Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "FantasyPros - Are You DRAFTING or PASSING on These Running Backs in 2025?" (Ep. 1606)
Release Date: July 8, 2025
Hosts: Ryan Warmley, Jake Seeley (The Athletic), Pat Fitz Morris
Duration Covered: 00:33 – 55:54

Introduction

The episode kicks off with Ryan Warmley welcoming listeners to the Fantasy Pros Football podcast, joined by Jake Seeley from The Athletic and Pat Fitz Morris. The trio delves into a "Draft or Pass" segment focused exclusively on running backs for the 2025 fantasy football season. The primary objective is to evaluate whether certain running backs should be drafted or passed on based on their current Average Draft Position (ADP) and Expert Consensus Rankings (ECR).

Tight End Insights

Before diving into running backs, the conversation briefly touches on breakout tight ends. Pat Fitz Morris contemplates the potential of Tucker Kraft and Brenton Strange, with Jake Seeley highlighting the consistency challenges associated with these players. Fitz also mentions warming up to the idea of Tyler Warren emerging as a breakout tight end in his first year.

Running Back Analysis

1. Devon Acunha (RB6, 14th Overall)

Pat Fitz Morris:

• Quote [03:08]: "I am drafting him. I wasn't quite as enthusiastic about Acunha a few weeks ago as you might have imagined, Worm, but I did start rethinking his outlook a little bit."
• Highlights Acunha's increased opportunities following the trade that sent Johnny Smith to Pittsburgh.
• Emphasizes Acunha's potential to capture the majority of short-distance touchdowns, estimating 10-12 touchdowns for the season.

Jake Seeley:

• Quote [05:52]: "I think that Acunha has RB1 potential. If Tua plays the entire season."
• Points out the risk associated with Acunha's performance when QB Tua Tagovailoa is injured.
• Suggests playing it safe with the second running back due to Tua's injury history.

Ryan Warmley:

• Comment [07:36]: Prefers drafting Henry or McCaffrey over Acunha due to their higher floors and ceilings.

Conclusion:
Pat favors drafting Acunha at RB6, viewing him as a strong RB5 with RB1 potential if Tua remains healthy. Jake acknowledges his potential but advises caution due to potential QB injuries affecting Acunha's performance. Ryan leans towards safer, higher-floor options like Henry and McCaffrey.

2. Kyron Williams (RB11, 24th Overall)

Jake Seeley:

• Quote [08:55]: "Kyron's solidly in the same tier as McCaffrey and Henry."
• Believes Kyron Williams has the potential to finish as a top-five running back.
• Acknowledges concerns about his workload and the Rams' running back committee but remains optimistic.

Ryan Warmley:

• Comment [10:55]: Prefers waiting on Kyron Williams and opting for players like Chase Brown or Kenneth Walker instead.

Pat Fitz Morris:

• Quote [11:22]: "I'm drafting him here. Kyron has finished RB2 and RB8s and a half point PPR fantasy points per game the last two years."
• Cites Kyron's consistent performance and favorable schedule.
• Views drafting Kyron at RB11 as a sound strategy despite potential committee risks.

Conclusion:
Pat supports drafting Kyron Williams, citing his consistent high performance and favorable matchups. Jake aligns with placing Kyron in a higher tier, considering him comparable to top-tier running backs. Ryan, however, prefers to wait and select Kyron later, opting for other mid-round options instead.

3. Breece Hall (RB13, 33rd Overall)

Pat Fitz Morris:

• Quote [14:31]: "I'm passing. I just don't love spending a third-round pick on Breece Hall."
• Expresses concerns about Hall's involvement in a committee with the Jets and his pass-catching upside under QB Justin Fields.
• Notes Hall's struggles against strong run defenses and a potential limited role in the passing game.

Jake Seeley:

• Quote [15:57]: "I actually have him a few spots back at running back. ... I feel like he's more of a bench piece."
• Acknowledges Fleixed's passing concerns but sees potential upside if Hall regains his previous form.
• Plans to draft Hall later in the third or fourth round, considering him a backup option.

Ryan Warmley:

• Comment [17:58]: Prefers to pass on Hall in the third round but hopes to grab him in the early fourth round if available.

Conclusion:
Pat opts to pass on Breece Hall due to concerns about his committee role and reduced pass-catching opportunities. Jake remains open to drafting Hall later as a bench component, while Ryan is willing to wait for Hall in the early fourth round if he remains available.

4. James Cook (RB14, 39th Overall)

Jake Seeley:

• Quote [19:37]: "I am drafting him because even if he chokes off six touchdowns, he's still RB16 to RB18."
• Believes James Cook offers solid value despite concerns about touchdown regression and QB Josh Allen's preference for passing over running backs.
• Views Cook as a mid to top-end RB2.

Pat Fitz Morris:

• Quote [21:21]: "I'm going to be out on Cook this year."
• Disagrees with Jake, citing Josh Allen's tendency to limit Cook's opportunities and Cook's contract impasse.
• Prefers to prioritize other running backs over Cook.

Conclusion:
Jake supports drafting James Cook, valuing his potential as a high-end RB2 despite possible touchdown regression. Pat, however, opts to pass on Cook due to limited opportunities and contractual uncertainties.

5. David Montgomery (RB21, 55th Overall)

Jake Seeley:

• Quote [30:37]: "I'm out on David Montgomery. ... never going to take a timeshare running back."
• Views Montgomery as a solid RB2 but prefers to avoid timeshare running backs, prioritizing starter-slot backs instead.

Pat Fitz Morris:

• Quote [32:16]: "Montgomery's value has been touchdown related. The Lions need to be top five in scoring again."
• Highlights Montgomery's dependency on the Lions' high-scoring offense for touchdowns.
• Expresses skepticism about the Lions maintaining their offensive performance without key players.

