If you're into fantasy football, drafting is as good as it gets. It's so much fun that you want to do it again and again. Unfortunately, you can't draft 10 (or even 33 😬) times on September 1. That means you have to spread out those drafts earlier in the summer.
Our $35k Subscribers Contest is free for premium subscribers to enter. Click here to play.
While you can get amazing value in a mid-July draft, you can also end up regretting some of those selections. Let's cover both sides of that at the running back position.
Regrettable Summer Picks
In mid-summer, we had higher hopes for these running backs. But the month was not kind to their 2025 prospects. If you drafted them a month ago, you likely regret those picks now.
Joe Mixon, Houston
Two months ago, it felt like Mixon was close to returning. As time has passed, he seems further away from getting back on the field. He is undoubtedly the most regrettable draft pick of the summer and could potentially miss the entire 2025 season.
Cam Skattebo, NY Giants
Many people watched Skattebo's last two college games, in which he gained 450 total yards and scored five touchdowns. They saw him almost single-handedly get a win over Texas in the College Football Playoffs. They saw an opening in New York after the Giants took Skattebo in the 2025 Draft. Unfortunately, August saw a series of injuries and missed practices. Even if Skattebo can get healthy, he is decidedly behind Tyrone Tracy Jr. and possibly even Devin Singletary.
Roschon Johnson, Chicago
Over the offseason, it was easy to envision Johnson as Chicago's version of David Montgomery. A big back getting decent carry numbers and most of the touchdowns in a Ben Johnson offense is a viable fantasy option. August 7 rolled around, and the running back missed practice with a foot injury. We are still unsure about his timetable for return. Unfortunately for Bears fans, rookie Kyle Monangai has been hobbled as well.
Isaac Guerendo, San Francisco
A month ago, it looked like Guerendo had sewn up the role of backing up Christian McCaffrey. If you played fantasy football a year ago, you know that's an important job. It turns out that the 49ers weren't entirely sold on Guerendo being in that spot and traded for Brian Robinson Jr. Guerendo now needs two injuries to be fantasy-relevant.
Tyjae Spears, Tennessee
After an injury-riddled 2024 campaign, Spears is already on the Reserved/Injured list with a high ankle sprain. The door isn't closed on him returning after four weeks, but it's hard to have any confidence that he can remain on the field.
Jaylen Wright, Miami
A year ago, Wright was an intriguing prospect who was blocked by talented runners ahead of him. This offseason, despite the drafting of Ollie Gordon II, the runway looked clear for Wright to be De'Von Achane's primary backup. It doesn't appear to be working out that way, as Wright's camp and preseason has been a dud. Whether it's been due to injury or poor performance, Gordon appears to have easily surpassed him.
Miles Sanders | Jaydon Blue, Dallas
The good news about competing with Javonte Williams for playing time is that you're competing with Javonte Williams. Unfortunately, Sanders suffered a shoulder injury that derailed his camp. He seems good to go for Week 1, but he's definitely behind Williams at the moment. The even worse news is that rookie Blue has also been hobbled with injury. After the season gets rolling, it can be difficult for rookies to catch up. Unfortunately, if the answer in Dallas isn't Williams, it might be no one.
Isaiah Davis, NY Jets
For a while, it seemed that New York would employ a three-headed committee with Davis getting the third-down role. Unfortunately, Davis has missed a lot of action due to injury. Meanwhile, Braelon Allen has looked fantastic, and we know Breece Hall excels as a receiver. It seems that Davis will be on the outside looking in.
MarShawn Lloyd, Green Bay
Everyone hoped this year would see Lloyd shed the injuries that derailed his 2024 season. Sadly, he's already on the Reserve/Injured list and will miss at least the first four weeks of the season.
Intriguing Possible Solutions
Just as August can dimmish some players' outlooks, it can brighten others'. While they've always been on our radar, these running backs definitely are more intriguing than they were a month ago. If you drafted a while back, some of these players should be available on the waiver wire.