans Saints
Few players saw their draft stock fall further than Devin Neal. Once projected as one of the top backs in the class thanks to his outstanding production profile, Neal slipped to the sixth round (184th overall) after a disappointing NFL Combine. Despite his college resume, teams seemed reluctant to take the leap. Fortunately, he landed in an ideal situation with the New Orleans Saints, a team that could offer a path to relevance regardless of draft capital. It is fair to question whether 16 RBs were truly more deserving of a selection.
At 5’11” and 213 pounds, Neal is a sturdy, patient runner with the build to handle volume and the vision to find daylight. He excels between the tackles and can be a reliable option in short-yardage situations. Over three seasons at Kansas, he rushed for over 1,000 yards each year, culminating in a career-best 1,266 yards and 16 TDs in 2024. Neal set school records with 4,343 career rushing yards, 49 rushing TDs, and 53 total TDs, becoming the first player in Kansas history to post three 1,000-yard seasons.
While his draft capital does not reflect it, Neal has a legitimate shot to carve out a role early in New Orleans. Alvin Kamara remains the starter but turns 30 this season and, despite a recent extension, could be a trade candidate after the retirement of Derek Carr signaled the start of an inevitable rebuild. Even with Kamara in the picture, Neal should be able to push Kendre Miller, who has struggled with injuries, for the No. 2 role. If he performs well in camp, Neal could emerge as a valuable sleeper, especially in deeper leagues, even if the Saints’ offense trends in a murky direction.
DJ Giddens, RB, Indianapolis Colts
DJ Giddens was one of my favorite sleeper prospects in this year’s class, but his slide to the fifth round (151st overall) was disappointing. He landed with the Indianapolis Colts, where Jonathan Taylor remains the clear starter, limiting Giddens’ short-term fantasy appeal. While the draft capital is not ideal and there is no immediate path to a featured role, Giddens should have little trouble locking down the backup job behind Taylor.
Taylor is still just 26 and looked like one of the league’s best backs over the second half of last season, but durability remains a concern. He has missed 16 games over the past three years, and expecting a fully healthy 2025 campaign feels optimistic. If Taylor misses time again, Giddens could step into a valuable starting role in one of the league’s most run-friendly systems. It is worth noting that both Trey Sermon and Deon Jackson had stretches of fantasy relevance in this offense last season, and Giddens offers a more complete skill set than either. If given the opportunity, he possesses the potential to outproduce both.
At 6’0″ and 212 pounds, Giddens brings a balanced skill set with the size and power to handle tough carries, along with the vision and footwork to find space in crowded lanes. In 2024, he led Kansas State with 1,343 rushing yards on 205 carries (6.55 YPC), breaking Darren Sproles‘ school record for yards per carry. He also tied for the team lead with 7 rushing TDs. Giddens exceeded expectations at the combine with a 4.43-second 40-yard dash, a 39.5-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-10 broad jump. While it will likely take an injury for him to matter significantly in Year 1, the path to opportunity is clear, and the talent is there to take full advantage.
Other Names to Monitor
- Dylan Sampson, RB, Cleveland Browns
- Tahj Brooks, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
- Brashard Smith, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
- Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders
- Damien Martinez, RB, Seattle Seahawks
- LeQuint Allen, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Phil Mafah, RB, Dallas Cowboys