The 2025 NFL Draft offers a diverse group of running back prospects, each with their own unique skill set and potential to make an immediate impact at the next level. Whether it’s their speed, power, vision, or versatility, these players bring a variety of traits that could transform a team’s backfield. Here’s a breakdown of the top running backs to watch for the 2025 draft.
1. Ashton Jeanty (RB, Boise State)
Ashton Jeanty is a powerful, well-rounded running back who blends explosiveness with vision. At 5’9″ and 215 pounds, he has a compact frame that allows him to absorb contact and keep pushing forward. Jeanty’s combination of lateral quickness and downhill speed makes him an elusive threat in open space. His ability to create yardage after contact and contribute both as a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield has made him one of the most dynamic running back prospects for 2025.
Strengths:
- Great vision, allowing him to find gaps in tight spaces.
- Strong burst and ability to break tackles, keeping plays alive.
- Dual-threat ability, contributing in both the running and passing game.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to refine blocking technique to become a more complete back.
- Can improve consistency in pass-catching skills in high-pressure situations.
Projected Draft Position: First-round talent, with a strong possibility of being selected in the late first or early second round.
2. Omarion Hampton (RB, North Carolina)
Omarion Hampton is a powerful and physical back who excels in short-yardage situations and goal-line scenarios. Standing 6’0″ and weighing 221 pounds, he has the size to wear down defenders with his strong running style, but he also has enough speed to break off big runs when given the opportunity. His ability to dominate at the line of scrimmage, combined with impressive vision and decision-making, makes him one of the most intriguing backs in the 2025 class.
Strengths:
- Powerful lower body and tough to bring down in the open field.
- Great ability to generate yards after contact.
- Quick feet for a back of his size, allowing him to cut and change directions well.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to work on his route-running and pass-catching out of the backfield.
- Can be more effective when running to the outside, rather than relying on inside runs.
Projected Draft Position: Likely to go in the second round, with the potential to rise depending on his performance at the combine and in his final college season.
3. Cam Skattebo (RB, Arizona State)
Cam Skattebo is a versatile and explosive running back known for his ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game. At 5’10” and 205 pounds, Skattebo has great agility and vision that makes him effective in both the running and passing game. His ability to break tackles and hit the hole quickly makes him a tough back to defend, while his receiving skills allow him to be a dynamic weapon out of the backfield.
Strengths:
- Quick first step and excellent vision, especially when reading the line of scrimmage.
- Strong burst and ability to change direction quickly.
- Effective as a receiver out of the backfield, capable of making plays in space.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve pass protection to be a more well-rounded back.
- Can be more consistent with ball security in tight situations.
Projected Draft Position: Second to third round, with the potential to climb higher depending on how he performs in pre-draft evaluations.
4. Quinshon Judkins (RB, Ohio State)
Quinshon Judkins is a versatile and skilled back with a good blend of size, speed, and power. At 5’11” and 215 pounds, he possesses the physicality to break through tackles and the speed to outrun defenders once he gets into open space. Judkins excels as a workhorse back, consistently getting the tough yards but also has the ability to hit home runs with his quickness and agility.
Strengths:
- Excellent combination of power and agility, making him tough to stop.
- Consistent vision and decision-making, finding holes in the defense.
- Capable of wearing down defenses with his ability to grind out yards.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to refine his pass-catching technique to increase his value on third downs.
- Could improve his blocking to become a more complete NFL back.
Projected Draft Position: Likely to be taken in the second or third round, depending on how he finishes the season and performs at the combine.
5. Kaleb Johnson (RB, Iowa)
Kaleb Johnson is a balanced, hard-nosed running back known for his durability and ability to move the chains. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 224 pounds, he has the ideal size for an NFL running back. Johnson is a downhill runner who excels at gaining yards after contact, and he shows impressive patience when reading his blockers. He’s also a reliable pass-catcher out of the backfield, making him a complete back for any offense.
Strengths:
- Strong, physical runner who excels in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
- Great vision and ability to find holes behind his offensive line.
