👋 Welcome to Your Ultimate Guide to Running Back Stashes!
Fantasy football never sleeps, and for those engaged in dynasty leagues, the thrill of scouting potential star players continues year-round. While identifying standout rookies is often straightforward, discovering hidden gems can be a challenging yet rewarding endeavor. Let’s dive into three intriguing running backs who may not be high on the draft boards in 2025 but possess the talent and circumstances to become fantasy stars. 🌟
Kyle Monangai, Chicago Bears 🐻
Not Just Another Rookie
Despite a depth chart that includes D'Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and Travis Homer, Kyle Monangai is making his presence felt. Drafted in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, he offers a lot more than meets the eye. Monangai's journey with the Bears might take a little time, but don’t underestimate his potential to rise within the ranks.
🏃♂️ Room for Growth
Swift had a mediocre season in 2024, finishing as PPR RB29 and becoming the only RB with more than 230 carries but failing to rush for over 1,000 yards. If he doesn’t turn his performance around, Monangai could find himself carving out a significant role in the Bears’ offense.
✨ Why Monangai?
Let’s not forget that Monangai has impressive stats from his college days. Over the past two seasons, he forced 139 missed tackles, which ranks eighth among FBS running backs. More importantly, he didn’t fumble a single time in four years with the Scarlet Knights! This indicates not just talent but reliability, a significant trait for any team.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders 🚀
Flying Under the Radar
Next on our list is Jacory Croskey-Merritt, another rookie whose potential is often overlooked thanks to a unique college career. Drafted in the seventh round after a year where he was sidelined with eligibility issues, he made quite an impact earlier at New Mexico. His PFF overall grade in 2023 placed him among the top contenders in the FBS, showcasing his skills as one of the most productive running backs.
💡 Potential Opportunities
The current running back landscape for the Commanders is quite intriguing. With Brian Robinson Jr. entering a contract year and Austin Ekeler aging, the stage is set for a fresh face to claim the starting role.
Croskey-Merritt's statistics speak volumes — in 2023, he averaged 0.34 missed tackles per attempt and racked up an impressive 17 rushing touchdowns. This incredible performance puts him in a prime position to capitalize on any opportunity he gets.
Trevor Etienne, Carolina Panthers 🐾
The Wild Card
To wrap up our trio, let's discuss Trevor Etienne of the Carolina Panthers. With the franchise recently extending Chuba Hubbard, one might assume that the running back situation is locked down. However, history tells us that backfields can be notoriously unpredictable.
🎯 A New Era
Following the release of Miles Sanders, who was initially seen as a long-term investment after signing a lucrative contract, the Panthers offense is poised for change. Many might overlook Etienne, but he brings a versatile skill set that could allow him to become a valuable asset.
🔥 Outstanding Skill Set
Etienne displayed exceptional abilities during his years at Georgia, catching 32 of 33 targets in 2024. This translates well into an offense that could value his dual-threat capability as a runner and a receiver. His average of 3.9 yards after contact per carry over the past three seasons ranks among the best in the 2025 draft class, showcasing his effectiveness on the field.
🐾 Future Projections
If given the chance, Trevor Etienne might just surprise everyone by climbing the depth chart. The Panthers are entering a phase where flexibility could be key to their offensive success, and Etienne could be the wildcard they need.
Conclusion 🎉
As you prepare for the upcoming fantasy season, keep an eye on these running backs. They may not hold the top spots, but they have the talent and environments that could propel them into valuable fantasy contributions.
Stashing them now could pay off big later! Whether you’re participating in dynasty leagues or simply want to stay ahead of the curve, they might just be the under-the-radar picks that redefine your roster's success. Happy drafting! 🍀