NFL Draft 2025 Dynasty Rookie RB Risers And Fallers

After going over five running backs to target in my previous article, today we’re going to dive into the risers and fallers from the 2025 NFL Draft. Draft capital dramatically changes these players’ likelihood to succeed (research here), which means we should change our expectations based on that.

On top of that, landing spot plays a big part in how we view these players as well. With that in mind, let’s take a look at two running backs who are risers and two who are fallers after the NFL Draft.

NFL Draft 2025 Dynasty Rookie Risers

RJ Harvey
(Denver Broncos)

One of the biggest shockers in the draft was RJ Harvey going in the second round at pick 60. Prior to the draft, no one would have expected Harvey to be drafted above Kaleb Johnson, but now that we’ve seen it happen, Harvey is a riser.

Not only did the draft capital dramatically help Harvey’s hit rate, but his landing spot is amazing. Harvey was drafted by the Denver Broncos, who have a wide-open depth chart.

For reference, Jaleel McLaughlin was the projected RB1 and he had 496 yards on 113 carries last year. When you combine the draft capital and landing spot, Harvey is easily the biggest 2025 rookie running back riser from the NFL Draft.

Jaydon Blue

(Dallas Cowboys)

Jaydon Blue was a player that I touched on in my last article, but he fits the bill here as well. Before the NFL Draft, Blue wasn’t even being projected to be a top 48 player by many experts, including myself.

Now that Blue has a real shot at becoming the Cowboys RB1, he’s flown up draft boards. The 5th round draft capital isn’t great, but he was the highest running back selected by the Cowboys.

All Blue has to do is beat out Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams. Sanders is on a one-year, 1,197,500-million-dollar deal (per Spotrac), and Williams is on a one-year, three-million-dollar deal.

Blue flashed big play ability at Texas and with a real chance to become the RB1 for the Cowboys, he’s a big draft riser.

NFL Draft 2025 Dynasty Rookie Fallers

Dylan Sampson

(Cleveland Browns)

Heading into the draft, it seemed like Dylan Sampson was going to get day two draft capital and land in a spot that needs a running back. The Cowboys or Broncos were two options.

None of that happened as the Cleveland Browns drafted Sampson on day three in round four. The issue with this spot is that the Browns already invested a high second-round pick on Quinshon Judkins.

With the Browns offense having a lot of questions, it doesn’t look like this is going to be a spot where two running backs can be fantasy-relevant. Sadly, Sampson may stuck in a strict backup role.

DJ Giddens

(Indianapolis Colts)

DJ Giddens was a running back that I was excited about heading into the NFL Draft. Giddens has big play ability to pair with plus vision. Two things that are a great combination for a running back.

Unfortunately, he fell to round five and landed in a rough spot. The Indianapolis Colts already have Jonathan Taylor, who’s a 26-year-old, bellcow back.

On top of that, the Colts offense has struggled under Anthony Richardson, so it’s hard to see both backs being fantasy-relevant. Unfortunately, all signs are pointing towards Giddens being a backup rather than a committee back.