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        James Conner In For Another Big Workload

        By Jared Smola | Updated on Fri, May 30 2025 12:29 PM UTC
        James Conner Headshot

        Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon said RB James Conner is "getting himself ready to carry the load for us."

        2025 Fantasy Football Impact

        The Cardinals return 2024 third-round RB Trey Benson but made no significant additions to the backfield this offseason. It sounds like the team plans to feature Conner again.

        Before missing most of the final two weeks of last season, Conner averaged 15.5 carries and 3.5 targets per game. He ranked 15th among RBs in expected PPR points per game and 11th in actual points per game over that stretch.

        Conner remained plenty efficient, averaging 4.6 yards per carry and 8.8 yards per catch. Among 47 RBs with 90+ carries, he ranked:

        • 18th in rush yards over expected per attempt
        • 13th in yards after contact per attempt
        • 5th in Pro Football Focus rush grade

        Conner is one of just three RBs to earn a 85+ PFF rush grade in both of last two seasons, joining Derrick Henry and Ken Walker.

        As usual, Conner is being undervalued in fantasy drafts. His best ball ADP is sitting in late Round 6 as the 23rd RB off the board. Conner is RB19 in our best ball rankings.

        Other Winners & Losers

        Benson remains a strong handcuff, but it doesn't sound like we should expect standalone fantasy value this year. He's an OK value at his 12th-round price tag.

        Jared Smola Author Image
        Jared Smola, Lead Analyst
        Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks sixth among 158 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.
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