A Wealth of Talent at Running Back in the 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a treasure trove for running back prospects, much like the 2018 class that produced future stars such as Saquon Barkley, Rashaad Penny, and Sony Michel. This year’s crop is both deep and talented, with several players capable of immediately contributing at the highest level. Draft analysts and passionate fans alike are excited about the potential impact these running backs could have on NFL teams. Among the standout prospects, Jaylen Jeanty stands out as a potential top-10 pick, while others like Jeremy Hampton, Dameon Johnson, Quinshon Judkins, TreVeyon Henderson, Travis Sampson, and McCoy Tuten are also generating significant buzz. Each brings a unique skill set and the potential to transform their respective teams.
Jaylen Jeanty: The Top Prospect with All-Pro Potential
Jaylen Jeanty is universally regarded as the top running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. His exceptional combination of burst, vision, contact balance, and breakaway speed has earned him top-10 consideration. During the 2024 season, Jeanty averaged an eye-popping 7.0 yards per carry while leading the nation with 374 attempts. He galloped for gains of 50-plus yards in nine of his 14 games, showcasing his ability to be both a bell cow and a big-play specialist. His performance during the Broncos’ march to the College Football Playoff (CFP) is a testament to his elite skills. If Jeanty were to fall to the Dallas Cowboys at No. 12 overall, it would be a dream scenario for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys, as Jeanty has the potential to be the face of the franchise and an All-Pro caliber player.
Jeremy Hampton: A Blue-Collar Brawler with First-Round Potential
Jeremy Hampton, another prominent prospect in this year’s class, offers a unique combination of size, speed, and power. Standing at 6-1 and 230 pounds, Hampton has the physicality to barrel through defenders and the speed to break away for big gains. He led the ACC in rushing yards for the second consecutive year, amassing 3,565 yards and 36 touchdowns in just three seasons. Despite the departure of quarterback Drake Maye to the NFL, Hampton continued to dominate, demonstrating his ability to thrive even against stacked boxes. His blue-collar work ethic and pro-ready game make him a high-value prospect, and he could very well find himself drafted in the first round by a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers, who need a power back to complement their offense.
Dameon Johnson: A Big-Back with Exceptional Agility
Dameon Johnson of Iowa is a standout with a well-built frame and explosive athleticism. He broke out in 2024, leading the Big Ten with 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. Johnson’s ability to get skinny through traffic and keep his feet moving in tight spaces sets him apart from many of his peers. He is one of those rare big backs who can command attention from every defender. While his best fit might be in a run-heavy scheme like Iowa’s, Johnson’s raw talent and physicality make him a valuable asset. His lack of experience in the passing game could be a concern, but his overall potential and immediate impact in the running game make him a strong candidate for a team like the Los Angeles Chargers, who need a versatile back to bolster their offense.
Quinshon Judkins: The Safest Bet in the Running Back Class
Quinshon Judkins, a product of Ole Miss and Ohio State, is viewed by many as the safest running back prospect in this year’s class. He dominated elite competition in two different schemes, leading the SEC in rushing yards in 2022 and contributing significantly to Ohio State’s championship run in 2024. Judkins has a well-developed frame to handle a large workload and is a classic slasher who can navigate through traffic with long, strong strides. His ability to perform at a high level in both college systems makes him a low-risk, high-reward prospect. The New York Giants, with their need for a reliable running back, could see Judkins as a perfect fit to anchor their running game.
TreVeyon Henderson: A Three-Down Versatile Back
TreVeyon Henderson of Ohio State is a well-rounded back with instincts, toughness, and three-down versatility. Despite his smaller frame, Henderson is a sledgehammer on skates, capable of blasting through defenders or leaving them frozen with his stop-start balance and burst. He averaged 7.1 yards per carry in 2024, showcasing his true breakaway ability. Henderson’s performance in the passing game, where he showed soft hands as a receiver and physicality as a pass blocker, makes him an immediate contributor at the NFL level. The Las Vegas Raiders, who need a dynamic back to complement their offense, could see Henderson as a perfect fit to take their game to the next level.
Travis Sampson: A Slippery Playmaker with Big-Play Potential
Travis Sampson of Alabama is a slippery playmaker with a unique set of skills. He led the SEC with 1,491 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns in 2024, demonstrating his ability to make defenders miss with impressive jump-cuts and full 360-degree spins off contact. Despite lacking the bulk of some of his peers, Sampson’s big-play potential and elusiveness make him a valuable asset. He might not be a true bell-cow in the pros, but his ability to create explosive plays could be the finishing touch an offense needs. The Kansas City Chiefs, with their high-powered offense, could benefit greatly from Sampson’s explosive ability and versatility.
Day 2 and Beyond: Quality Options for Teams
While the top prospects like Jeanty, Hampton, Johnson, Judkins, Henderson, and Sampson are likely to be drafted early, there are plenty of quality options available on Day 2 and beyond. McCoy Tuten, a transfer from North Carolina A&T to Virginia Tech, is one such prospect. Tuten’s ability to impact the game as a runner, receiver, and returner has caught the attention of NFL scouts. He possesses elite speed and soft hands, making him a versatile option. Corey Skattebo of Arizona State, known for his ferocity and contact balance, is another late-round prospect with the potential to outperform his draft slot. Teams like the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens could find valuable contributors in both Tuten and Skattebo.
In conclusion, the 2025 NFL Draft offers a wealth of talent at the running back position, with several players capable of making an immediate impact. Whether it’s the top prospects like Jaylen Jeanty and Jeremy Hampton or the late-round gems like McCoy Tuten and Corey Skattebo, teams have a plethora of options to choose from. The depth and quality of this year’s class make it an exciting time for NFL teams and fans alike.
