2025 NFL Rookie Rankings: Running Backs (Fantasy Football)

2025 NFL Rookie Rankings: Running Backs (Fantasy Football)

The running back position has seen a resurgence over the last couple of years. We’ve seen rookie backs like Bijan Robinson and Bucky Irving excel over the last couple of seasons, bringing back the importance of the position.

A few incoming rookie prospects have the skills to become the next big piece for their franchise, including one back some might call a generational talent. Below we look at the prospects to watch out for at running back for the 2025 NFL Draft.

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2025 NFL Draft Running Back Prospects

Ashton Jeanty (RB – Boise State)

There is no drama about who the top running back in the draft is. Ashton Jeanty put together one of the greatest seasons for a running back. His 2,601 rushing yards are the second-most ever in a season.

Jeanty is a potential top-five pick and will take on an immediate prominent role wherever he goes. He can power through the line of scrimmage but also has that speed to break away for a big play.

Omarion Hampton (RB – North Carolina)

Omarion Hampton is another running back who could start immediately. He could use every bit of his 6-foot-o, 220-pound frame as a power back.

The North Carolina back is a great north-to-south runner who will be difficult to take down. He can dive forward for the extra yard or push forward with his strong lower frame.

TreVeyon Henderson (RB – Ohio State)

One of the top complete running backs in this draft, TreVeyon Henderson checks all of the boxes. He has the strength to go up the A-gap, the speed to rush to the edge and the dynamic agility to make tacklers miss.

He’s the quintessential three-down back, as he’s viable in the passing game.

Kaleb Johnson (RB – Iowa)

Kaleb Johnson’s strong running style was a perfect fit for the Iowa offense. He is that north-to-south runner who can chip off big plays. He has a great football IQ and can shed defenders, but he also knows how to play off blockers to help move the chains.

Dylan Sampson (RB – Tennessee)

Dylan Sampson was the driving force behind the Tennessee offense and led the SEC with 1,491 rushing yards and 22 rushing touchdowns.

Sampson knows his speed is his best asset, and he’s gone when he finds that gap. What makes him unique is that he has the vision to see those openings and will watch for blockers to open up a gap. When he does, that second burst makes him tough to catch up to.

Quinshon Judkins (RB – Ohio State)

Quinshon Judkins was an excellent compliment back for TreVeyon Henderson in Ohio State’s elite offense. He was the power back who could break through the line of scrimmage.

Judkins’ keen vision allows him to find gaps. That initial burst will help him gain significant yards, but it also helps when he’s catching the ball out of the backfield.

Devin Neal (RB – Kansas)

Devin Neal is agile and elusive, and he uses that to his advantage. He excels in the passing game, where he can get significant yards from a screen pass and get upfield with minimal blocking. He can be someone you can play in different packages because he can line up in different parts of the field.

Jordan James (RB – Oregon)

Jordan James was an interval part of Oregon’s undefeated regular season, rushing for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns, which were the second-most in the Big Ten.

James is an elusive back who can wait for the gaps to open and then gets that burst. That and his size help him a lot in the red zone. He will fight in goal-line situations to find the end zone.

Cam Skattebo (RB – Arizona State)

Cam Skattebo came to prominence after a fantastic season, during which he finished second in the nation with 1,711 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns.

The Arizona State back has a superb level of athleticism and runs with a fury that allows him to get those home run plays. He had a 20-yard run in seven games this year. He’s also great in the passing game, with confident hands. His size allows him to elude defenders.

Brashard Smith (RB – SMU)

Brashard Smith has extensive experience as a kick returner and receiver, which helps him as an elusive runner. With his incredible footwork, he does well at avoiding tacklers. His vision is high-level. His quick burst ability allows him to break through the secondary.