If your dynasty league has deep rosters, ample taxi spots, or even just a few extra bench slots, it’s time to stash some rookies who went undrafted in your rookie draft. My general strategy is to fill out those spots with running backs who weren’t selected—RBs tend to have the clearest path from fantasy irrelevance to starter due to injuries. If one of these backs gets even a short-term shot at an RB1 role, they can provide immediate value for your lineup—or become a trade asset that nets you a future 2nd or 3rd-round pick. Below are a few running backs I’m stashing in my leagues, along with some other rookies worth a taxi spot.
Woody Marks, RB, Houston Texans
Marks was drafted in the fourth round by the Texans. He recorded over 1,100 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns for USC in 2024. At 24 years old with a 4.54 40-yard dash, he wasn’t initially high on many dynasty managers’ boards. However, his upside lies in the passing game—he had 47 receptions for 321 yards last season, and an eye-popping 83 receptions for 500+ yards back in 2021.
I snagged Marks in the late 4th round of one of my leagues, though I’ve seen him go as early as the 3rd in others. Despite that, he’s ranked just 48th in KeepTradeCut’s rookie rankings and could easily go undrafted in some leagues. The Texans spent pick No. 179 and a future 3rd to acquire him, signaling real interest. He could step into a pass-catching role behind Joe Mixon and see playing time if an opportunity opens up.
Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears
Monangai was a 7th-round pick by the Bears after rushing for over 1,200 yards and 13 touchdowns at Rutgers in 2024. At 22 years old with a modest 4.6 40 time, he didn’t generate a lot of pre-draft buzz.
What makes Monangai intriguing is the depth chart ahead of him: D’Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson—two backs who haven’t consistently held high fantasy value. Monangai was a true workhorse at Rutgers and has a real shot to carve out a role in this backfield. I have him ranked 36th overall in my rookie rankings due to his landing spot and upside. He’s definitely worth a stash.
LeQuint Allen, RB, Jacksonville Jaguars
Allen was one of my Top 10 running backs pre-draft. He’s only 20 years old, has good size (6’0″, 201 lbs), and showed elite receiving skills at Syracuse. In 2024, he rushed 228 times for 1,021 yards and 16 TDs, while also adding 64 receptions for 521 yards and 4 receiving TDs.
He landed with the Jaguars in the 7th round, joining a crowded backfield with Travis Etienne, Tank Bigsby, and Bhayshul Tuten. New head coach Liam Coen comes from Tampa Bay, where both Bucky Irving and Rachaad White had fantasy value. The Jags took both Allen and Tuten in this draft, and if Allen earns playing time, he could become a valuable PPR option. I’m stashing him in my leagues.
Dont’e Thornton Jr., WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Thornton is a size-speed freak from Tennessee—measuring 6’5″, 214 lbs, and clocking a blazing 4.30 in the 40-yard dash. While his college production was underwhelming, he averaged 25.4 yards per catch and scored 6 TDs in 2024.
The Raiders took him 108th overall, but he enters a crowded receiving room that includes Brock Bowers, Jack Bech, and Jakobi Meyers. Still, Thornton’s athletic profile is too exciting to ignore. He’s a boom-or-bust stash with the kind of upside that’s rare for a free agent in your league.
Xavier Restrepo, WR, Tennessee Titans
Restrepo wasn’t drafted, but quickly signed with the Titans as a UDFA. He reunites with his college QB Cam Ward from their days at Miami. While his 4.83 40-yard dash raised red flags, some reports suggest he may have been battling an injury at the time.
Despite the speed concerns, Restrepo was highly productive in 2024, catching 69 passes for 1,127 yards and 11 touchdowns. He lacks elite traits, but he gets open, runs crisp routes, and produces. I don’t expect him to be a fantasy star, but in deep leagues, he’s worth a stash—especially if that chemistry with Ward carries over.
Orande Gadsden, TE, Los Angeles Chargers
Gadsden was selected in the 5th round by the Chargers and lands in a tight end room with not the most difficult competition—Will Dissly and Tyler Conklin are the current starters. A former wide receiver turned tight end, Gadsden brings soft hands, a huge catch radius, and a red zone-friendly frame.
He’s not a burner and lacks elite athleticism, but if you’re in a TE Premium league, Gadsden is worth stashing. There’s a path for him to eventually emerge as the Chargers’ starting tight end.
