as reported in https://github.com/cms-sw/cmssw/issues/24444 it turned out that all softdrop modules rely on a jet collection which is available only if the miniAOD step is run ==> it is fine in the PromptReco workflow, but this collection is not available in the Express reconstruction in addition, it is not available in the AOD (!!!!) ==> these modules needs to be run WithRECO step workflow (actually w/ the miniAOD step ....) More...