Rookie Running Backs: Jonathon Brooks, Trey Benson, Blake Corum (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 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.