2025 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings
The 2025 running back class is deep, versatile, and full of contributors who can thrive in today’s NFL. Ashton Jeanty stands alone at the top of the class as one of the better potential bell-cow back prospects we have seen in recent memory. Omarion Hampton follows as another first-round talent, a true pro-ready back. The second-round tier features two Ohio State backs in Quinshon Judkins and TreyVeon Henderson, both who possess very high upside. Day 2 will be loaded with value at the running back position, as players like Kaleb Johnson, Dylan Sampson, and Devin Neal offer a mix of elusiveness, vision, and pass-catching ability. The class rounds out with physical downhill runners, utility backs, and home-run hitters like Trevor Etienne, DJ Giddens, and Marcus Yarns, all of whom could carve out key roles early in their careers. Teams in need of backfield depth or a potential starter will find plenty of quality options in this group.
RB1 – Ashton Jeanty, Boise State – 89.3 – Round 1
A dynamic, explosive runner with elite burst, contact balance, and soft hands. Jeanty has all the traits of a modern NFL three-down back.
RB2 – Omarion Hampton, North Carolina – 86.8 – Round 1
Hampton is a physical, punishing back who thrives running between the tackles. He’s a well-rounded workhorse with an NFL body and production who could thrive in a variety of schemes.
RB3 – Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State – 85.8 – Round 2
Judkins is a patient, decisive runner with excellent agility and the vision to maximize every carry who produced in both the SEC and the Big 10.
RB4 – TreyVeon Henderson, Ohio State – 84.7 – Round 2
Henderson brings elite speed and acceleration, capable of breaking off explosive plays anytime he finds a crease. Vision and consistency have been issues, but his talent and home-run ability are undeniable.
RB5 – Kaleb Johnson, Iowa – 84.4 – Round 3
Johnson is a no-nonsense, downhill back with great size. He doesn’t have elite speed or acceleration, but is very tough to bring down in the open field.
RB6 – Dylan Sampson, Tennessee – 83.0 – Round 3
A twitchy, elusive playmaker with excellent short-area quickness and burst, Sampson has juice as a space player and change-of-pace back. He’s still growing as a pass catcher and a true between-the-tackles runner.
RB7 – Devin Neal, Kansas – 82.8 – Round 3
Neal is one of the most balanced backs in the class, with good vision, acceleration, and consistent production. He’s a dependable all-around contributor with Day 2 value.
RB8 – Cam Skattebo, Arizona State – 82.6 – Round 3
Skattebo is a compact, physical runner who brings a blue-collar mentality and surprising suddenness for his build. He’s also a capable receiver who can find a role early in his career.
RB9 – Trevor Etienne, Georgia – 82.4 – Round 4
Etienne, the younger brother of Travis, offers excellent acceleration, open-field agility, and upside as a pass catcher. He hasn’t had a full bell-cow role yet and lacks power but flashes dynamic traits.
RB10 – Damien Martinez, Miami – 81.8 – Round 4
Martinez is a strong runner with quick feet and balance, and is very hard to bring down. He is a solid, reliable back.
RB11 – DJ Giddens, Kansas State – 81.6 – Round 4
Giddens won’t jump off the table with incredible traits, but is an NFL athlete who is very fluid in his movements and has good vision.
RB12 – Kyle Monangai, Rutgers – 81.0 – Round 4
Monangai is a compact, tough runner who rarely goes down on first contact and runs like his hair is on fire with great vision and lightning-quick feet.
RB13 – Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech – 80.8 – Round 4
Tuten is a dual-threat back with ascending pass-catching skills and quick acceleration. He fits well in a zone-based scheme and brings valuable versatility.
RB14 – Marcus Yarns, Delaware – 80.7 – Round 4
Yarns dominated the FCS level with his speed and ability to hit the edge, showing legit NFL athleticism and home-run ability with natural pass-catching ability.
RB15 – RJ Harvey, UCF – 80.6 – Round 4
Harvey is a compact, shifty runner with good short-area quickness and vision. While he’s not the biggest back, he is efficient and productive.
RB16 – Jordan James, Oregon – 80.5 – Round 4
James is an incredibly smooth runner with great vision. While lacking power, he is slippery and decisive with the ball in his hands.
RB17 – LeQuint Allen, Syracuse – 79.4 – Round 5
Allen is a well-rounded back with great vision and receiving ability. His combination of route running and pass protection will allow him to have a successful career in the NFL.
RB18 – Brashard Smith, SMU – 79.4 – Round 5
Smith is a hybrid weapon who can line up in the backfield or slot and has dynamic movement skills. He’ll likely be used in creative ways at the next level, though he may be limited to a niche role due to his lack of vision.
RB19 – Jarquez Hunter, Auburn – 79.0 – Round 5
Hunter profiles as a rotational slasher with explosive ability and a powerful upper-body. He needs to get stronger, particularly in his lower half, but has potential to be an ascending player.
RB20 – Jaydon Blue, Texas – 78.8 – Round 5
Blue flashed high end speed at Texas and has upside as a true mismatch out of the backfield, but his lack of college snaps make him a dart-throw on Day 3.