Every draft season, we inevitably fall in love with the unknown. Rookies with flashy measurables and second-year breakouts fill draft boards, while proven veterans get pushed further and further down, even when their numbers scream consistency.
That’s what this series is all about: shining a spotlight on players who are being unfairly faded because of their age, not their performance. But we’re not here to relive past glories. We’re here to find value. And few veterans offer more of it in 2025 than James Conner, the 30-year-old workhorse RB of the Arizona Cardinals.
Before we dive in, make sure to check out the UDK+, where Andy, Mike, and Jason have ranked every position, broken down tiers, and shared their insights on every relevant player. You’ll find out exactly where they place Conner among the RBs, and whether they believe that the fantasy community is sleeping on him.
How Is He Being Disrespected?
Let’s be clear: James Conner is being drafted as the RB19 this year. He’s currently going off the board around pick 46, behind some RBs with more question marks around them.
This despite finishing 2024 as the RB10. He racked up 1,094 rushing yards, scored nine TDs, and played a clear lead role in Arizona’s offense. He saw 291 total touches, including 47 receptions, his second-highest career mark, and was as reliable as they come in both volume and efficiency.
Why is he being drafted as a low-end RB2 when he finished last season as a clear RB1, and his situation has not changed much? Let’s dig a little bit more.
A Very Respectable 2024 Season
James Conner’s 2024 season was among the best ones in his career. Besides the aforementioned rushing yards, he added 414 yards through the air. Out of his nine total TDs, four were inside the red zone. And he posted a career-high 1,508 total scrimmage yards.Â
Before considering him an old volume-dependent RB, let’s not forget that he ranked among the league’s best in several efficiency metrics: He was the RB1 in juke rate and evaded tackles. He averaged 5.3 yards per touch and 8.8 yards per reception, showing he’s still explosive both on the ground and through the air. He produced double-digit fantasy points in 11 of 16 games, including five weeks with 18+ points. He was a consistent difference-maker.
All this is great, but maybe the most important stat of all is his availability. He played 16 games for the first time in his career. After years of being called an injury-prone RB, Conner is just coming off his healthiest season.
Possible Signs of Decay
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: Conner is 30 years old. For RBs, that’s usually way past the age cliff. And yet, he doesn’t look like he’s slowing down.
Yes, he’s had injury issues in the past. He’s never played a full 17-game season. But in the past two years, he’s played 29 of 34 possible games and has handled 240+ touches each year without wearing down.
What about his explosiveness? According to PlayerProfiler, he ranked #5 in explosive rating, which considers both rushing and receiving. He had a total of 35 explosive plays (pass plays over 20 yards or rush plays over 10 yards). Efficiency metrics like fantasy points per touch and yards created per touch are also solid, even if not elite. He’s not the most electric runner, but that’s not his role. He’s a volume back in a run-heavy system with strong goal-line involvement, and that matters for fantasy.
More importantly, Arizona clearly trusts him. The Cardinals gave him a two-year contract extension through 2026, locking him in as the likely starter for at least this season.
What to Expect in 2025
The Cardinals are a young team with a mobile QB and an improving offensive line. But their offense still revolves around James Conner as a stabilizing force.
Kyler Murray is healthy. Marvin Harrison Jr. is now in the building, and Trey McBride is among the league’s best receiving TEs. Defenses will be forced to respect the pass, and that opens lanes for Conner. Even if his overall volume takes a slight dip at some point, his efficiency and TD upside should stay strong.
And while younger backs like Trey Benson may mix in, Conner is expected to lead the backfield in touches and goal-line carries. Even if Benson carves out a role, Conner’s pass-blocking, experience, and red zone usage make him very fantasy-relevant.
Even with the changes in coaching staff since he arrived in Arizona, the Cardinals’ commitment to Conner hasn’t changed.
Conclusion
Drafting James Conner might be boring. But boring can be good for fantasy football. He’s a veteran RB with low hype and consistent production, who is being drafted even lower than his floor. He’s not flashy, but he’s exactly the kind of pick that wins you several weeks.
So when you’re in the back of Round 4, consider respecting this elder by giving him a spot on your roster. And if you’re still unsure, check out the UDK+, where Andy, Mike, and Jason have him ranked above his ADP, and where you’ll find everything you need to make the smartest picks this draft season.