5 RB Busts

Today’s list is a yay or nay call on 6 difficult to rank wide receivers… in two minutes or less.

Brian Robinson Jr. (WAS), ADP 83.2 RB29

Robinson was 28th in fantasy points per game and 35th in yards per touch, but had just 20 receptions all season. Now he’s losing reps to Austin Ekeler on passing downs, and rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is already getting “A-back” buzz from Anthony Lynn. That’s a label reserved for true early-down volume backs.

So if Kliff Kingsbury leans into Jayden Daniels’ legs and this WR-heavy offense, you’re drafting a red zone specialist on a clock, with competition coming from both sides.

Jonathan Taylor (IND), ADP 20.2, RB9

Taylor led the NFL in opportunity share and posted 303 carries for 1,431 yards and 11 TDs. All that despite missing three games. But he ranked 44th in yards after contact and 42nd in forced missed tackles per touch. That makes him one of the LEAST efficient backs on a per-touch basis. He’s also missed time in three straight seasons, and his role in the pass game is nonexistent. He hasn’t broken 20 receptions since 2022.

So unless you think a run-first Colts team with the NFL’s 5th-toughest passing schedule is suddenly lifting Taylor to RB1 heights again, you’re drafting him for 4 years ago.

James Cook (BUF), ADP 31.2, RB13

Cook dropped 18 total touchdowns last year and finished as a Top-12 RB. BUT 43% of his fantasy points came from TDs, the highest rate of any back, and he scored on 7.7% of his rush attempts. That’s a totally unsustainable number. He’s now holding out for a new contract, and Buffalo has the NFL’s 5th-toughest rushing schedule. That’s before you even consider that Cook typically comes off the field on 3rd downs.

So if Ray Davis and Ty Johnson continue splitting reps, and Cook’s red zone work dries up, this pick isn’t just overvalued. It’s radioactive.

Breece Hall (NYJ), ADP 33.6, RB14

Hall is still the talented guy we all know. But after his knee recovery, his efficiency has cratered: he ranked 29th in fantasy points per opportunity, and 42nd in broken tackle rate. The Jets have the NFL’s easiest passing schedule, but they’re modeling their 2025 offense after the Lions… and coach Aaron Glenn already said he wants a full committee.

So unless Hall completely fends off Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, you’re looking at a pass-game dependent back with goal-line work stolen by a mobile QB, and no clear RB1 volume in sight.

Tap HERE for a surprise RB FADE

So that’s it. Avoid these RBs in your draft and you won’t have to deal with the headaches.

As promised, in two minutes or less.

Over 12,000 players used this to prep last season. My 2025 Draft Kit is open now, but only a few dozen spots are available this year. I’m keeping it limited so I can give members my full attention.

See you tomorrow,

-Joe

P.S. Not ready for the full kit? You can still grab my updated Top-150 rankings for free.