2025 Pre-Draft Rookie Rankings Running Backs

1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Jeanty’s numbers are off the charts, and his skillset and work ethic absolutely match that. He’s shorter (probably under 5’10”), but he’s all muscle and has the elite burst, vision and contact balance you want in a back. Throughout his college career he’s shown himself to be an excellent receiving back as well, and he will 100% be a 3-down back at the next level. There is really no clear trouble spot in his game, and it’s just a matter of how high he goes in the first round.
Jeanty is going in the 2nd round in Best Ball drafts, and I want as much of him as I can get. He’s going to get the work and his floor is like RB 15, but if the landing spot is strong and the team turns over their offense to him, he could contend to be a top 5 running back.
2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Hampton is a complete running back, he runs with power, speed, vision, and excellent footwork. He’s good out of the backfield and should be an every-down back with the upside to be a true workhorse. I can’t see him lasting much past the early 2nd, and he can be a back you build your offense around.
Let’s not sugarcoat it, the skill set here is elite and he should be drafted in a situation where he’s the feature back. He can absolutely be a top-10 fantasy back as a rookie, especially if he gets a strong landing spot.
3. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Johnson is a physical punishing running back, who also has long speed and some agility. While the comparison can be overblown, there is some Derrick Henry to his game. Johnson had a monster year at Iowa and helped that offense have a level of respectability. He’s still developing as a pass catcher, but the natural traits are there. In most other classes he would be very much in the mix for the top RB spot, but obviously that isn’t happening this season.
Johnson is probably the 2nd or 3rd RB off the board and should be a clear starter at the next level. He might lose out on some passing work early in his career, but I expect him to be a double-digit TD guy, and easily should have well over 1,000 yards.
4. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
Judkins this year transferred to Ohio State and had to split work with Henderson. Overall he didn’t look like the same explosive player he was at Mississippi his first two seasons, but he played some of his best football when Ohio State needed him the most. Six of his 14 TDs came in the four playoff games, as did two of his best rushing performances. Though I was a little concerned about his play throughout the season, I think he is the type of back who needs work to get going. Splitting carries and drives with Henderson probably hindered his overall upside.
Why I like him over Henderson, is that I think Henderson is the more explosive player, but Judkins is more likely to be a feature back, and have a greater TD role. This I think makes him the better fantasy bet.
5. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Henderson is a super explosive back, who can add big play ability as soon as he steps on the field. I think he adds excellent cutting ability and pretty good vision as well. Henderson is also a good receiver out of the backfield, and should add value there as a rookie.
While he has 3-down potential, I doubt he will ever be a true full workhorse back. Overall though he’s adding a number of big plays and should be a back who racks up the yardage both as a runner and a receiver.
The one concern is will his TDs be enough to justify his fantasy draft stock right now. Henderson reminds me some of James Cook with his burst and big play ability. This year that paid off for Cook as the TDs finally came, but in a lesser offense or as seen in years past, Cook didn’t have that same TD equity. Overall I’m still going to draft a good bit of him, but it’s the reason why I have him 5th in this class.
6. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
Skattebo is one of the most complete runners in this class. He combines power, vision, contact balance, footwork, and one of the best-receiving profiles in this class. He will get knocked for his age and speed, but his speed is more than adequate for his size and the way he runs.
In last year’s class, he would have had a strong case for RB1. There is not a true hole in his game, which also allows him to fit in with a number of different teams and in a number of different roles.
I’m very bullish on Skattebo, not just from his NFL outlook, but what he brings to the table fantasy-wise. He might be the most landing spot neutral back in this class after Jeanty. He can fit multiple systems and his skillset is diverse enough that he can carve out a fantasy role regardless. Even if he lands on a team with a pretty clear starting RB, his skill set should allow him to pick up at the very least short yardage and passing game work. That should keep him fantasy-relevant.
7. Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
Last year his Tennessee teammate Jaylen Wright was drafted in the 4th round due to his speed potential. Sampson might be as or even more explosive and is a more complete running back, which should have him drafted no later than the 3rd round in this loaded class. Expect Sampson to get some Gibbs/Achane-type comparisons, but they aren’t far off.
