PlayerProfiler is home to award-winning dynasty rankings and tools. Our Dynasty Deluxe package includes complete Dynasty Rankings, Rookie Rankings, Trade Analyzer, Draft Planner, Mock Drafts, and more. Check it out. With dynasty drafts about to kick off, here are dynasty sells, 5 running backs to sell before the 2025 NFL Draft.
The 2025 NFL Draft features a running back group that averaged a collective 4.48 second 40-yard dash time. That is the best in NFL history. While current NFL running backs have solid fantasy value now, that will change for many after the draft concludes on April 26th. Fantasy managers should prepare for the reckoning and sell these veterans while they can.
Dynasty Sells | 5 Running Backs to Sell Before the 2025 NFL Draft
1. Najee Harris
Najee Harris is a player everyone is getting excited about after landing in a run-heavy Los Angeles Chargers offense and appearing to be “the guy” at running back, for now. Harris signed a one-year contract and can make up to $9.25 million in incentives. However, his base salary of $5.25 million isn’t the type of payday that guarantees him anything. Since the signing, Harris’ value has been on the rise, seeing him jump from RB36 to RB27 on KeepTradeCut.
Najee Harris Positional Dynasty Value
Harris has never been efficient as a runner. His -36.7 expected points added ranked 138th. A more efficient player could usurp Harris’s workload. The Chargers have ten picks in this draft and I expect them to add another running back before the offseason is over. Harris has a current value that would allow you to acquire a second-round round pick in dynasty drafts or a future hall of famer like Davante Adams, both of which I’d prefer to Harris.
Najee Harris Rushing Efficiency Metrics
2. Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Tyrone Tracy Jr. was my favorite sleeper in the 2024 NFL Draft. He put together a solid rookie season where he supplanted Devin Singletary as the unquestioned starter for the New York Giants. Tracy is a rare example of a player who transitioned successfully from wide receiver to running back while in college.
As a former wideout, Tracy is an excellent pass-catcher. However, he has one fatal flaw that is the most important part of running back job security: ball security.
Tracy had five fumbles in 2024, including two in week 10 versus the Carolina Panthers. One of them was a fumble lost in overtime that allowed the Panthers to win the game with a field goal immediately after.
With Tracy being a late 5th-round pick and draft capital being undeniably tied to a team’s level of commitment to a player, Tracy is another running back who is in a tough position heading into the draft. The Giants have eight draft picks in 2025, with five being in the top 105 picks.
While they have glaring needs all over, it’s reasonable to assume one of the many stud running backs in this class is high on New York’s draft board and will be selected ahead of where Tracy was drafted last year.
Tyrone Tracy Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
Tracy currently has a Dynasty value that can return an early 2nd round draft pick, or allow fantasy managers to throw a cherry on top to tier up for a player like Ricky Pearsall who has 1st round draft capital and solid potential to be a breakout candidate in his second season.
3. D’Andre Swift
D’Andre Swift signed a solid three-year, $24 million contract with the Bears last offseason. But Miles Sanders signed a similar contract with the Panthers in 2023 and we saw how that worked out. The Bears brought in offensive mastermind Ben Johnson who places a huge emphasis on the running game. Johnson will have his preference of who he wants to lead that attack.
In Detroit, Johnson also deployed a two-running-back system which was highly effective. And after rushing for only 3.6 true yards per carry (59th) in 2024, Swift will be lucky if he’s leaned on to be any component of Chicago’s backfield going forward.
D’Andre Swift Opportunity & Efficiency Metrics
Swift’s current dynasty value is propped up by his solid usage and 75.9% (7th) opportunity share. With the Bears owning four of the first seventy-two picks in the 2025 Draft, Swift is at major risk of being relegated to a change of pace or reserve option in 2025 by a player handpicked by Ben Johnson. If you can trade Swift to get a late second-round pick or a proven veteran like Aaron Jones, it’s a no-brainer.
4. Jerome Ford
Jerome Ford has performed admirably over the past two seasons, scoring over 210 fantasy points in 2023 and averaging over 5.4 yards per carry in 2024. As it currently stands, Ford is the lead back for the Cleveland Browns. However, the door is not closed on Nick Chubb returning as his running mate. That wouldn’t be great news for Ford. When considering that with the fact that Cleveland owns ten picks in this upcoming draft (including four in the top 104), the likelihood of Ford having a prominent role for the Browns in 2025 is minimal at best.
Similar to Tracy, Ford is a 5th-round pick who doesn’t have the fortune of high draft capital to bolster Cleveland’s commitment to him as “the guy” to lead their backfield for the foreseeable future. In a stacked running back class, any running back pick made by the Browns in the first six rounds poses a serious threat to Ford’s production. While Ford has been solid at generating big plays, Cleveland would benefit from seeing more consistency at the running back position.
Jerome Ford Success Rate Vs. Explosive Rush Rate.
Ford won’t net a huge return by himself, but could be a useful piece to throw in a trade to move up in the draft or to acquire a veteran player who is more likely to be a high-end fantasy producer in 2025. For example, trading Ford and a 3rd rounder to move into the 2nd round or getting a player like Alvin Kamara are both realistic trades I’d make in a heartbeat.
5. Kyren Williams
Kyren Williams is a player who has consistently defied the odds and proved doubters wrong over the past two seasons. Everyone knows Sean McVay loves this guy. Williams currently stands as the dynasty RB10 on KeepTradeCut.
Williams is another example of a 5th round running back with fumble issues. He fumbled five times in 2024 and lost three, tied for the most among non-quarterbacks. He also fumbled three times in twelve games in 2023. That shows a recurring issue for Williams and likely will be going forward.
Even if the Rams don’t add a running back in the draft, Blake Corum is waiting in the wings. Corum boasts superior draft capital, better athleticism, and only one lost fumble across his college career and NFL rookie year.
Blake Corum Advanced Stats & Metrics Profile
Couple Williams’ fumbling issues, low draft capital, the potential of Corum’s emergence, and McVay’s desire to have a more versatile offense, and fantasy managers would be wise to explore dynasty sells on Williams before the NFL draft. Williams is valued around the 1.05 pick in single QB rookie drafts, and ahead of James Cook. I prefer both assets to the risk associated with Williams.
No running back is ever safe. It helps their case when they are drafted high and able to hold onto the rock. There are certainly other running backs at risk, but it’s important to consider the total draft capital a team has and the holes they have at other positions when evaluating the risk a running back faces. One thing is certain- third-string running backs better be working extra hard this offseason if they want to compete with this incoming class for an NFL roster spot.
