When it comes to late-round picks in dynasty rookie drafts, selecting running backs over other positions is usually the most prudent strategy. These later picks represent lottery tickets rather than sure things, and the nature of the running back position makes it more conducive to surprising returns on investment.
Targeting running backs with your late-round picks is an intelligent approach for this year and beyond. I’ll explain why and give you my three late-round 2025 dynasty rookie running backs to target in rookie drafts.
Late-Round Dynasty Rookie Running Backs to Target (2025)
Opportunity Through Injury & Turnover
Running back is the position most likely to see unexpected playing time due to injuries or inefficiencies from starters. The NFL is a physically demanding league, and backs often have shorter careers and higher injury rates compared to wide receivers or quarterbacks. This creates a steady stream of opportunities for backups to step in and produce. Late-round running backs can find themselves with a starting role or at least meaningful touches simply by being in the right situation when a starter goes down.
In contrast, late-round pass-catchers at wide receiver typically take much longer to develop and face a steeper climb to relevant playing time. Tight ends often face similar challenges, as the transition to the NFL is notoriously difficult for the position. Running backs, on the other hand, can make an immediate impact if thrust into action.
Depth of the 2025 Rookie Class
The 2025 rookie class is particularly deep at the running back position, offering plenty of potential value in the later rounds of dynasty drafts.
By this point, we’ve all heard of Ashton Jeanty and Quinshon Judkins. However, with so many talented prospects entering the league, there will inevitably be late-round running backs who land in favorable situations or offer untapped potential. Whether due to athletic upside, pass-catching ability or a path to immediate touches on thin depth charts, this year’s class is teeming with players worth taking a chance on.
Late-Round Historical Success Stories
History supports this approach. Each year, mid-to-late-round running backs or even undrafted free agents emerge as fantasy-relevant contributors. Elijah Mitchell, James Robinson and Tyler Allgeier are just a few more recent examples. These players often begin their careers as third-stringers but finish it delivering substantial value, whether due to injuries, strong training camp performances or simply outperforming teammates during the season.
RELATED: Jake Parry’s 2025 NFL Mock Draft 1.0: First-Round Picks & Predictions
Top Three Late-Round 2025 Dynasty Rookie Running Backs to Target
Kalel Mullings (Michigan)
Pros:
- Physicality
- Quick footwork
- Breaking tackles
Coming into the 2024 season as the presumed backup to Donovan Edwards at Michigan, Kalel Mullings took the starting role and – no pun intended – ran with it. The big-bodied former four-star linebacker recruit rumbled for 948 yards on 185 carries with 12 touchdowns.
As a strong and decisive between-the-tackles runner, Mullings makes use of some light footwork for a bigger back. That helps him reach the second level, where his size and strength take over to gain additional yards after contact. In total, 657 (69%) of his yards came after contact. He hasn’t done much in the passing game and has almost no receiving production to speak of. However, you can’t always judge a prospect for not doing something they weren’t tasked with doing in college.
A likely day-three NFL draft pick, Mullings could be a steal in the later rounds of your rookie drafts while other bigger names go ahead of him.
Kyle Monangai (Rutgers)
Pros:
- Explosive
- Above-average vision
- Lateral agility
A two-year starter at Rutgers, Kyle Monangai is a highly productive back who is not unlike the Duracell Bunny. He seems to get stronger as the game goes on. Monangai has excellent vision and instincts to find rushing lanes and openings. A tough runner, he makes his presence felt, bouncing off tacklers while keeping his lower body driving forward to make extra yardage. With good lateral agility and elusiveness, he also forces missed tackles at a high rate.
He stands 5-foot-9, and you may find he loses red zone carries and carries in shorter yardage situations to a bigger back, which could impact his fantasy value in the short term. Still, he has the skill set to carry a lead back’s workload.
Jo’quavious “Woody” Marks (USC)
Pros:
- Adept pass catcher
- Speed in the open field
- One-cut runner
Jo’quavious “Woody” Marks played his final season at USC after four years at Mississippi State. At 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, Marks is the ideal size and build for the modern NFL.
A dual-threat playmaker, he will offer value in Points Per Reception (PPR) formats as a dynamic receiver out of the backfield. Last season, Marks racked up 321 yards on 47 receptions and over 1,100 rushing yards. As a rusher, the former Mississippi State running back can make defenders look silly in one-on-one situations. He has a pretty shifty cutback and lethal change of pace that can turn potentially negative plays into longer gains.
There are some concerns regarding contact balance and his ability to break tackles. This means he may never be more than a committee back at the next level. However, thanks to his pass-catching acumen and track record of production, he’s the type of player who could make the most of a niche opportunity and never let go.
Stealing High Potential
In dynasty rookie drafts, late-round picks are often best spent on high-upside players with a clearer path to unexpected relevance. Running backs offer the best combination of opportunity, immediate impact and the chance to capitalize on injuries or roster turnover.
With the 2025 rookie class offering a deep pool of running back talent, your late picks are better used on potential league-winning backs rather than speculative wide receivers or tight ends. Those players may take years to develop or never pan out at all. Focusing on the running back position increases your chances of striking gold late in the draft.
Thanks for reading my 2025 Dynasty Late-Round Rookie Running Backs! For more Devy and College Fantasy Football content, follow me on Twitter/X @PoshplaysFF.
*Photo Credit: Kirby Lee – USA TODAY Sports*