Conclusion:
Jake decides to pass on David Montgomery, preferring to focus on running backs with more secure roles. Pat concurs, emphasizing the dependency on the Lions' offense and the uncertainty surrounding Montgomery's touchdown opportunities.

6. Tyrone Tracy (RB32, 90th Overall)

Pat Fitz Morris:

• Quote [35:12]: "I'm drafting Tyrone Tracy just because ambiguous backfields can be a rich source of fantasy value."
• Appreciates the potential value in ambiguous backfields, allowing flexibility and various usage scenarios.
• Highlights Tracy's versatility and involvement as a pass-catching running back.

Jake Seeley:

• Quote [36:27]: "I do have Scatterboo in front of Tracy and Tracy was going higher just a month ago."
• Prefers prioritizing Tyron Tracy over scatter-focused backs due to Tracy’s current value and potential upside.

Conclusion:
Both hosts agree on drafting Tyrone Tracy, recognizing the benefits of his versatility and the potential rewards from ambiguous backfield roles.

7. Travis Etienne (RB34, 95th Overall)

Jake Seeley:

• Quote [39:38]: "I'm going to gamble on the bench piece that is the leader in this backfield."
• Sees Etienne as a valuable bench piece with upside, especially if he secures a leading role.
• Acknowledges risks but values Etienne's potential at his current cost.

Pat Fitz Morris:

• Quote [41:13]: "I'm really not doing that here with Etienne."
• Decides to pass on Etienne due to his inconsistent performance and the uncertain backfield dynamics with new additions.

Conclusion:
Jake opts to draft Travis Etienne as a bench option, betting on his potential to lead the backfield. Pat, however, chooses to pass, citing Etienne's inconsistent performance and the volatile committee setup.

Lightning Round: Would You Rather

1. Josh Jacobs or Jonathan Taylor?

• Pat Fitz Morris: Chooses Josh Jacobs, citing concerns over Taylor's ankle issues and limited pass-catching upside.
• Jake Seeley: Also prefers Jacobs, agreeing with Fitz's points and emphasizing Jacobs' consistent performance despite the Colts' offensive challenges.

2. Aaron Jones or DeAndre Swift?

• Pat Fitz Morris: Selects Aaron Jones, appreciating his role in the improved Vikings offense.
• Jake Seeley: Favors DeAndre Swift, valuing his explosiveness and pass-catching ability despite uncertainties.

3. Joe Mixon or Kenneth Walker?

• Pat Fitz Morris: Prefers Kenneth Walker, expecting him to thrive in the Buccaneers' offensive system.
• Jake Seeley: Agrees, emphasizing Walker's suitability for the outside zone-heavy system and expressing concerns over Mixon's offensive line and age.

4. Travion Henderson or Caleb Johnson?

• Pat Fitz Morris: Leans towards Travion Henderson, valuing his pass-catching versatility.
• Jake Seeley: Also prefers Henderson, highlighting his explosive potential and role in the offense.

5. Quinshon Judkins or Isaiah Pacheco?

• Pat Fitz Morris: Finds it a tough decision but slightly favors Pacheco due to his pass-catching ability.
• Jake Seeley: Prefers Pacheco for his pre-injury potential and role in the Cleveland offense.

6. Ramandre Stevenson or Javante Williams?

• Pat Fitz Morris: Chooses Javante Williams, noting Stevenson's inconsistent performance.
• Jake Seeley: Also opts for Javante Williams, citing better performance and lower risk.

Final Picks: Must-Have and Fading Running Backs

Must-Have Running Backs:

• Pat Fitz Morris:

  • Jordan Mason
    • Quote [50:24]: "Mason is just a really good fit for the Vikings... averaged 107 rushing yards for the 49ers over their first five games."
    • Believes Mason offers standalone value and potential lottery-ticket upside if Aaron Jones were to underperform or get injured.

• Jake Seeley:

  • Jalen Wright
    • Quote [51:16]: "If anything happened to Acunha, Jalen Wright's excitement from last year should not have been forgotten."
    • Views Wright as a high-upside option to replace Acunha’s potential absence.

Fading Running Backs:

• Pat Fitz Morris:

  • Joe Mixon
    • Quote [52:04]: "It's easy to just stay away from Mixon because of the Texans' poor offensive line and Mixon's age."
    • Decides to avoid Mixon due to his team's offensive struggles and his approaching age-related decline.

• Jake Seeley:

  • Tank Bigsby
    • Quote [52:26]: "I'm out on Bigsby because I just don't see a ceiling with him."
    • Chooses to pass on Bigsby, questioning his role in the offense and limited pass-catching contribution.

Conclusion

The episode offers a comprehensive analysis of various running backs for the 2025 fantasy football season, weighing their potential against associated risks. Hosts Ryan Warmley, Jake Seeley, and Pat Fitz Morris provide diverse perspectives, often agreeing on key players while debating others based on individual strategies and league formats. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding each player's role within their team’s offensive scheme, injury history, and potential for regression or breakout performances.

Notable Quotes:

• Pat Fitz Morris [03:08]: "I am drafting him... Acunha could give us those types of numbers."
• Jake Seeley [05:52]: "This is why we're drafting them. The upside, the excitement for HN..."
• Ryan Warmley [07:36]: "I would rather have Henry... I just would rather have that floor."
• Pat Fitz Morris [14:31]: "I'm passing... it's going to be a committee..."
• Jake Seeley [19:37]: "I am drafting him because even if he chops his touchdowns in half..."
• Pat Fitz Morris [21:21]: "I'm going to be out on Cook this year."
• Jake Seeley [36:27]: "...both of them just have fringe RB2 value..."

Disclaimer: This summary is based on a fictional podcast transcript and is intended for illustrative purposes only.