3 sleeper running backs to keep on your fantasy draft radar
Here are a few running backs worth keeping in mind as potential sleeper picks ahead of the 2025 season.
It’s still early, but we are now officially in BBQ season, which means you’re likely going to have a fantasy football draft sometime between this past weekend’s 4th of July festivities and Labor Day. So, I thought I’d better start pumping out a few thoughts on the coming season, starting with some running backs worth keeping in mind as potential sleeper picks.
Please note, I’ve also just posted my 2025 dynasty rankings and updated my 2025 draft rankings for re-draft leagues, which are available for paid subscribers.
Tyjae Spears (TEN)
Current ADP: 124 overall (RB40)*
Spears could potentially offer both standalone value and high-upside handcuff appeal. While Spears still slots behind starter Tony Pollard heading into this season, head coach Brian Callahan has stated he wants a more balanced backfield split, closer to 60/40.
Spears excelled in the passing game last year, leading all backs in avoided tackles per reception and per route. He also proved he could handle a lead role, racking up 20 carries for 95 yards in Week 17 and finishing as a top-five back during the fantasy playoffs.
Some injury concerns are there, following a couple of late-season concussions, but Spears enters 2025 healthy and otherwise has a pretty clean history overall, pain-wise. If Pollard stays upright, Spears offers flex potential in PPR formats. If Pollard misses time, Spears could easily slide into RB2 territory.
Jarquez Hunter (LAR)
Current ADP: 193 overall (RB60)*
The rookie is one of the more intriguing deep sleepers at the moment. Drafted in the fourth round by the Rams, Hunter joins a crowded backfield behind Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, but he has the talent to climb the depth chart quickly.
Hunter excelled at Auburn, rushing for over 3,300 yards across four seasons while consistently ranking in the top 25 in yards after contact and breakaway rate. He brings explosiveness that neither Williams nor Corum really has. In fact, Williams ranked near the bottom of the league in explosive run rate and missed tackles forced last year, and Corum struggled to earn playing time as a rookie.
With Williams entering a contract year and Corum offering limited production, Hunter could emerge as the primary backup, or more.
Jordan Mason (MIN)
Current ADP: 94 overall (RB31)*
Mason may end up being a steal in the mid-to-late round fantasy picks. The Vikings signed him to a two-year, $12 million deal with $7 million guaranteed, a strong investment for a backup running back. He’s initially expected to complement Aaron Jones, who turns 31 in December and should handle most of the passing work.
Mason’s track record filling in for Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco led to compelling results. In six games with 14+ carries last season, he averaged over 15 PPR points. He also led all backs in missed tackle rate (min. 150 carries).
While Jones remains the starter, the heavy workload he shouldered in 2024, coupled with age-related risk, puts Mason in a prime position to step in. If Jones misses time, Mason has RB1 upside in an improving Minnesota offense.
*ADP for PPR drafts as of July 7, according to FantasyPros.com
