Mike Washington Jr. and 2 More Rookie Running Backs Fantasy Football Sleepers to Bookmark for Draft Day.

Jeremiah Love is rightfully getting all the Fantasy attention among Fantasy running backs, but there are other RBs outside the third-overall pick who can contribute in their rookie campaigns.

These rookie running backs are going under the radar in Fantasy drafts and may be able to help throughout the Fantasy season.

Mike Washington Jr.

Washington Jr. (RB 56, 184 ADP) became the buzz of the Fantasy Football world as speculation of Ashton Jeanty’s injury left Fantasy managers scrambling.

Jeanty’s injury proved to be a high-ankle sprain and isn’t considered a long-term injury.

Washington Jr. won’t see a fraction of the work as Jeanty’s backup compared to as a starter, but the rookie has displayed flashes throughout the preseason.

The former Arkansas Razorback broke off long runs in both preseason games, exhibiting his vision and speed.

Mike Washington Jr. is going to be a PROBLEM

This type of size and explosiveness as an RB2 is dangerous pic.twitter.com/Z89AOkyiRL
— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) August 21, 2026

In both preseason games, Washington Jr. has tallied 119 yards on 15 carries, good for 7.9 yards per carry.

The high yards per carry makes Washingto Jr. interesting as he can break off long runs when subbing in for Jeanty.

The recent injury status for Jeanty may make the Raiders want to limit Jeanty’s workload, which would give Washington Jr. more work as a result.

Washington Jr. may not see the season-long workload Fantasy managers were expecting while waiting for an update on Jeanty’s injury, but the rookie may still turn some heads throughout the season.

Jonah Coleman

Coleman (RB 47, 149 ADP) caught the attention of the Denver Broncos coaching staff in the early stages of preseason and training camp, particularly head coach Sean Payton.

Payton pulled Coleman early in the Broncos first preseason game after the rookie had an impressive showing.

“I didn't need to see additional evidence of what I've been seeing for 3 weeks, " Payton said after Coleman’s preseason debut.

The former Washington Husky finishes with 24 yards on four carries in his debut, which could lead to some work in the regular season.

With RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins ahead of him, the fourth-round pick should see some touches throughout the season.

Payton has utilized a split backfield during his time in Denver and it’s not out of the realm of possibility for Coleman to get some looks throughout the year.

Dobbins has missed a significant amount of games the past four years, which could lead to Coleman being RB 2 in that case, which would significantly boost the rookie’s fantasy stock.

Just rewatched all of Jonah Coleman’s touches from the preseason opener.

Sean Payton was right in saying that he had seen enough after just a few carries. Me too.

Along with his balance, elusiveness and short-area quickness that Payton complimented, I’ll add that his patience…
— AROD - Anthony Rodriguez (@AnthonyRod33) August 18, 2026

Kaelon Black

As the 49ers have dealt with injuries in the running back room throughout the preseason, Black
(RB 68, 228 ADP) has emerged as the leading candidate to be RB 2 behind last season’s Fantasy RB 1 Christian McCaffrey.

The rookie made his preseason debut last week and tallied 8 carries for 33 yards, along with impressive pass-blocking reps.

Two big back-to-back runs for Kaelon Black.

33 yards on 8 carries for the #49ers rookie. pic.twitter.com/DDbyJGfgr5
— Matt Lively (@mattblively) August 21, 2026

Last season, McCaffrey finished with a career-high in touches and head coach Kyle Shanahan may want to reduce the wear and tear on McCaffrey, which would lead to touches for Black.

For Fantasy managers with McCaffrey in their starting lineup, consider Black as a handcuff in the later rounds of the draft.

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