NFL Analysis

7/15/24

8 min read

2025 NFL Draft: Ranking This Year's Top 5 RBs Entering Season

Mar 5, 2024; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) catches a pass during the first spring practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center.

Last year's group of running backs had a few solid talents, but it doesn't hold a candle to the 2025 RB class. Thanks to its lineup of dynamic blend traits and production, this upcoming group is poised to revitalize the position, which has seen a decline in importance over the past 10 years. Several of these rushers should vie to become first-round draft picks.

With a resurgence of interest in running backs and a not-so-impressive quarterback class for 2025, the draft promises to highlight the nation's elite running talents competing for spots on premier NFL teams. Jonathon Brooks, the best running back of 2024, would likely only rank as the sixth best in this superior class.

From two explosive ball carriers at Ohio State to the nation's top rusher at Oklahoma State, we're looking at the five best running back prospects eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft. Who will prevail as RB1?

2025 NFL Draft's Top 5 Running Back Prospects

The NFL might not value the position as highly as it once did, but as Christian McCaffrey's $19 million-a-year deal proves, the elite difference-makers will get the treatment they deserve. Our top five running back prospect rankings weight the physical traits and developed skills of each playmaker against each other and the most impactful NFL stars at the position. 

We'll touch on what makes each running back special and what they can improve upon this fall.

Nov 11, 2023; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels running back Omarion Hampton (28) with the ball as Duke Blue Devils linebacker Tre Freeman (12) defends in the first overtime at Kenan Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

5. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina

Omarion Hampton stood out as an incredibly talented athlete and was arguably the top performer for the Tar Heels last season. As a sophomore, he racked up 1,504 yards and scored 15 touchdowns on the ground. He consistently demonstrated excellent vision, fast reflexes, and formidable strength when facing defensive players. 

At 6 feet and weighing 220 pounds, Hampton utilizes his size advantage well and possesses impressive acceleration when moving downhill. His playing style is reminiscent of Leonard Fournette, though Hampton shares similar challenges in lateral movements and sometimes lacks patience at the line of scrimmage. 

Nonetheless, his ability to overpower and wear down opposing defenders highlights his love for the game’s physical aspect. A true three-down threat who added 29 receptions for 222 yards and a touchdown, Hampton's big build and aggressive mindset bodes well for maximizing his gifts. He's dominated the collegiate level since his freshman season, which evaluators love.

Hampton's biggest area for improvement is tied to his physical limitations. Because his lateral agility and change of direction aren't stellar, his feet will stop when he's head-on with a defender. He can make someone miss, but without building speed, he has trouble accessing his repertoire of moves to shed tackles.

Dec 16, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; Boise State Broncos running back Ashton Jeanty (2) stiff arms UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Jake Heimlicher (51) in the first quarter during the Starco Brands LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports

4. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

There are noticeable similarities between Ashton Jeanty and Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints. Standing at 5-foot-9 and weighing 215 pounds, Jeanty is not only a dependable pass-catcher but also a quick and powerful runner who makes the most out of every opportunity. Jeanty burst onto the scene last fall in relief of senior George Holani in the wake of injury and never looked back.

The Broncos ran their offense through Jeanty, who knifed through defenses with surprising ease. His ability to push through tackles and evade defenders makes it seem inevitable that he'll excel in the NFL. His low center of gravity makes it easy for him to cut without losing speed and puts immense pressure on defenders to anticipate his intentions. 

With an impressive burst of speed, the capability to execute diverse maneuvers in space, and a keen vision beyond the line of scrimmage, Jeanty has the potential to become a standout in the professional ranks. He could very well climb to become one of the top two running backs in his class. Averaging 6.1 yards per run and 13.2 yards per catch last year, he might be the most explosive presence on a per-play basis in the nation.

Few teams will consider Jeanty's pass blocking an asset right now, and his upside on third downs is more tied to his receiving impact than his physical upside to holding blocks effectively. Evaluators will also look to see how he handles a full season's workload. He had 263 combined carries and receptions in 12 games last year, including eight outings with 20 or more touches, so last year was a promising sign he can be a workhorse.