- Versatile, with a proven ability to contribute in the passing game.
Areas for Improvement:
- Can improve his burst on outside runs.
- Needs to fine-tune his blocking technique to be effective in pass protection.
Projected Draft Position: Early to mid second round.
6. Dylan Sampson (RB, Tennessee)
Dylan Sampson is an electrifying back who excels in both the running and receiving game. At 5’11” and 200 pounds, Sampson has the size to handle between-the-tackles runs, but his real value lies in his speed and explosiveness. His ability to quickly change direction and make defenders miss in the open field makes him a constant threat for big plays.
Strengths:
- Explosive speed and burst, especially in the open field.
- Strong change-of-direction ability, making defenders miss in space.
- Dangerous as a receiving option out of the backfield.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to refine his blocking to be a more complete player at the next level.
- Could add strength to better handle NFL contact.
Projected Draft Position: Third round, with potential to rise if he performs well in his senior season and at the combine.
7. TreVeyon Henderson (RB, Ohio State)
TreVeyon Henderson is a highly talented running back with all the tools to succeed in the NFL. Standing 5’10” and weighing 202 pounds, Henderson has explosive speed and the agility to make defenders miss. His vision and ability to make decisive cuts in the open field make him a potential home-run hitter. Henderson’s blend of quickness and power gives him the ability to excel in all phases of the game.
Strengths:
- Explosive speed with the ability to break away from defenders.
- Strong vision, capable of finding gaps and making quick decisions.
- Can handle a full workload while also contributing as a receiving back.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to work on durability, as injuries have slowed him in the past.
- Must refine his blocking skills to be more effective on passing downs.
Projected Draft Position: Second round.
8. RJ Harvey (RB, UCF)
RJ Harvey is a dynamic playmaker who can make an impact as both a rusher and receiver. At 5’10” and 210 pounds, he brings a good combination of size, speed, and vision. Harvey is known for his quickness and ability to change direction, making him a nightmare for defenders in open space. His versatility in both the running and passing game makes him an intriguing prospect for teams looking to add depth to their backfield.
Strengths:
- Explosive first step and vision to make defenders miss.
- Capable of breaking off long runs and contributing as a receiving back.
- Reliable pass-catcher, adding value in a variety of offensive schemes.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to develop more power in short-yardage situations.
- Can improve in pass protection to become a more complete back.
Projected Draft Position: Third to fourth round.
9. Devin Neal (RB, Kansas)
Devin Neal is a well-rounded running back known for his quickness, vision, and ability to break tackles. At 5’11” and 210 pounds, he has the size to handle between-the-tackles runs, but his agility and ability to burst through gaps make him an explosive playmaker. Neal’s speed and ability to contribute in the passing game will make him a versatile asset for any team.
Strengths:
- Quick first step and ability to accelerate through small openings.
- Strong vision, especially in short-yardage situations.
- Solid hands as a receiver out of the backfield.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to improve his blocking in pass protection.
- Must work on maintaining consistency in ball security.
Projected Draft Position: Fourth round.
10. DJ Giddens (RB, Kansas State)
DJ Giddens is a powerful and tough running back who can wear down defenses with his downhill running style. At 6’1″ and 225 pounds, he has the size and physicality to take on a heavy workload. Giddens’ ability to gain yards after contact, combined with his reliable hands out of the backfield, make him a valuable prospect for teams seeking a tough, physical runner.
Strengths:
- Excellent power and balance, difficult to bring down after contact.
- Reliable in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
- Effective in the passing game as a reliable outlet receiver.
Areas for Improvement:
- Needs to add more lateral quickness to break free in space.
- Could refine his vision to read blocking more effectively.
Projected Draft Position: Fourth round.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL Draft features a strong class of running backs, each with their own distinct traits and potential. Whether it’s the power and durability of players like Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton or the explosive playmaking ability of Cam Skattebo and Dylan Sampson, teams have a wealth of talent to choose from. As the draft approaches, these running backs will be key to shaping the future of NFL backfields.
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