2025 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top Running Back Prospects – After the Snap
The 2024 NFL season saw a resurgence of the running back position, with several teams leaning heavily on their ground game to control the clock and dictate the flow of the game. As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, the running back class is shaping up to be one of the deepest and most talented in recent memory. With a blend of power, speed, and versatility, these prospects offer NFL teams a chance to revitalize their rushing attacks and add a dynamic weapon to their offenses. Last season, Bijan Robinson of the Atlanta Falcons led all running backs by posting 20-plus fantasy points 10 times.
Here’s an early look at the top running back prospects who could be making headlines next April:
The Headliners: Potential Day 1 Stars
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State:
Jeanty is a compact yet explosive runner. In a game against Georgia Southern, he ran for 267 yards on 20 carries and had six touchdowns. At 5-foot-8 1/2 and 211 pounds, the compact Jeanty is an explosive, strong runner who is tough to tackle, routinely showcasing the ability to run through defenders. Some scouts even say that Jeanty’s ability to break tackles is his superpower, and his core strength is excellent. In 2024, Jeanty’s 2,601 rushing yards ranked second in NCAA history behind Barry Sanders for the most in a single season.
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State:
Henderson was the No. 1 RB recruit coming out of high school. He was named Freshman All-American and Second-team All-Big Ten in 2021 at Ohio State. Henderson was First-team All-Big Ten in 2023 and Third-team All-Big Ten and team captain in 2024. Henderson is a big-time playmaker whose speed jumps off the tape, as evidenced by his 4.43-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine and his 75-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown against Texas in the College Football Playoff. That exceptional play was just one instance of Henderson playing his best football against great competition. He recorded at least 100 scrimmage yards in three of Ohio State’s four College Football Playoff games this past season, helping pave the way for the Buckeyes to win the national title.
Omarion Hampton, North Carolina:
Hampton is one of the class’ most physically gifted running backs with his combination of size, explosiveness and lower-body strength. He can be a productive slasher type of runner behind zone schemes, but his overall vision could make him a boom-or-bust producer, depending on his offensive line. Hampton profiles as an immediate impact player who could step into a featured role in a downhill rushing attack. His combination of size, power, and burst makes him particularly well-suited for a team looking to establish a physical presence in the running game.
The Rising Stars: High-Upside Prospects
Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State:
Judkins is a strong north-to-south runner who generates impressive speed-to-power for consistent yards after the catch. However, his game lacks the creativity needed to consistently win in the NFL, independent of his offensive line. Behind a good line, he could rack up yards. Behind a subpar one, he could struggle to stand out. Judkins projects as an immediate impact player in a gap-heavy run scheme where his vision and power running style will shine. His ability to find the hole and burst through it makes him a valuable asset in short-yardage situations.
Cam Skattebo, Arizona State:
Skattebo could thrive in a number of NFL systems as the last piece to an offensive puzzle. The only question I have about him is his game speed, but he has the potential to be a Day 1 starter with the right team. Skattebo is the first FBS player since Christian McCaffrey in 2015 to have at least 1,500 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in a single season. He has outstanding core strength and excellent balance — he can break multiple tackles over the course of one run.
RJ Harvey, UCF:
Harvey’s versatility and potential at the next level ranks him above guys like Omarion Hampton. The UCF prospect earns yards after contact by making defenders miss in a phone booth, and his ability to catch out of the backfield makes him a viable three-down back. He’s a long strider, yet his start-stop quickness is second to none. If he improves in the pass game as a receiver and blocker, he has the potential to become a three-down back at the next level.
The Sleepers: Potential Gems in the Later Rounds
DJ Giddens, Kansas State:
Giddens is a sleeper with insane suddenness. I’ve never seen a player make people miss the way the Kansas State star does, moving out of the way of tacklers in the drop of a dime. He’s a long strider, yet his start-stop quickness is second to none. If he improves in the pass game as a receiver and blocker, he has the potential to become a three-down back at the next level.
Damien Martinez, Miami (FL):
Martinez is a big, powerful, physical downhill runner who can run through contact and punish tacklers. He is a power back that has starting potential for the NFL. In 2024, Martinez averaged 6.3 yards per carry for 1,002 yards with 10 touchdowns. He caught 17 passes for 204 yards.
Kaleb Johnson, Iowa:
Johnson is a physically gifted running back who excels with the ball in his hands. As an early-down player, he can be successful behind any blocking scheme with good vision, light footwork and impressive burst and power. However, his lack of polish and reliability in third-down situations could keep him from being an every-down running back.
The Modern NFL Back: Versatility is Key
In today’s NFL, running backs are no longer just ball carriers. They are expected to contribute in the passing game as receivers and blockers, making versatility a highly valued trait. Several prospects in the 2025 class fit this mold:
- TreVeyon Henderson: Known for his receiving skills and ability to make plays in the passing game.
- Cam Skattebo: A dual-threat back who excels as both a runner and receiver.
- Ashton Jeanty: A complete back with the skills to contribute in all facets of the game.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be an exciting one for teams looking to upgrade their running back position. With a diverse group of prospects offering a variety of skill sets, NFL teams will have plenty of options to choose from. From potential Day 1 starters to high-upside sleepers, this running back class has the potential to make a significant impact on the league for years to come.