You want to see him land with a coach who will know how to use his traits effectively, but wherever he lands Sampson should find some sort of role as a rookie. His speed is such a difference-maker, and will allow him the chance to carve out a big role. That could lead to big-time fantasy production as well, which is why I want a decent share of Sampson.
8. Devin Neal, Kansas
Neal is not the biggest or fastest running back, but he produces and makes big play after big play. Neal was a 4-year starter at Kansas and got better every season. His vision and toughness are very strong and I think that will carry him to the next level. Expect RB coaches to fall in love with him and pound the table for him in the draft. I could see him being a riser throughout the process.
There is definitely a big of drop-off after the top 7 backs, but Neal is still a talented player and in the right system he should produce as a rookie. I have no issue taking some shots on him where he’s currently going in drafts.
9. D.J. Giddens, Kansas State
Giddens (similar to Neal) really shows the depth of his class. He’s probably a top 5 back in the last couple of classes, but this year 9th could be considered a high watermark. Giddens is a smooth, crisp runner with nice size and speed. I love his vision and how quickly he can change direction. Giddens also offers upside in the passing game, and has the potential to be an everydown back.
The landing spot will obviously matter, but Giddens has a skill set that could have him starting for a couple of teams next year. Even if he doesn’t get the perfect landing spot, I would be surprised if he’s not pushing for the number 2 role and even carves out some stand-alone value.
10. Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
If Gordon came out in last year’s draft class he would have been RB1 or RB2 coming off his brilliant season at OK State. He didn’t follow it up with a strong season and the explosive runs we saw just didn’t materialize.
I think he helped himself down at the Senior Bowl, but it will be interesting to see where NFL teams value him. If you believe you can unlock the player we saw in 2023, then this is a Day 2 guy who could be a feature back. If not Day 2, where does he go in the NFL draft and what does that mean for his fantasy outlook?
Gordon is probably the most boom/bust player in this class, both for his NFL production and his fantasy outlook for 2025. He’s not a player I want to overdraft, but at the same time, I don’t want to have a minuscule percentage when he blows up this year. I recommend drafting him in builds where you won’t be forced to rely on him, (6 or 7 total backs, 2-3 clear starters ahead of him).
11. R.J. Harvey Jr, UCF
Harvey is one of the top explosive backs in this class, and while he might be limited to a satellite back/3rd down back, that type of big play ability is not easily replicated. He has 42 TDs and 3,500 combined yards over the past two seasons, and could potentially see a greater workload on a team that will value his explosiveness and not worry about his lack of size.
From a fantasy outlook, I don’t want to overweight his explosiveness as a rookie, but it is hard to deny. Since he’s going late in drafts I like taking shots at him and hoping he lands with a team that has a plan to use his talent.
12. Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech
Brooks might be my favorite “sleeper back” this year as despite being highly productive at Texas Tech these past two seasons, he’s getting lost in this talented class. Brooks has been a workhorse running back, who barely left the field. He can be physical and shows decent footwork and vision in his game. He’s at least average in the passing game, and could be feature back at the next level.
The knock on Brooks will be his long speed, but that isn’t nearly as big of an issue as most people make it out to be. I think you have a smart, tough runner, who is durable and consistently gets the most out of every play. He’s the type of RB, that offensive coaching staffs will fall in love with, and even with an “average” landing spot, could work his way into the rotation quickly.
13. Damien Martinez, Miami
Martinez transferred to Miami from Oregon State and showed why he was so coveted in the transfer portal. He’s a very talented runner with good balance, vision, and power. His speed is just okay, but he has more than enough to succeed at the next level. He very much has feature-back traits and upside as a runner. What holds him back is his lack of value in the passing game. Martinez is a below-average receiver at best, and his pass protection might even be a bigger concern. He’s going to need the right system to take advantage of his strengths and hide his weaknesses.