TreVeyon Henderson had 10 runs of at least 20 yards.

3. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

No running back across the country poses a greater threat of hitting a home run than TreVeyon Henderson. His decision to stay with Ohio State caught everyone off guard, especially following Quinshon Judkins' entrance into the program. Together, Henderson and Judkins are set to lead a fantastic rushing offensive duo under the guidance of Chip Kelly.

The primary concerns surrounding Henderson are not about his capabilities on the field but rather his health and stamina. While sometimes his vision and decision-making in the play can raise eyebrows, it's also true that Henderson has often worked behind an average line. By creating more straightforward opportunities for him to leverage his abilities and break into the defensive secondary, Henderson is bound to deliver more big plays.

Some NFL teams may prefer backs who consistently hit their run keys and go off course less often. Henderson stepped up his consistency in the back half of 2023 when the Buckeyes' passing game struggled, keeping Ohio State alive until the Michigan game. This ranking reflects the two best versions of Henderson we've seen, which balances the home runs with the right run reads and execution.

This upcoming season presents a golden chance for Henderson to display his comprehensive talents alongside an exceptional team. Failing to find that balance consistently will open the door for several other backs to take Henderson's spot, though, since his durability is already a question mark. 

Dec 27, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma State Cowboys running back Ollie Gordon II (0) runs with the ball as Texas A&M Aggies linebacker Chris Russell Jr. (24) attempts to make a tackle during the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

2. Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State

Ollie Gordon II, a Heisman Trophy contender in 2023, never fails to entertain each week. Amassing 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground, the junior has established himself as a dominant force to be reckoned with every time he has the ball. His exceptional performances carried the Oklahoma State Cowboys' surprisingly successful 2023 season.

Gordon's skill set is admirable for numerous reasons. He combines strength and speed with remarkable vision, demonstrates reliable receiving abilities, and possesses an innate understanding of the game that distinguishes him from his peers. His body control for his frame helps mitigate the natural leverage disadvantage he has.

Critiques of Gordon's playing style are few and far between. At 6-foot-2 and 216 pounds, he has the ideal build for a main attraction in the NFL. His taller stature does lead to a somewhat stiff and upright running style, and his lateral movements can show rigidity in tight spaces. 

Nevertheless, Gordon has the potential to be selected in the first round of the 2025 draft by gap teams looking for a player who can make an immediate difference. Although he doesn't have the same raw power to help compensate as much, Gordon overcomes the same negatives that Derrick Henry heard entering the NFL. 

April 13, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Quinshon Judkins (1) runs the football for the scarlet team while pursued by defensive end Kenyatta Jackson Jr. (97) and Jason Moore (94) of the grey team during the first half of the LifeSports spring football game at Ohio Stadium on Saturday.

1. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State

No running back from the Power 5 has surpassed Judkins' performance over the past two seasons. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 219 pounds, the Ole Miss standout amassed 2,725 yards and 31 touchdowns during his initial two seasons, making his decision to transfer to Columbus instead of returning with Lane Kiffin quite the shock.

Judkins is set to enhance an already potent offense with his exceptional ability to maintain balance upon contact and sheer power. His quickness is akin to lightning, complemented by elite agility that allows him to bulldoze through defenders and neutralize any attempts at tackling him with remarkable ease. His long speed isn't impressive, though, and he can be caught from behind downfield.

It's hard to find anything Judkins can't do. He tallied at least 13 carries in every game last year, and 17 or more in 10 outings. He's a true workhorse with the dynamic ability to drag an undermanned offense when it gets bogged down. 

I'm particularly impressed by his versatility, quick response times, and unwavering consistency, qualities that we believe surpass the capabilities of his rivals. His passing-down value might be under the microscope for pass-blocking upside with his lack of arm length, and his receiving totals are low compared to his peers. Overall, though, anticipating him to shine as a superstar once more this season is anything but difficult.


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