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! Below, Chris Nalls presents The Need for Speed. Analyzing the 2025 Rookie Rankings: Fastest RB of the 2025 Class.
Rookie Rankings: Running Backs Need for Speed
Rookie running backs don’t get as much love as they used to in the NFL draft, but that will change this year. With multiple running backs having tremendous upside, the metric I scouted for in this article was speed. I don’t mean just a 4.4 40-yard dash, but below a 4.4. When NFL teams are looking for running backs, speed is one of the most important metrics they look at, among others. Below are three running backs that must be considered in dynasty drafts this draft season.
Brashard Smith, RB, SMU
Originally a wide receiver at Miami, Brashard Smith found his footing at SMU as a running back. He finished 2024 with 1,329 rushing yards and 18 total touchdowns. Smith is a patient running back who waits for the play to develop. Once the play develops, Smith is off to the races.
Smith, an elusive running back, ran a 4.39 40-yard dash, according to his workout metric. Having played wide receiver, as I mentioned earlier, Smith had 327 receiving yards in his last year in college. Athleticism is not an issue either, posting a 97.4 per PlayerProfiler. Brashard Smith is the person we are speaking of when we say sleeper in fantasy football.
Jaydon Blue, RB, Texas
Playing behind Bijan Robinson and Jonathan Brooks at Texas is a tough gig. Jaydon Blue did precisely that, but that didn’t hinder him. Blue, however, finished 2024 strong with 730 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns. The similarities between Jaydon Blue and Brashard Smith are eerie.
Both running backs are almost identical in size, weight, and speed. Blue ran an unofficial 4.28 and 4.25 at his pro day, faster than his combine 40, which was a 4.38. Drafting Blue in later rounds in rookie drafts will pay off, especially if he lands on a team that utilizes pass-catching RBs.
Bhayshul Tuten, RB, Virginia Tech
When many in Dynasty drafts are looking for that one player to make an immediate impact, Bhayshul Tuten has that capability. Tuten is a cannonball of a runner and has precise angles and cuts due to his height.
When breaking free at the line of scrimmage, Tuten is sprinting to the end zone. He’s not easy to bring down when an opposing player tries to tackle him due to his upright strength. With a 105.5 athleticism score and a 4.32 40-yard dash, Tuten needs to be getting more love in dynasty drafts this season.
Final Thoughts
These rookie running backs will be PPR machines in dynasty. The player comparisons via PlayerProfiler have similarities, with speed and being dynamic pass catchers. Being drafted on a team that utilizes each of these running backs’ skill sets will yield a greater return on investment in 2025. Generally, the sweet spot for selecting them in dynasty drafts will be around the third round and later.
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