The running back position continues to be undervalued in the real-life draft. It’s even more challenging for undrafted RBs to make an impact in their rookie seasons. Since 2014, we’ve only had 14 RBs (6.5%) drafted in the first round out of 217 players. For context, 147 of the 217 running backs went on Day 3 since 2014. Over two-thirds of RBs (67.7%) went in Rounds 4-7.
Meanwhile, we’ve had 145 undrafted RBs since 2014 who played in one game. When we filter for undrafted RBs who averaged 5.0 fantasy points per game in Year 1 with five games played, the list shrinks to 16 players. The most notable hits include James Robinson, Salvon Ahmed, Thomas Rawls, Phillip Lindsay, and Rob Kelley, who averaged over 8.0 PPR/G as rookies. It’s a steep climb to gain fantasy relevance for these UDFA RBs, but there are a few in the current class who have a chance to overcome their lack of draft pedigree.
Frank Gore Jr., BUF
Frank Gore Jr. posted ridiculous production numbers at Southern Mississippi. He had projected draft capital in the seventh round but went undrafted and signed with the Bills, as they bolster their running back depth behind James Cook, Ty Johnson, and their fourth-round pick Ray Davis.
Gore had an elite production profile with a 74% backfield dominator, tied for sixth in the 2024 running back class. Only five running backs had a double-digit receiving yardage market share with a backfield dominator of 60% or above. That list includes Dylan Laube, Blake Watson, Davis, Jonathon Brooks, and Gore.
Gore posted high-end yards after contact per attempt at 3.57 with an above-average rate of missed tackles forced (30.8%). Gore has the skills to be a three-down back, with the floor being a third-down, pass-catching option for the Bills.
