Running backs in the upcoming NFL draft are in high demand, thanks to the impressive talent of top prospect Ashton Jeanty. The value of this position has been highlighted by recent successes in the league, with players like Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry, and Josh Jacobs making significant impacts for their teams. Teams are now looking to the draft to find their next star ball carrier. Jeanty, who had a standout season at Boise State with over 2,600 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns, is poised to be a top-10 pick in the draft. Alongside Jeanty, there are other promising running backs in this class who could be hidden gems waiting to be discovered in the later rounds. Here is a breakdown of the top 10 running backs for the 2025 NFL draft according to USA TODAY Sports:
1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Jeanty is a versatile and dynamic runner, drawing comparisons to the likes of Saquon Barkley. Standing at 5-9 and 211 pounds, he possesses a unique blend of instincts, agility, and power that make him a threat on every play. Jeanty has the ability to create yardage on his own by eluding defenders or powering through them. His skill set allows him to excel in any offensive scheme, making him a potential game-changer for any team.
2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Hampton is a physical runner who excels at breaking tackles and gaining tough yards. At 6-0 and 220 pounds, he is a punishing force on the field. While he has the agility to evade defenders, he can sometimes be too aggressive, leading to unnecessary risks. With some refinement in his patience and vision, Hampton has the potential to be a workhorse back in the NFL.
3. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Henderson is known for his blazing speed and big-play ability. Standing at 5-10, he is a threat to score whenever he finds open space. His highlight-reel plays, including long touchdown runs and explosive screen passes, showcase his game-breaking potential. With his speed and elusiveness, Henderson has the tools to be a dynamic playmaker at the next level.
The 202-pound ball carrier isn’t hesitant to engage in contact. Initially, there may be a high-risk, high-reward aspect to his playing style, as his stiffness can leave him vulnerable to being tackled early. However, teams have demonstrated a willingness to invest in players who can create significant plays, and Henderson unquestionably possesses that ability. Additionally, he excels in ball security, having never lost a fumble in 667 career touches, and is reliable in pass protection as well.
Kaleb Johnson, from Iowa, managed to excel despite playing in one of the Football Bowl Subdivision’s least effective passing offenses. Despite facing tough defenses, he amassed 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns on the ground. While there are concerns about his speed based on his 4.57-second 40-yard dash time, Johnson has demonstrated a burst of speed on zone runs. Although not a traditional power runner at 6-0 and 227 pounds, Johnson showcases his ability to break tackles with his smart running style and balance in contact situations. While he may need time to adjust to the passing game, Johnson appears ready to handle a heavy workload as a ball carrier immediately.
Quinshon Judkins, of Ohio State, showcases urgency and determination in his running style. His unique choppy running technique sets him apart, and at 6-0 and 221 pounds, Judkins excels at attacking gaps in the defense. While he is hard to bring down due to his strength, he may be limited to a straightforward running role as he is not inclined to evade defenders. Paired with a more fluid running back, Judkins could contribute effectively in a shared backfield, as he did with Henderson at Ohio State.
Devin Neal, from Kansas, is a patient runner who excels at finding openings in the defense. With his patience and ability to wait for plays to develop, the 5-11, 203-pounder maximizes his runs by making evasive moves or using power to finish them off. While he may not regularly break away from defenders, Neal’s versatility as a pass catcher makes him a valuable asset to any offense.
Damien Martinez, from Miami (Fla.), had an impressive season after transferring from Oregon State, accumulating 1,002 yards and 10 touchdowns. Martinez’s rugged style allows him to shake off tacklers effectively. While not a speedster, his decisive one-cut running style enables him to gain significant yardage. To become a more well-rounded player, Martinez will need to improve as a blocker and receiver.
Dylan Sampson, representing Tennessee, stands out for his patience and quick cuts, leveraging his explosiveness as a runner. His instincts make him adept at navigating through the tackles, particularly suited for inside zone plays. Ball security remains a concern after losing four fumbles in 2024, and he must demonstrate consistency as a pass catcher to fully contribute.
Cam Skattebo, a back from Arizona State,
Skattebo’s unique style demands a closer look, as the Sacramento State transfer’s journey from zero-star recruit to Heisman Trophy finalist is one of the most remarkable ascents in recent college football history. His aggressive approach revolves around embracing contact, as he powers through arm tackles and bounces off stronger attempts to bring him down. While he may benefit from occasional relief from more agile ball carriers for certain tasks, Skattebo can excel as a powerful back for a team.
RJ Harvey from UCF, standing at 5-8 and 205 pounds, should not be underestimated. Despite his size, Harvey fearlessly engages with defenders, showcasing his best skills when cutting and accelerating. While his flashy runs to the outside may not translate to the next level, he must focus on making quick decisions and maintaining his path to avoid being limited to sporadic playing time.
