FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at South Carolina running back Raheim Sanders. And check out our entire 2025 NFL Draft Guide.
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2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Raheim Sanders
Raheim Sanders (RB – South Carolina)
6-foot-0 | 230 Pounds
Background
Raheim Sanders was a four-star recruit who immediately worked into the running back committee at Arkansas in 2021, finishing with a 114-578-5 (5.1) line. He took over the starting job the following year and enjoyed his best season — 222-1,443-10 (6.5) with 28-271-2 receiving.
Sanders was limited to six games in a disappointing 2023 campaign after injuring his knee in the opener and then tearing his labrum later on, finishing with a line of 62-209-2 (3.4). Transferred to South Carolina and got back on track this past year with a rushing line of 183-881-11 (4.8) and a catching line of 27-316-2.
Positives
Big, well-built back who put together two productive starting seasons in zone-based schemes between two different SEC programs. Looks the part of a pro feature back from a physical standpoint. Earned the nickname “Rocket” for a reason. Has very impressive burst for a player with his size and the long speed to hit home runs when he gets a lane. Surprisingly flexible. Has quick feet and shows the ability to shuffle into lanes or make the occasional defender miss in a phone booth.
When Sanders gets to the second level, he is capable of delivering some punishment to opposing defenders and getting his feet churning to pick up yards after contact. Seems to get better as the game goes on. Flashes the ability to assert himself physically as a blocker, with some nastiness and excellent power in his hands to jolt defenders on contact. Was asked to lead block on some designed quarterback runs. Actively seeks out people to block through the whistle. Shows a good motor to get downfield and secure blocks. Has a very reliable pair of hands to function as a safety valve in the passing game (lots of flat/delayed flat releases). Just four career drops against 75 career receptions.
Negatives
Sanders has had some injuries, which will require further investigation during the pre-draft process. More fast and explosive than coordinated and balanced. Not a very decisive runner. Sometimes seems to lack the ideal anticipation/feel for the position; often looks like he’s hesitant in the backfield, leading to tackles for loss. His pad level is high much more consistently than it should be.
Needs time to get a head of steam going before he’s going to start running over people. Can be bottled up at the line of scrimmage much easier than his frame would suggest. Doesn’t always show a ton of competitiveness after contact. Less of a consistent gainer than a threat to occasionally break a big run. Ball security has been an issue, with nine career fumbles against 583 carries. Some issues with balance crop up as a route-runner. He doesn’t create separation at the stem; is much more of a pure safety valve type.
Summary
A big back with impressive flexibility, quickness, burst and long speed, Sanders can hit home runs when he finds a lane and plays with physicality as a blocker. However, he isn’t a particularly consistent back, looking indecisive in the backfield at times. Gets bottled too often up around the line. Sort of a feast-or-famine type who won’t be for everyone, but could get mid-to-late-round interest because of his tools and upside.
Projection: Round 6
Check out all of our 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports 
More 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Running Backs
Jeanty proved he’s the total package this past season, with an unbelievable combination of vision, patience, creativity, agility, power, balance and speed that nearly allowed him to break Barry Sanders’ single-season rushing record.
Can fit in any offensive scheme, but might be best in a scheme that runs a relatively high amount of outside zone to maximize his home-run hitting ability. After a year in which he dazzled viewers with a nonstop succession of dominant highlights, Jeanty should be a lock for the first round, potentially going in the top half of the frame. Projects as a long-term, every-down feature back who should make an immediate impact.
Projection: Round 1
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Ashton Jeanty
Skattebo was one of the most productive and exciting players in college football this past season. He combined a natural feel for the position, smooth running skills, a tough and physical temperament and exceptional contact balance, culminating in well over 2,000 total yards on the season.
There’s not a whole lot to critique about his game, besides his lack of ideal explosiveness and long speed. Otherwise, Skattebo has the look of a potential every-down back in the league or at least the power back in a one-two punch. Could get some second-day looks.
Projection: Round 3/Round 4
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Cam Skattebo
A fast, agile back with good burst and excellent open-field running skills, Neal functioned as a workhorse for the Jayhawks but might be more of a change-of-pace back at the next level, as he may struggle to grind out tough yardage between the tackles as a pro.
Neal’s snaps were relatively balanced throughout his career (more gap until this past season, then a little bit more zone), but might be better suited to a zone-blocking scheme where he’s able to stretch defenses out and cut upfield when he sees daylight. Probably more of a mid-round option.
Projection: Round 5
Check out the full 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Devin Neal
More 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports for Running Backs
- Dylan Sampson (Tennessee)
- DJ Giddens (Kansas State)
- Jordan James (Oregon)
- Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech)
- Brashard Smith (SMU)
- Damien Martinez (Miami)
- Jarquez Hunter (Auburn)
- Kalel Mullings (Michigan)
- LeQuint Allen Jr. (Syracuse)
- Raheim Sanders (South Carolina)
- Phil Mafah (Clemson)
- Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech)
- Trevor Etienne (Georgia)
- TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
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