Scott Engel is in his 14th season as the official fantasy writer and analyst for Seahawks.com. Scott is an inaugural member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association's Hall of Fame. He is a four-time FSWA award winner and 13-time nominee. You can find more of his fantasy analysis on RotoBaller.com, The Athletic, and SiriusXM Fantasy Sports Radio.
MORE FROM SEAHAWKS FANTASY INSIDER: 2025 Fantasy Football Season Preview Podcast with Scott Engel and John Boyle
In the first round of your 2025 fantasy football draft, four to six running backs will likely go off the board. The decisions that challenge every fantasy player in the first two rounds of their drafts is whether to take the first RB in the first round, the second round, or two start out with two RBs in the first two rounds. Some opt to even eschew an RB pick until at least the third round.
How you should approach the first pick will depend on your draft slot and the flow of the picks, which is different in every single draft. Don't get locked into guessing which RB may fall to your slot, as adjusting on the run will always be necessary. We get you prepared to draft RBs early and also feature value plays and sleepers.
The Seahawks RB situation has also been a primary topic among fantasy football RB conversations and debates during this preseason. Where should you draft Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet, and how is it possible to land both and lock up the Seahawks backfield for fantasy purposes? Our fantasy football running back rundown includes all you need to address the position properly.
Fantasy Football RB Draft Guide: The First Round Draft Picks
Atlanta's Bijan Robinson is the consensus No. 2 overall pick in most leagues, because he is ticketed for a heavy workload on an offense that should feature the running game. Last season, Robinson caught 61 passes on 72 targets, so the versatility is also a considerable bonus. If he falls anywhere past the second pick in your draft, don't hesitate to click the "draft" button immediately.
Even though he shares some of the touches in the Detroit backfield, Jahmyr Gibbs may have the most upside of any RB in fantasy football. His current Average Draft Position is fifth overall on FantasyPros.com. It will be rare to see Gibbs drop much further than that in any draft, and most fantasy players who start out with Robinson or Gibbs in the first round might lean to taking a WR in the second.
If you draft in the top 5, you'll be faced with deciding between Robinson/Gibbs and a prime WR. I would not pass on Robinson at all based on potential volume, and if you want Gibbs, it will be a good approach to split the next two picks between RB and WR, depending on draft flow.
Saquan Barkley carries an ADP of third overall but is selected after Gibbs in many drafts. While rushing for 2,000 yards again is a lofty goal for any RB to accomplish again, his statistical floor is so high that he remains a surefire first rounder. Derrick Henry seems ageless, and getting a two-year extension from the Ravens is a signal that the front office is not expecting a drop-off in production, and you shouldn't either. Henry is a late first-round target.
Christian McCaffrey is the ultimate risk/reward pick in fantasy football. I have seen him picked anywhere from the second overall pick to the 11th in recent drafts. If you choose to gun for his upside, consider drafting an RB in the second round also, so you have another top-level RB as early round insurance. In Round Three, good wide receivers such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ladd McConkey and Terry McLaurin will be available to start the WR build.
Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty has an ADP of 12 overall. He is headed for a significant workload and is expected to be a focal point of the Raiders' offense right away. When drafting rookie running backs like Jeanty, you may get their very best production later in the season.
Fantasy Football RB Draft Guide: More Early Targets
Bucky Irving's ADP is 23rd overall, but he is actually my No. 5 ranked RB. I am a big fan of Irving as a second-year fantasy star, as he is a dazzling runner who makes defenders miss, and can also get physical or outrun defenders when he gets to the second level. Irving is versatile and a perfect pairing with Robinson, Gibbs or Barkley when starting out with two RBs.
Chase Brown and Josh Jacobs are both solid second-round picks. Brown is the unchallenged feature back for one of the NFL's best offenses, and Jacobs rediscovered his better fantasy form in Green Bay last year. Jacobs rushed for a career-best 15 TDs in 2024 and is a great bet to finish in double figures again.
De'Von Achane is a viable RB1 target in the second round when drafting a WR first, and he has an ADP of 14th overall. Kyren Williams and James Cook are preferred second-rounders. Both RBs received new contracts recently. Williams may dominate carries for the Rams and is worthy of consideration as a fantasy RB1 if you draft a WR first. Cook proved himself as a featured RB last season and is an ideal pick in the second half of the second round.