14. Kalel Mullings, Michigan
Mullings is an interesting prospect as he played most of his college career on the other side of the ball at linebacker. He did finally fully get the opportunity to be a running back this year and he was rewarded with the Wolverines lead back role. He’s a big physical runner, who can punish between the tackles and shows nice burst and footwork. Mullings will need to clean up some things at the next level and work more in the passing game, but he probably is a 3rd round back who can make an impact as a goalline back as a rookie.
15. Jordan James, Oregon
James split time with Bucky Irving before this season, but when he got the opportunity, he really shined with over 1,400 combined yards and 15 TDs. It feels like he’s getting a little overlooked in the draft process, but he’s a young back with good size, speed, and production. He has the ability to be a complete back, change-of-pace, or a 3rd down back. I like his odds to find a role next season, but the one thing might be his younger age. A team could draft him as more of a stash for 2026, which would tank his fantasy value in best ball.
16. Woody Marks, USC
Marks started with a higher ADP when the Big Board launched, but he’s seen his stock fall a couple of rounds, and I think it’s fair. He’s getting more draft hype than I believe he warrants. He is a very good receiving back, but I don’t see him as a strong rusher. I think his NFL profile is more limited and that needs to be taken into account. Now there can still be a player who has fantasy value, but I don’t see the upside.
17. Ja’Quinden Jackson, Arkansas
Jackson doesn’t have the gaudy numbers that some other backs do, given a combination of injuries and splitting workload, but he’s someone who intrigues me. He’s one of the toughest physical runners in this class and shows decent vision and burst. Around the end zone he’s going to find a way to score and could find his way to a goalline role even as a rookie.
18. Brashard Smith, SMU
Smith could be this year’s Tyrone Tracy as a former college receiver who transferred teams and became a quality running back. In what was supposed to be a backfield by committee at SMU, Smith took over as the primary back and didn’t look back. His receiving background is very clear and should help allow him to be at least a good pass-catching back. Can he handle the full workload remains to be seen, but the upside is here.
In another year I’d expect him to go higher in the draft, but the skillset is still something I want to bet on. I have no problem taking him at the end of some drafts, and hope he can land that pass-catching role.
19. Jarquez Hunter, Auburn
Hunter is the type of back that does everything well, but doesn’t stand out in any one area to make him “special”. Now in another draft class, I’d probably have him ranked in the top 10, but this group is loaded and that will probably keep him in the day 3 range. Still he’s a good runner with experience who might jump a number of recently drafted backs to be his team’s RB2.
20. Raheim Sanders, South Carolina
Coming off Sanders Sophomore season in 2022, he looked like he was going to be major talent primed for the NFL. Unfortunately, an injuries his Junior year really set him back. He transferred to South Carolina this past season and showed a little bit of his previous upside/explosion, but he wasn’t fully at his previous level. Now if he tests well and shows his knee and shoulder are fully healthy, maybe he will go higher in the draft.
21. Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
Tuten has really improved his two years at Virginia Tech. He’s a small compact runner with some explosive traits. Unfortunately, he’s probably one of the backs who needs some developmental time. He’s not refined in the passing game, and his vision can be questionable. He will probably go day 3, but he’s more likely to be RB 3 on a team than push for a significant role.
22. Marcus Yarns, Delaware
Yarns is a small school back, but he showed he can perform at the Senior Bowl at this level. I still expect him to be a Day 3 guy, but he’s got the size and speed to make an impact at the next level. He’s the type of back who could have a major rise after the Combine. The landing spot will matter quite a bit, but the upside is real. I won’t take him too much now, but the skill set intrigues me for the final rounds.
23. Donovan Edwards, Michigan
Edwards is probably a Day 3 pick, but he does have a couple of things going for him that could make him fantasy-relevant. He comes from a Pro Style system from Michigan and has plenty of experience, which should allow him to produce immediately. The other thing that should help him is that he profiles as a 3rd down back, so even being drafted later, he could have an easier path to getting on the field.
Edwards never got the chance to be a full-time back at Michigan and it’s unlikely he’ll get that role in the NFL. So at best, he’s a handcuff/satellite back. That being said with a good landing spot I could see him working his way into a rotation early in his career.