Zak Drapeau's Top 10 Running Backs 2025 NFL Draft
- Zak Drapeau
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
The RB class this year may be the deepest of any position on the offensive side of the ball. With multiple possible First-Rounders and a slew of Day 2 picks, the RBs in this class range from guaranteed hits to potential gamechangers in Rounds 4 & 5.
The RB position has been one of the most controversial especially in the last decade or so and a strong class like this will make matters even more contentious. After players like Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs proved valuable RBs can still be taken in Free Agency, a large amount of NFL teams have had this draft class circled for the RB talent and would rather draft one or two from the class and have a young gun under a 4-year contract rather than pay a 27+ year old to a large deal.
The cold hard truth is that these young stars-in-the-making are coming for the veterans jobs and they may have a real chance to do so especially in such a strong class.
So who are the stars of tomorrow? Who are the potential diamonds in the rough that could make a difference after being drafted in Round 4 or less? Let's find out:
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1. Ashton Jeanty
Boise State 5'9" 211 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 3
Jeanty is the best running back I've scouted since Saquon Barkley in 2017. Doing everything well, Jeanty led the Boise State Broncos to a CFP appearance on the back of his historic 2,700 yard-30 TD season. Jeanty's speed, toughness balance and vision are all remarkable and should make him an immediate impact at the NFL level. We've seen several RBs enter the league and become a Top-5 at their position within a year or two and Jeanty is all but guaranteed to be the next on that list. Only potential negatives on the man is the 750 carries he's already had in college and being a bit undersized. These negatives may limit how long he will be a gamechanger at the position but there's no denying he will be there most likely as soon as he gets on the field.
Pro Comp: Jonathan Taylor
Draft Projection: Top 20 Picks
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2. Omarion Hampton
North Carolina 6'0" 221 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 26
Hampton may be the most physically gifted RB in the class. With true NFL size for the position and the speed and agility of a slot WR, Hampton is a nasty runner with great hands and moves after the catch. With two seasons of great production while also improving each year, Hampton's potential as a 3DRB is very serious while also showing good traits running the ball that could make him an every down back in the right scheme. His size and skill will have many teams ready to start him right away anyway and he will have serious potential especially in Fantasy football for his Touchdown Upside.
Pro Comp: (((((David Montgomery)))))
Draft Projection: Round 1-2
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3. Quinshon Judkins
Ohio State 6'0" 221 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 43
One of my favorite runners in the class, Judkins reminds me of an old school Steelers-style RB with the size to back it up. Not a slouch in the receiving game either, Judkins showed his diversity and durability this year transferring to Ohio State and being a big factor in the National Champions success. Judkins toughness and violence combined with his upright running style will make for some highlight plays at the next level and gives him serious potential to jump out of the gates and be a huge factor in any team's gameplan from Day 1.
Pro Comp: Joe Mixon
Draft Projection: Round 2
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4. TreVeyon Henderson
Ohio State 5'10" 202 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 50
The other Ohio State Running Back on this list, Henderson's draft stock skyrocketed after the CFP. One of the best big play RBs this season, Henderson's quickness and ability to blast through holes will make him a terrific every-other down RB at the next level. Able to catch and run with the ball as well, Henderson doesn't have ideal size for the NFL but will still make a great impact on a team with the ability to cycle through their RB depth.
Pro Comp: Aaron Jones
Draft Projection : Round 2-3
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5. Cam Skattebo
Arizona State 5'9" 219 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 58
One of the favorite prospects in this whole draft, Skattebo is your favorite Running Back's favorite Running Back. Skattebo is as versatile as it gets in the position and demonstrates toughness and fortitude that is on par or better than any other prospect. His athletic upside isn't too high which is why I have him lower on my list than most but he is a dependable back that is good on the ground or through the air and will naturally become a locker room gem as well. He will work best in a 3DRB role with some upside through the tackles as well.
Pro Comp: Jaylen Warren
Draft Projection: Round 2-3
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6. Kaleb Johnson
Iowa 6'1" 224 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 67
Johnson is a big, tough runner of the football and will be a force on first and second down wherever he ends up in the NFL. His one dimensional-game is why I have him lower than most others but good thing for Johnson, the one thing he can do he does extremely well. If a team is looking for a pure "north-south" runner Johnson turns into #2 or #3 right away.
Pro Comp: Brian Robinson Jr.
Draft Projection: Round 2,3 or 4
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7. R.J. Harvey Jr.
UCF 5'8" 205 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 87
Harvey was another riser after testing extremely well at the Senior Bowl and Combine. Harvey's 40-yard dash and agility drills were eye-popping and with his tape have him as one of the best "Day 3-type" picks due to his upside. Averaging over 6 YPC all three years at UCF as well as 42 TDs in his final two years, Harvey has shown true skill with the ball in his hands and the potential to be a big factor in NFL offenses. He will have to get better at pass blocking to become a possibility on 3rd Downs and will have to bulk up to be able to reliably make runs through the tackles too. His potential is very real as a playmaker but his floor is pretty low as well.
Pro Comp: J.K. Dobbins
Draft Projection: Round 3-4
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8. Dylan Sampson
Tennessee 5'8" 200 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 102
Dylan Sampson has a great skill set of power running with a great burst to break free with open field in front of him. After a spectacular season this year, Sampson showed his ability to read blocking schemes and get consistent 5-6 yarders instead of trying to break every run for a touchdown. Sampson had limited reps as a pass cat her but does have the ability to run after the catch. He is too small to truly carry a full-NFL workload and will need to bulk up a lot for a career.
Pro Comp: Jerome Ford
Draft Projection: Round 2,3 or 4
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9. Bhayshul Tuten
Virginia Tech 5'9" 206 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 107
Bhayshul Tuten is THE Running Back in this class that will be drafted late and could still be a superstar in the league. His 4.32-40 time was the best of the class and his shifty running style can really translate in the NFL. The key to Tuten's success will be adding mass and holding on to the ball. I have him this low on my list (and much lower than most) because of his fumbling problem; 9 in the last two seasons. If he can clean that up, Tuten has a legit shot to be a Top-10 RB in the league.
Pro Comp: De'Von Achane
Draft Projection: Round 2-3
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10. D.J. Giddens
Kansas State 6'0" 212 lbs.
Big Board Rank: 115
Giddens has one of the best "bags" in the nation with incredible agility and tremendous start-stop ability inside and outside the tackles alike. The biggest problem with Giddens is his inability to be a factor in the pass game. He has good hands but his route running and pass blocking are well behind every other player so far on this list. If Giddens can build on these skills in the NFL he has a real shot to be a starter in the league. Even if he doesn't, 8-12 single back runs a game is a great floor for him.
Bad in receiving
Runs too high
Pro Comp: Chase Brown
Draft Projection: Day 3
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