Podcast Summary: Fantasy Focus Football – "9 MUST - Draft Running Backs"

Episode Information

• Title: Fantasy Focus Football – 9 MUST Draft Running Backs | Fantasy Focus 🏈
• Hosts: Field Yates, Daniel Dopp, Mike Clay, Stephania Bell
• Release Date: August 15, 2025
• Description: ESPN Fantasy Football experts provide daily strategy, previews, injury reports, and debates to help listeners dominate their leagues.

1. Introduction and Show Highlights [00:51 - 03:10]

The episode kicks off with a brief introduction from Daniel Dopp (00:51) welcoming listeners to "Fantasy Focus Football" alongside co-hosts Field Yates and Mike Clay. Field Yates highlights the significance of the episode, emphasizing the importance of drafting running backs this season. Mike Clay and Daniel Dopp engage in light-hearted banter before delving into the main topics.

2. Sponsorship and Announcements [02:24 - 04:18]

The hosts acknowledge their sponsor, Trophy Smack, praising their draft boards and trophies awarded to winners. Daniel Dopp shares a promo code FOCUS10 for listeners to receive a discount. Additionally, they promote the ESPN Fantasy Football Ultimate Draft Weekend in the Bahamas, detailing exclusive events and celebrity guest appearances, including NFL stars like Todd Gurley, Golden Tate, and Kyle Rudolph.

3. Breaking News: Quinn Judkins and Rasheed Rice [04:18 - 17:43]

Quinn Judkins’ Situation [04:24 - 10:35]

Field Yates and Mike Clay discuss the latest news regarding Quinn Judkins, a third-round running back prospect facing potential suspension due to off-field issues. Field Yates states, “He is the only member of the 2025 draft class to not sign his deal” (05:00). The team is evaluating Judkins' fantasy value, considering his potential contribution if he stays healthy and fits into his team's offense.

Mike Clay provides a nuanced view, mentioning that while Judkins has high potential, his current ranking has dropped due to uncertainties surrounding his situation. He notes, “I fully expect Jerome Ford to get the start in week one and maybe get 15 carries and three or four targets and Judkins maybe gets a couple touches or is a healthy scratch” (07:20).

Rasheed Rice’s Suspension [11:07 - 17:43]

The conversation shifts to Rasheed Rice, who has announced he will face a suspension commencing after the first four weeks of the season. Field Yates explains, “He’s guaranteed to play the first four weeks of the season” (11:20), but will miss six subsequent games. This mid-season suspension poses a significant risk for fantasy owners, as it coincides with critical parts of the fantasy season.

Mike Clay emphasizes the strategic disadvantage, stating, “having a potential suspension in the middle of the year versus the beginning of the year is bad, bad, bad” (13:12). They discuss the impact on team dynamics and trading leverage during the suspension period.

4. Must Draft Running Backs Segment [20:22 - 44:49]

The core of the episode revolves around identifying the top 9 must-draft running backs for the 2025 fantasy football season. The hosts each present their picks with detailed analysis.

Field Yates’ Top Picks [21:14 - 26:52]

1. RJ Harvey (Denver Broncos)

   • Quote: “If you told me he was the number one running back in his own offense, I think it's a higher value player than Tony Pollard...” (23:44)
   • Analysis: Harvey is praised for his pedigree and the Broncos’ strong offensive line. Despite signing J.K. Dobbins, Harvey is viewed as having a clear path to becoming the lead back, offering high upside.

2. James Conner (Arizona Cardinals)

   • Quote: “I have him ranked. I think he's like perfect world...” (07:37)
   • Analysis: Conner is lauded for his durability and consistent performance since joining the Cardinals. With an average of 14.5 carries per game, he is seen as a reliable RB2 with potential to ascend further.

3. Bucky Irving (Atlanta Falcons)

   • Quote: “This is another one where, like, having the presence of a second back is actually a good thing for the player...” (43:37)
   • Analysis: Irving is highlighted for his versatility and big-play ability. Despite potential offensive challenges, his role as a dual-threat runner and receiver makes him a valuable asset.