Jonathan Taylor is a natural second-rounder with an ADP of 19th overall. You can target him for a reliable amount of touches on a consistent basis. Chargers rookie Omarion Hampton is the top fantasy rookie RB after Jeanty. He may share some work, but the Chargers should feature a run-based offensive attack and Hampton is projected to be the lead fantasy producer for Los Angeles. He is a highly recommended RB2 target.
Fantasy Football RB Draft Guide: Desirable RB2 Targets
Last year, Chuba Hubbard finished just outside the top 12 in Fantasy Points Per Game (16.1) and might be even more productive in 2025 if the Carolina offense continues to improve. Tony Pollard may be a very good value pick. He is being drafted outside the top 65 and the Tennessee offense is another unit that also could be on the rise.
James Conner continues to be a steady performer as a fantasy RB2. New England rookie TreVeyon Henderson showed flashes of significant promise in the preseason, and may be threat to tear off a big play any time he carries the ball.
Alvin Kamara will be the crux of the New Orleans offense again, as he'll be needed to ease pressure on whoever starts at QB. Breece Hall will open the season as the starter for the Jets, and working in an RPO offense with Justin Fields may spur some quality outings.
Isiah Pacheco is set for a rebound campaign and is another good value at an overall ADP of 63. Those who wait longer for an RB2 at the position should target Pacheco, who looks healthy again. He is the lead RB for one of the better offenses in the NFC and runs with a lot of pure determination.
Fantasy Football RB Draft Guide: Focus on the Seahawks' Top Two
Kenneth Walker III has an ADP of 17th at RB, and 42nd overall, putting him in the fourth round of 12-team drafts. Most experienced fantasy players understand the Seahawks intend to feature their running game under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, and that Walker is capable of scoring from anywhere on the field.
As an inside runner, Walker has continued to improve, and being a lead RB in a run-centric offense gives him significant weekly upside in 2025. Last season, according to PlayerProfiler.com, he ranked fifth among all RBs in Juke Rate (28.6%) and he was 13th in Evaded Tackles (57). Walker is a recommended RB2 target for those who still are seeking a good starter pick after taking one RB in the first three rounds.
ADPs indicate that Charbonnet is the 37th RB taken on average, which puts him firmly just outside the RB3 range in 12-team drafts. His preseason ADP has been rising throughout the preseason, as Charbonnet is widely considered one of the best fantasy insurance RBs available. We have already seen him succeed when pressed into starting duty for the Seahawks.
In his first four starts last season, Charbonnet rushed for six TDs. He is both physical and elusive and any expanded opportunities he sees in the Kubiak system can elevate his fantasy appeal at any time. Those who draft Walker should push Charbonnet up their boards. Plan to draft him earlier than the overall ADP of 114 to get a better chance of landing the promising third-year man.
Fantasy Football RB Draft Guide: Values and Sleepers
Broncos rookie RJ Harvey is a good bet to outperform his ADP of 23 at RB. … D'Andre Swift could be on the verge of one of his best seasons in a Bears offense that might be more explosive. … Jaylen Warren will start for Pittsburgh and should at least be an adequate RB3 pick. … Tank Bigsby will be the leading rushing TD producer for Jacksonville.
Jordan Mason will push for quality work with Minnesota. … Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt might begin the season in a committee for Washington., but watch for him to possibly produce more for fantasy purposes as the season progresses. … Braelon Allen of the Jets is one of my top sleepers, as he may at least contend for a split of lead carries and should get a healthy amount of TD opportunities.
Another first-year player, Dylan Sampson, will have chances to earn much playing time for the Browns early in the season. … Ollie Gordon is the recommended insurance pick for those who draft Achane. … Brian Robinson Jr. is now the top insurance pick for McCaffrey drafters.
Fantasy Football Rankings: The Top 35 Running Backs
- Bijan Robinson
- Jahmyr Gibbs
- Saquon Narkley
- Derrick Henry
- Bucky Irving
- Ashton Jeanty
- Chase Brown'
- Josh Jacibs
- Christian McCaffery
- Kyle Williams
- James Cook
- Jonathan Taylor
- Omarion Hampton
- De'Von Achane
- Chuba Hubbard
- James Conner
- TreVeyon Henderson
- Alvin Kamara
- Breece Hall
- Isiah Pacheco
- Tony Pollard
- Kenneth Walker III
- RJ Harvey
- D'Andre Swift
- Jaylen Warren
- David Montgomery
- Tyrone Tracy Jr.
