James Conner: The Must-Draft Running Back for 2025 Fantasy Football

David Buckley
Jul 18
3 min read

Updated: Aug 1

Consistent ADP Outperformance

James Conner, the Arizona Cardinals' workhorse running back, is a fantasy football gem. He consistently delivers more than his Average Draft Position (ADP) suggests. As we approach the 2025 season, Conner’s potential to outperform his draft slot makes him a must-draft player. Let’s explore why he’s poised for another strong year and how he’s exceeded expectations since 2020.

Conner's ADP Outperformance Since 2020

Since 2020, Conner has frequently finished higher in fantasy rankings than where he was drafted in half-PPR scoring.

In 2020, he was drafted as RB14 but finished as RB25, underperforming due to injuries. He rushed for 721 yards and scored 6 touchdowns.
In 2021, drafted as RB20, he massively outperformed expectations, finishing as RB5. He posted 752 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns after joining the Cardinals.
In 2022, taken as RB15, he finished as RB19. He had 782 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, continuing to struggle with injuries.
In 2023, drafted as RB26, he bounced back to finish as RB10, posting 1040 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns.
Most recently, in 2024, he was drafted as RB25 and again finished as RB10, achieving a career-high 1094 rushing yards, 8 touchdowns, and 414 receiving yards.

Overall, Conner has outperformed his ADP in three of the last four seasons. His 2021, 2023, and 2024 performances showcased his ability to deliver significant value. Even his 2022 finish was still close to his RB15 ADP. This track record makes him a reliable pick for fantasy managers seeking value.

Why Conner Shines in 2025

For 2025, Conner’s ADP is RB16, around the 52nd overall pick. This is a higher slot than in recent years, but it still presents a great bargain for his potential. In 2024, he played all 16 games. He rushed for a career-high 1094 yards and added 414 receiving yards. This totaled 206.8 fantasy points, allowing him to finish as RB10.

His dual-threat ability and consistent workload, with over 200 touches per season since 2021, set him up for another productive year. Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has praised Conner’s preparation. He mentioned that Conner is “getting himself ready to carry the load for us” (DraftSharks). This indicates that Conner remains the lead back, despite rookie Trey Benson's presence.

At age 30, Conner’s durability in 2024, coupled with his efficiency, makes him a safe bet for RB2 production with RB1 upside.

Risks to Consider

While there are many positives, Conner’s age and injury history raise some concerns. Nevertheless, he proved durable in the 2024 season. The emergence of rookie Trey Benson could mean fewer touches for Conner if he experiences difficulties. Additionally, the Cardinals may choose to manage his workload to keep him fresh throughout the season.

However, Conner’s role as the primary back and his position as the goal-line option minimize these risks for now.

Why You Should Draft Him

Drafting Conner as RB16 is a steal in the middle rounds. He is an ideal RB2 for teams that prioritize wide receivers early. His history of outperforming ADP and his clear role in Arizona’s offense offer a high floor with top-10 upside.

He is a low-risk, high-reward choice. However, fantasy managers should keep an eye on his health and Benson’s usage during the season. Conner has consistently outperformed ADP for five years. He has also been relatively healthy throughout his career. Given the available talent this year, he’s worth a draft or even a reach if you go WR heavy early.

Conclusion: A Fantasy Football Essential

In summary, James Conner stands out as a running back you should target this year. His track record, dual-threat capabilities, and consistent performance make him a valuable asset. Don’t miss the opportunity to add this fantasy football gem to your roster.

With the season approaching, consider making him part of your game plan!

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