Three late-round RBs headline the 2025 fantasy outlook: Roschon Johnson, DJ Giddens and Woody Marks, each with clear path to meaningful touches in 2025. Johnson lands in Chicago with an upgraded line and an offense that should lean into the run game, giving him early-down and red-zone opportunities as Ben Johnson’s system takes root. Giddens lands in Indianapolis behind Jonathan Taylor, offering a strong pass-catching profile and immediate RB2 potential with major upside if Taylor misses time. Marks, a versatile back for Houston, could emerge as a most valuable third-down/dual-threat option in a backfield set to rebound. The piece underscores the value of late-round darts in a draft: target these roles, monitor each team’s offensive trajectory, and lean on the draft tool for decisions.

The analysis emphasizes workload levers: Johnson’s power-back profile in a better Bears attack, Giddens’ blend of size and receiving ability behind a franchise with cap flexibility, and Marks’ USC/Mississippi State track record translating to today’s multipath NFL usage. It also highlights the draft tool’s guidance as a practical, fearless way to compare rosters and edge out opponents in 2025 drafts.

Colts Madden 26 ratings spotlight a veteran-friendly core with a mix of elite blockers and playmakers. Quenton Nelson leads the line at 92, followed by DeForest Buckner and Jonathan Taylor at 88, then Kenny Moore II at 88 and Charvarius Ward at 87, underscoring Indy’s top-tier thrust on both sides of the ball. Bernhard Raimann sits at 85 with Grover Stewart at 85, Braden Smith at 83, Cam Bynum at 82, and Michael Pittman Jr. at 82, forming a high-floor backbone for fantasy managers. Rookie upside is shown by Tyler Warren at 75, with DJ Giddens at 71 and JT Tuimoloau at 74, signaling future breakout potential behind a sturdy veteran nucleus. Luke Rhodes ranks third among long-snappers at 79, a reminder that special-teams efficiency can indirectly influence field position and scoring opportunities.

From a Fantasy lens, Nelson anchors the middle, Taylor remains a premier workhorse, Pittman holds as the primary target, and Raimann’s development could unlock big upgrade potential as he acclimates. Buckner’s presence continues to pressure opponents’ interior lines, aiding run defense and, by extension, the Colts’ overall fantasy upside. Ward and Moore II present strong corner support, while Rhodes’ special-teams consistency translates to favorable game flow. Rookie Warren and Giddens offer out-of-nowhere upside in deeper leagues, with Tuimoloau providing a longer-term edge as he matures into a more disruptive edge presence.

Aug. 14 marks Madden 26 launch, and Indy’s ratings reflect a balanced roster with clear fantasy resonance for 2024. DJ Giddens’ surprise team-high rookie ceiling and Warren’s tight-end potential pair with the veteran backbone, creating avenues for late-round relief and weekly upside beyond the obvious stars.

Rookie skill-position players are emerging as valuable assets in upcoming fantasy drafts, particularly those with higher average draft positions (ADPs) like Luther Burden III and Tyler Warren. With the Kansas City Chiefs' past success in promoting rookies, players like Brashard Smith may also find themselves in significant roles soon.

Burden, now with the Chicago Bears, showcased elite potential during his sophomore year at Missouri, and despite a dip in production in his junior season, he remains a hot prospect with a chance to shine alongside new head coach Ben Johnson's offense. Meanwhile, Warren's unique skill set could see him utilized in innovative ways within the Colts' game plan, leveraging his versatility from his time as a high school quarterback. DJ Giddens, another rookie in Indianapolis, shows promise as a handcuff to Jonathan Taylor and could be a solid late-round option.

As preseason football kicks off, the Indianapolis Colts face a multitude of questions, particularly around their quarterback situation. Coach Shane Steichen has yet to announce a starter for the upcoming game against the Baltimore Ravens, opting to keep both Anthony Richardson and Will Levis in the mix. This uncertainty extends to critical roster spots, including cornerbacks Juju Brents and Jaylon Jones, who are sidelined due to hamstring injuries, placing pressure on veterans like Kenny Moore II and new signings like Samuel Womack III.

Additionally, the wide receiver depth with second-year player Adonai Mitchell seems underwhelming as he is currently listed behind Alec Pierce. The Colts' fifth-round draft pick, DJ Giddens, finds himself in a tight competition for the backup running back spot, potentially locking down a significant role based on his training camp performance. Fans eagerly await the Thursday night matchup that might clarify the depth chart.

Jim Bob Cooter, the offensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts, has expressed optimism about rookie running back DJ Giddens following a couple of weeks of training camp. Cooter praised Giddens for his adaptability to the NFL's diverse responsibilities, highlighting the differences from his college experience at Kansas State. Cooter noted that the transition includes not just running from different angles but also executing complex route trees and blitz pickups, which are critical for a running back in the league.

Giddens impressed the coaching staff during practices, showing a strong grasp of the Colts' offensive system. His outstanding performance in college, averaging 6.5 yards per carry, speaks to his potential. The Colts are eager to integrate him into their offense, and Giddens is ready to embrace the challenges ahead as he aims to make a positive impact in his rookie season.