- Aaron Jones
- Tank Bigsby
- Jacory Croskey-Merritt
- Travis Etienne
- Jordan Mason
- Rhamondre Stevenson
- Javonte Williams
- Braelon Allen
For more fantasy football rankings from Scott Engel at all positions, visit RotoBaller.com.
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seahawks' trip to Green Bay, Wisconsin where the team participated in a joint practice and their preseason finale vs. the Green Bay Packers.
Young 12s lined the path next to youthful Packers fans hoping for Seahawks players to ride their bikes to the team's joint practice on Thursday. The tradition of Packers players riding kids bikes from the stadium to the practice field dates back to the 1950's.
Seahawks quarterback Drew Lock rides a kid's bike from the visitors locker room at Lambeau Field to a nearby practice field prior to joint practices between the Seahawks and Packers.
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold rides a kid's bike alongside a young fan as they pass legendary Lambeau Field.
Prior to a joint practice with the Packers, Seahawks safety Julian Love chose this young fan to walk her bike with from the locker room to the practice field in a long-standing Packers tradition.
The Seahawks work out on half of Clarke Hinkle Field prior to a joint practice with the host Green Bay Packers.
Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen not only rides a kids bike but dons an old school toy helmet while riding next to a young fan.
On the bus to Lambeau Field, tight end AJ Barner studies film.
Outside of the locker room and hours before the preseason game against the Green Bay Packers, Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald shares knowledge with defensive backs Devon Witherspoon and Coby Bryant.
Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald emerges from the tunnel leading from the visitors locker room to the playing field on gameday.
Seahawks players Leonard Williams, Sam Darnold, Devon Witherspoon, Coby Bryant and Julian Love pose for a pregame photo with some young fans.
In the visitors locker room, offensive linemen Josh Jones and Michael Jerrell prepare for the game.
Members of the Seahawks offense sit next to their lockers in the cramped confines of the visitors locker room at Lambeau Field.
Head coach Mike Macdonald leads the Seahawks down the long stairway leading from the visitors locker room to the playing surface at Lambeau Field.
Starting quarterback Jalen Milroe emerges from the tunnel on the playing surface at Lambeau Field.
Captains for the Packers and the Seahawks watch the opening coin toss.
Special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh talks to the kickoff team including Isas Waxter and Nick Kallerup. At right is special teams assistant Devin Fitzsimmons.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada returns an interception in the first quarter.
Seahawks safety Ty Okada gets a hug from Uchenna Nwosu after Okada's interception was confirmed via replay.
Seahawks running back Jacardia Wright turns the corner.
Seahawks veterans Derick Hall and Jarran Reed help with signals alongside defensive line coach Justin Hinds.
Members of the Seahawks defense including J.R. Singleton, Drake Thomas and Tyreke Smith sandwich Packers running back Chris Brooks.
Seahawks linebackers Jamie Sheriff and Patrick O'Connell lead the way on a gang tackle in the second quarter.
Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas and teammates J.R. Singleton and Jared Ivey dive for a fumble that was recovered by the Packers.
Up in the radio broadcast booth, longtime sideline reporter Jen Mueller took over the play-by-play duties for Steve Raible during the second quarter. At right is analyst and Seahawks Legend Dave Wyman.
At halftime, members of the offense including Damien Martinez, Sataoa Laumea and Jacardia Wright listen to coaching.
Offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak plans with quarterback Jalen Milroe as Sam Darnold watches.
Even though they didn't play in the game, receivers Cooper Kupp and Tory Horton were fully involved on the sidelines.
Seahawks linebacker Jamie Sheriff grabs Packers quarterback Sean Clifford by the hand which was enough to result in an eventual sack.
Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe finds an opening around the left side.
Teammates Jacardia Wright and Mason Richman congratulate receiver Cody White after his fourth quarter touchdown.
This brave young 12 was backing the Seahawks amid a sea of cheeseheads.
Seattle's Jared Ivey gets ahold of Packers quarterback Taylor Elgersma and brings him down.
Seahawks receiver Cody White finds daylight after the catch along the Seahawks sideline.
After the game, safety Ty Okada, whose first quarter interception was a highlight of the game, hugs his father who was in the stands.
