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Ask the Commish.Com 2025 Draft Kit
Davis took first-team running back reps at Thursday's voluntary team activities with James Cook absent, Lance Lysowski of The Buffalo News reports. Davis figures to be the primary beneficiary of increased first-team reps as long as Cook's desire for a contract extension keeps him away from the team, though Ty Johnson may also get some extra work. Cook led Buffalo's impressive rushing attack last season with 207 carries for 1,009 yards and a shocking 16 touchdowns (after scoring just twice on the ground in the two years prior) in the regular season, while Davis took a back seat with 113 carries for 442 yards and three scores while playing in all 17 regular-season games. At 220 pounds, Davis boasts a significantly larger frame than Cook or Johnson, which resulted in him facing more stacked boxes and suffering in terms of efficiency compared to his backfield mates. However, his size also makes it conceivable that more of the Bills' scoring opportunities on the ground could swing his way in Year 2.
The Chiefs are in line to sign Mitchell (hamstring) to a one-year contract worth up to $3.5 million, Tommy Call III of USA Today reports. Mitchell missed his entire 2024 campaign with San Francisco after undergoing hamstring surgery last August, but he projects to be ready for the start of offseason activities with his new club. Across four years with the 49ers, the oft-injured Mitchell managed to suit up for only 27 of a possible 68 regular-season games, but he now finds an intriguing landing spot with a solid potential ceiling, should he manage to stay healthy and put his trademark speed to use. Kareem Hunt is a pending unrestricted free agent for the Chiefs, but Isiah Pacheco has one year remaining on his rookie deal, leaving Mitchell in likely position to handle a depth role.
Austin Ekeler was a nice surprise when on the field last year. He dealt with two concussions in 2024, which forced him to miss five games, but when active, he was the RB29 in fantasy points per game. He had some elevated usage in weeks where Brian Robinson Jr. was limited or out, so I think we can project some regression in 2025 if Robinson Jr. can put together a healthy season. Also, the addition of Deebo Samuel could cut into Ekeler's short-area passing game usage. Last year, Ekeler was 11th in target share and third in yards per route run among backs. I expect the target share to dip some. Ekeler is still a decent late-round flex flier.
Tyler Allgeier remains an elite handcuff option with some standalone flex appeal. Allgeier was the RB45 in fantasy points per game, as he finished as the RB36 or higher in 41% of his games last year. Among 46 qualifying backs, he ranked 22nd in missed tackle rate and 20th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). If Bijan Robinson were to miss any time, Allgeier would immediately vault into RB1/2 territory.
After Warren's RB29 finish in 2023, I hoped he would take another small step into the RB2 ranks in 2024, but it wasn't meant to be. Warren dealt with a hamstring strain in the preseason and then a knee injury in Week 4. It was tough for him to regain his per-touch effectiveness until later in the season. Najee Harris also still stood in his way. Well, this offseason, the Steelers retained Warren's services, but he gained a more talented rusher than Harris in Kaleb Johnson to contend with now. Warren will likely operate in his usual capacity as Johnson moves into Harris's old role. In Weeks 8-18, Warren averaged 9.6 touches and 66.2 total yards while ranking 15th in missed tackles forced per attempt and third in yards after contact per attempt (among 52 qualifying backs, per Fantasy Points Data). During that stretch, Warren was the RB36 in fantasy points per game. He should be a strong RB3 again this season.
Mason moves from San Francisco to Minnesota in an offseason trade to become Aaron Jones' running mate/handcuff. Mason sustained a shoulder injury and an ankle injury last year. The bum ankle ultimately ended his season. In the brief six games, he played 64% or more of the snaps as the starter for the 49ers, with an average of 21.3 touches and 111.8 total yards. He was a top-24 fantasy option at the running back position in four of those six outings and an RB1 in 50% of them. Mason finished top six among running backs last year in explosive run rate (second), missed tackles forced per attempt (sixth), and yards after contact per attempt (third, per Fantasy Points Data). Mason is a top-shelf handcuff again this season who could offer some stand-alone value in Minnesota's high-scoring offense.
Bigsby had an awesome sophomore season for Jacksonville, especially considering how his rookie season unfolded. He finished as the RB40 in fantasy points per game with eight weeks as the RB36 or higher in weekly fantasy scoring. Bigsby wasn't involved in the passing game, having only 12 targets last year. I don't see that changing this season, so he'll need to manufacture fantasy points on the early downs with his legs. He proved he can do that last season. Among 46 qualifying backs, he ranked 21st in explosive run rate and second-best in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Bigsby will have to fight Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten for playing time, but he has the raw talent to carve out a role in this offense in 2025.
