With OTAs in full swing, the NFL season is less than 100 days away. It is never too early to start researching for fantasy football for the upcoming season, and you can gain an advantage over your league mates this early. In this article, I tackle the five players that I can’t pass up at their current ADPs. These five guys are Bijan Robinson, Jonathan Taylor, Chuba Hubbard, RJ Harvey, and Isiah Pacheco. Let’s break down why I have no choice but to draft them at their current ADPs
Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons)
ADP: 2 – RB1
Bijan Robinson is my ride-or-die for the No. 1 overall fantasy player in 2025, especially in PPR leagues. This dude’s a freak. Once Arthur Smith was out the door last season, Bijan went nuclear, averaging 20.1 points per game in his second season. When Michael Penix Jr. took over at QB for the last three games, he cranked it up to 26.8 points a game. Penix doesn’t run much, so expect a ton of check-downs to Bijan, making him a dual-threat nightmare. The Falcons’ offense is loaded, and Robinson is expected to take another step forward after an impressive 1400-yard campaign. I love Saquon Barkley, but it is rare to see a player repeat as the RB1 after 370+ touches the season before.
Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts)
ADP: 34 – RB11
Taylor had an up-and-down 2024 campaign, but he still dropped 1,400 rushing yards last season. Before the final three weeks of the season, he only had one performance over 20 points before securing many owners’ fantasy football championships down the stretch. Anthony Richardson stealing goal-line touches hurts his fantasy numbers, but here’s the kicker: with Daniel Jones potentially taking over at QB, Taylor could see a boost in the receiving game. Jones will likely provide some stability to the Colts’ passing game while also having fewer designed runs. Even if Richardson is the starter, Taylor’s floor is a high-end RB2, and at his current draft spot, he’s a steal with RB1 upside, especially in standard leagues.
Chuba Hubbard (Carolina Panthers)
ADP: 50 – RB18
Chuba Hubbard had a breakout season in 2024 finishing with 1195 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.The Panthers utilized their cap space to bolster their defense, which had been abysmal in 2024, which will likely result in more positive game scripts for the team. Despite the addition of Rico Dowdle and Trevor Etienne, the Panthers signed him to a multi-year extension last season. Hubbards’ 6 performances of 20 points or more last year showcases his high upside despite being drafted as the RB18 last right now. With Carolina expected to take a step forward in 2025, expect Hubbard to match his production and finish as a high-end RB2 if healthy this year in fantasy football.
RJ Harvey (Denver Broncos)
ADP: 79 – RB25
RJ Harvey is a popular must have running back among the fantasy football community. Drafted in the second round, this guy’s got Sean Payton’s system behind him, and Payton’s been milking fantasy production from running backs for over a decade now. Harvey’s college tape is ridiculous totaling over 1,400 yards and 42 touchdowns in his last two seasons while also having 4.4 speed and top-20 FBS rankings in breakaway percentage and elusive rating. Payton passed on other top backs to grab Harvey, and with Jaleel McLaughlin not cutting it as a third-down guy, Harvey’s got a clear path to three-down work in a Bo Nix-led offense that surprised everyone last year. He’s a rookie you can bank on for instant impact.
Isaiah Pacheco (Kansas City Chiefs)
ADP: 72 – RB27
Isiah Pacheco is an absolute steal with where he is being drafted right now making him another must have running back. Last season’s injury tanked his value, but before that, he was a bell-cow back with 18-22 touches suggesting RB1 upside to start the 2024 season. The Chiefs avoiding a running back in the early rounds of the draft suggest they still believe in Pacheco as their main guy. Despite Kareem Hunt’s resurgance last year, he only operates as an early down back in this offense. Pacheco should regain control on third down with Samaje Perine gone and has high upside if he can maintain 15-18 touches per game.