Mike Clay’s Top Picks [25:09 - 36:43]

1. James Conner (Arizona Cardinals)

   • Echoes Field’s selection, emphasizing Conner’s consistent performance and health.

2. Jaden Blue (Dallas Cowboys)

   • Quote: “He is like sick with the ball in his hands...” (35:09)
   • Analysis: Blue is compared to Alvin Kamara for his elusive running style and pass-catching capabilities. Despite some reliability concerns, his high ceiling makes him a compelling late-round pick.

3. Tyrone Tracy Jr. (New England Patriots)

   • Quote: “Like them?” (46:00)
   • Analysis: Tracy Jr. is appreciated for his role in the improving Patriots offense, with expectations of increased carries and targets contributing to his RB2 potential.

Daniel Dopp’s Top Picks [28:05 - 40:31]

1. Chase Brown (Cincinnati Bengals)

   • Quote: “I have him as my running back nine consensus is running back ten. I'm all in.” (28:05)
   • Analysis: Brown is touted for his role in a top-tier offense, likened to Austin Ekeler for his dynamic involvement in both rushing and receiving. His reliability and usage make him a top-tier pick.

2. DeAndre Swift (Chicago Bears)

   • Quote: “It is not definitely like a guarantee where you're going to get that production...” (38:11)
   • Analysis: Swift’s multifaceted role as a rusher and receiver in the Bears’ offense offers a safe floor with significant upside if his performance stabilizes under his current coaching staff.

3. Jordan Mason (Green Bay Packers)

   • Quote: “But I don't want him…I just like him as one of my favorite insurance backs in the NFL.” (46:02)
   • Analysis: Mason is considered a solid late-round flyer with potential to contribute as an RB3 or flex option, especially in contingency scenarios where the main back may be injured.

5. Potential Busts and Value Risks [44:49 - 62:22]

The hosts discuss running backs who may underperform or lose value during the season.

Field Yates: Ramondre Stevenson (New England Patriots) [59:18 - 62:17]

• Quote: “Ramandre Stevenson is being drafted right now like a guy who's going to eventually lose value.” (61:24)
• Analysis: Stevenson is identified as a running back with high volatility, potentially losing value by mid-season due to competition and offensive inefficiencies.

Mike Clay: Isaiah Pacheco (Kansas City Chiefs) [56:25 - 62:38]

• Quote: “He’s a borderline draftable and 12 teamers because there's a lot of running backs in that area that fit that mold.” (60:32)
• Analysis: Pacheco is viewed as a mid-tier pick with concerns about his post-suspension performance and competition within the Chiefs’ backfield.

6. Listener Engagement and Interactive Segment [65:00 - 65:00]

Towards the end, the hosts encourage listener participation, inviting them to share their must-draft running back picks and engage with the show’s chat features. They emphasize staying updated with the latest news and prepare for upcoming mock drafts.

7. Conclusion and Final Remarks [64:30 - End]

The episode wraps up with light-hearted conversation about upcoming activities and plans, teasing future episodes and mock drafts. The hosts remind listeners to follow along for continuous updates and analysis throughout the fantasy football season.

Notable Quotes:

• Field Yates (05:00): “He is the only member of the 2025 draft class to not sign his deal.”
• Mike Clay (07:20): “I fully expect Jerome Ford to get the start in week one and maybe get 15 carries and three or four targets and Judkins maybe gets a couple touches or is a healthy scratch.”
• Daniel Dopp (28:05): “I'm all in” regarding Chase Brown.
• Field Yates (43:37): “Having the presence of a second back is actually a good thing for the player.”

Timestamp Key:

• [MM:SS] indicates the time in the podcast where the quote or discussion occurs.

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Fantasy Focus Football" provides in-depth analysis and strategic insights into drafting running backs for the upcoming fantasy season. The hosts cover key players, their potential impacts, risks, and offer actionable advice for fantasy managers. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to fantasy football, this episode equips you with the knowledge to make informed drafting decisions.