Kendre Miller entering 'blank slate' with new Saints coaching staffSaints coach Kellen Moore said the "first day was a blank slate" when asked about Kendre Miller and some of the troubles with the previous coaching staff.Miller has struggled to stay healthy so far in his NFL career and the previous coaching staff had made some comments about the situation. He gets a fresh start under Miller and the new coaching staff where he'll look to earn a role behind Alvin Kamara.
Saints coach Kellen Moore said the "first day was a blank slate" when asked about Kendre Miller and some of the troubles with the previous coaching staff.
Miller has struggled to stay healthy so far in his NFL career and the previous coaching staff had made some comments about the situation. He gets a fresh start under Miller and the new coaching staff where he'll look to earn a role behind Alvin Kamara.
Jaylen Wright will battle with Alexander Mattison and Ollie Gordon to be De'Von Achane's backup. He has a leg up entering camp, but we'll have to see if he can secure the job. On a per-carry basis, he did offer some hope with a 5.9% explosive run rate and an 18% missed tackle rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Wright is a decent final-round pick/best ball dart throw.
Braelon Allen is in the running to be Breece Hall's backup for 2025, but I won't be surprised if Isaiah Davis beats him out. Last year, Allen averaged 6.5 touches and 28.3 total yards in backup duty. Among 70 qualifying backs, he ranked 51st in missed tackle rate and 35th in yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Davis, with fewer carries, produced better per-touch numbers last year. I don't mind taking shots on Allen late in deeper leagues, but I wouldn't go crazy with my exposure across multiple leagues.
Audric Estime officially inactive for Wild Card roundBroncos RB Audric Estime is officially inactive for the Wild Card matchup with the Bills. Estime is a bit of a surprising inactive and will be replaced in the lineup by Tyler Badie. The Broncos are looking to spark a struggling running game in a tough matchup with the Buffalo defense in the opening round of the playoffs.
Broncos RB Audric Estime is officially inactive for the Wild Card matchup with the Bills.
Estime is a bit of a surprising inactive and will be replaced in the lineup by Tyler Badie. The Broncos are looking to spark a struggling running game in a tough matchup with the Buffalo defense in the opening round of the playoffs.
Lloyd lost nearly his entire rookie season to injuries. First, he dealt with a hamstring strain during training camp and the preseason. That was followed by an ankle sprain in Week 2 and surgery to treat appendicitis after that. It was an unfortunate and insane runout for the former third-round pick out of USC. Don't forget Lloyd is a ridiculously talented player who ranked 16th and 20th in yards after contact per attempt and fourth and 15th in elusive rating across his final two collegiate seasons (per PFF). The Packers didn't add anyone to the backfield in the draft. Lloyd should be considered the favorite for the RB2/handcuff spot on the depth chart for Green Bay behind Josh Jacobs. We'll see how much of a stand-alone role he has this season, but his handcuff value alone is solid.
Guerendo assumes the direct handcuff role for the 49ers in 2025 after Jordan Mason and Elijah Mitchell were jettisoned this offseason. Guerenedo earned this role last year when he was asked to assume the starting job. Guerendo had four games last year where he played at least 55% of the snaps, and he averaged 16.7 touches and 101 total yards. In weekly fantasy scoring in those outings, he finished as the RB10, RB2, RB25, and RB11. Guerendo was also an explosive player on a per-touch basis. Among 70 qualifying backs, he ranked sixth in explosive run rate and seventh in missed tackles forced per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). Guerendo is arguably the most valuable handcuff in fantasy football because if Christian McCaffrey were to miss any time, we know what we'd be getting weekly, and that's RB1 production.
Blue fell to the fifth round of the NFL Draft as he was swimming in a ridiculously deep running back draft class. The former Longhorn displayed some three-down big play ability in his final collegiate season. He ranked 26th in elusive rating, 35th in yards after contact per attempt, and 25th in yards per route run (per PFF). It's not hard to envision Blue having a role in the backfield immediately in Week 1, considering the lackluster players surrounding him on the Dallas Cowboys' depth chart. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders' best football looks to be behind them. Blue could be the passing down back from Day 1 with an avenue to become the team's lead back quickly.