5 Impact Rookie Running Backs (2024 Fantasy Football)

To some, finding value at the running back position in fantasy football could be a primary catalyst in leading your team to victory. While this can come in the form of veteran or backup running backs elevated to more involved roles, rookie running backs are a popular section of the position to scout and monitor.

Below, using FantasyPros’ rookie running back average draft position (ADP) data, I’ll analyze the top five rookie running backs and tell you what you can reasonably expect from them during the 2024 campaign.

Let’s check them out.

Rookie Running Backs: Impact Fantasy Football Players

Jonathon Brooks (RB – CAR)

The Panthers took Jonathon Brooks at No. 46 overall in the second round. Using a top-50 pick on a running back is always noteworthy, and Brooks is no exception. The Panthers signed Miles Sanders to a four-year, $25.4 million deal in 2023, but he rushed just 129 times last season for 432 yards and one touchdown.

Taking Brooks, it’s safe to assume he’ll be the guy in Carolina at some point during the season. Based on Sanders’ performance and Chuba Hubbard not exactly being too much better with 238 carries for 902 yards (3.8 yards per carry) and five touchdowns, Brooks will take the reins sooner rather than later.

Brooks played in 11 games for the Texas Longhorns last season before suffering an ACL tear. He rushed 187 times for 1,139 yards and 10 scores. He added 25 catches for 286 yards and a score.

He’ll bring a dynamic presence to the backfield to help take some stress off of second-year signal-caller Bryce Young, who had a brutal rookie campaign.

The offense somewhat limits Brooks, but he could flirt with RB2 numbers in PPR leagues.

Trey Benson (RB – ARI)

Trey Benson, the Florida State product, comes into a Cardinals backfield that may not have the best offensive line in front of them but has quarterback Kyler Murray, who single-handedly helps elevate the rushing attack.

At the start of the season, Benson will play second-fiddle to incumbent starter James Conner but will have chances to contribute.

Conner, 29, has played in 41 games over the last three seasons, including 13 in each of the previous two. He was productive in 2023, rushing 208 times for 1,040 yards and seven scores.

However, he has still missed some time every year of his career. If that continues, which nothing is signaling it won’t, Benson will get most of the carries and be an excellent spot start during those weeks.

Now, is this someone you should draft? In PPR leagues, Benson is going as the RB32 or 109th overall. This is in a territory with other rookies, but also just 15 picks later than Conner.

Benson is certainly someone you should draft in your leagues. He may need to ride the bench or be a spot Flex start, but he will have chances to start in 2024.

Blake Corum (RB – LAR)

Blake Corum will be the backup to fantasy darling Kyren Williams following Cam Akers‘ downfall. Right now, Corum is going as the RB35 to Williams’ RB8. Williams is entering his third season and played in 12 games in 2023. He had a “foot issue” in May during organized team activities (OTAs). Head coach Sean McVay was sure he’d be ready for training camp on July 25.

Should Williams also have trouble getting on the field for that, there’s certainly more concern.

Corum was wildly productive in college with Michigan, racking up 674 carries for 3,737 yards and 58 touchdowns over four years.

He’ll have a chance to contribute immediately in what I’d guess is more of a committee role. That said, it remains to be seen what the timeshare looks like, but I’d expect it to get closer to 50/50 to help keep Williams upright throughout the season.

Jaylen Wright (RB – MIA)

Jaylen Wright is a phenomenal value pick at RB49 despite having Raheem Mostert, who scored 20+ touchdowns in 2023 and rookie phenom De’Von Achane ahead of him.

Mostert is now 32 years old, and while he doesn’t have many career carries (just 674), it’s safe to wonder if age will naturally catch up with him. As for Achane, he was a rookie last year and averaged 7.8 yards per carry on 103 attempts, but had a hard time staying healthy, playing in 11 games.

Wright is another speedy, dynamic threat who could step in to fill the shoes of both Mostert and Achane should he be asked to.

Again, it could take some time to see Wright hit the field meaningfully, but in this region of running backs, there are options like Antonio Gibson, Tyler Allgeier and Hubbard just behind him in ADP.

I’d certainly take a chance on Wright.

MarShawn Lloyd (RB – GB)

MarShawn Lloyd played college football in South Carolina and at USC in 2023. He played in 11 games in 2023, rushing 116 times for 820 yards and nine scores. He averaged 7.1 yards per carry and caught 13 passes for 232 yards.

The problem for Lloyd is that he’s behind Josh Jacobs, the new big-time signing for the Packers.

That said, other than 2022, he’s missed time in every year of his career.

Drafting Lloyd signals he’s the direct backup, with AJ Dillon set to work sporadically after averaging just 3.4 yards per carry last year on 178 tries.

Lloyd is in a similar situation to Benson, but Green Bay may be a bit more pass-heavy than the Cardinals with its collection of young wide receiver weapons if Jacobs misses time and Lloyd serves as the primary rusher.

Still, Lloyd is going in the RB40s range, so he’s worth a flier as he presents far more upside than many around his range.

Fantasy Draft Advice NFL Rookies Jonathon Brooks Miles Sanders Chuba Hubbard Bryce Young Trey Benson Kyler Murray James Conner Blake Corum Kyren Williams Cam Akers Jaylen Wright Raheem Mostert De’Von Achane Antonio Gibson Tyler Allgeier MarShawn Lloyd Josh Jacobs AJ Dillon