Top 5 Fantasy Running Backs: Pre-NFL Draft

The running back position in fantasy football saw a resurgence with the performances of Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry last season. As those two set the pace, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs also had great fantasy seasons at the position. This year, the position should see similar results from the same guys. So here is my pre-NFL Draft list of the top five running backs of the fantasy football season for the 2025 NFL season.

1. Saquon Barkley

Barkley is far and away the best running back in the league, and he proved that especially after his 2,000-yard rushing season. His fantasy dominance from last season has him in several conversations of being the No. 1 overall pick in 2025 Redraft leagues. Barkley is one of one and should easily be the consensus first pick in fantasy, even though Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase has a case as well.

But Barkley will provide more value at that number one pick as the Eagles will use him more effectively in the passing game than they did last year, and maybe he will have a boost in touchdowns next year. Barkley will pace an Eagles offense looking to repeat as Super Bowl Champions.

2. Derrick Henry

Henry was second in the league with over 1,900 yards rushing last season. I think Henry will carry the momentum from his first season in Baltimore to another strong, productive season for the Ravens. With Lamar Jackson being the mobile threat at quarterback, that does make life for Henry a lot easier, and that should increase the likelihood that Henry will stay productive throughout the 2025 season like he was in 2024. I would pick Henry in the middle of the first round in redraft leagues at the running back position.

3. Bijan Robinson

Robinson is a great value in fantasy when the Falcons decide to use him, and they used him a good amount in 2024. I think Robinson will be even better in 2025 because with Michael Penix Jr starting full-time in 2025, I think the Falcons would want to lean on the run a little more than they did in 2024. Thus, this makes Bijan a legit option for fantasy football, even more so this season, and I like Robinson in the early second round of redraft leagues. Expect the former Texas Longhorn to explode in 2025.

4. Jahmyr Gibbs

Gibbs is always going to be a threat in fantasy football because of his production in that Lions run-first offense, but the ceiling will never be the most productive for him because of the split workload he has with David Montgomery. I think Sonic will have another great season in the Motor City, but I don’t see him finishing in the top 3 for the sole reason of potential health and the split workload.

Unless he hits a lot of home run type runs like he did at times in 2024, but I think he will have to have a similar home run ability that Saquon has to make up for the lack of carries at times to be that running back that cracks a top-3 finish in fantasy for running backs.

5. Ashton Jeanty 

Yes, I know this is the pre-draft ranking, and technically, Ashton Jeanty isn’t on a team yet, but I see his impact year one being one of those boom fantasy impacts from a rookie rookie back that we saw from Barkley and others in their rookie years. It depends on where the Boise State alum goes, but I think the ceiling is there for a top-5 running back finish for Jeanty. I like Jeanty’s opportunity for fantasy if he goes to the Bears or Raiders. But we will see where he goes in late April.

Total Apex Fantasy is the place to be for fantasy football, MLB, and NBA, among other sports fantasy opportunities throughout the rest of the calendar year, as we look to give the best fantasy advice possible. Look for more NFL coverage after the draft to see where your favorite players are going to finish in fantasy in 2025.