The Next Austin Ekeler Might Be Hiding in Plain Sight

Kevin Szafraniec
February 25, 2026

Kevin Szafraniec highlights a 2025 rookie running back who started slowly but came on down the stretch, earning an impressive list of comps, headlined by Austin Ekeler.

Despite going undrafted in 2017, Austin Ekeler’s talent would not be denied. Over the first two years of his career, Ekeler was blocked on the Chargers’ depth chart by former first-round pick Melvin Gordon. But the UDFA’s receiving ability made it difficult for the Chargers’ coaching staff to keep him off the field. Although Ekeler only received 82 opportunities as a rookie, he was still able to finish eighth overall in fantasy points over expectation (FPOE) at the position.

This trend of elite efficiency continued across Ekeler’s early NFL career. He seized the lead role in the Chargers’ backfield when Gordon missed time in 2019, finishing as the overall PPR RB4. Ekeler would then go on to record two seasons as a top-two fantasy RB over the next three years, making him easily one of the most successful UDFAs of all time. During Ekeler’s first six seasons, he was a relatively efficient runner. However, where he really made his mark was in the receiving game.

For one 2025 rookie running back, Ekeler’s career may be the blueprint for his path to stardom. Although he didn’t have to claw his way up from UDFA status to claim a roster spot, this young back still faced some adversity early on before emerging over the second half of the season. Can this dynamic talent continue to follow Ekeler’s example by emerging as a fantasy superstar early in his career?

Be sure to check out the previous installments of the 2025 Rookie Review Series:

Volume 1 of the 2026 RotoViz Rookie Draft Guide is out now! Jam-packed with comprehensive player profiles, advanced stats, player comps, strategies, and rankings from the RotoViz staff, it is a must-have for every fantasy manager who wants to crush their best ball, dynasty, and redraft leagues in 2026!

Keep an eye out for Volume 2, scheduled to release following the NFL Combine, and Volume 3, which will drop after the 2026 NFL Draft!

A Tale of 2 Seasons

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Kevin Szafraniec

Lead Writer and Full-time Cat Dad. Sneakerhead, Record Collector, Beatmaker, Lord of the Rings Superfan, and Jeopardy Enthusiast in my free time. Follow me on X and Bluesky @thecatdadff

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