The 2025 NFL Draft is still a long way away, but there are already a number of running backs who are expected to be high draft picks. These players have all shown impressive skills at the college level, and they are expected to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
One of the most highly touted running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft is Bijan Robinson of the Texas Longhorns. Robinson is a powerful and elusive runner who has the ability to make big plays. He is also a very good receiver out of the backfield. In his sophomore season at Texas, Robinson rushed for 1,127 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also caught 26 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns.
Another running back who is expected to be a high draft pick in 2025 is Zach Charbonnet of the UCLA Bruins. Charbonnet is a bruising runner who is difficult to tackle. He is also a very good pass blocker. In his sophomore season at UCLA, Charbonnet rushed for 1,138 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 21 passes for 182 yards.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Key Players
Bijan Robinson, Texas
Strengths: Elite balance and agility; excellent vision and patience; powerful lower body with strong leg drive; exceptional pass-catching ability.
Weaknesses: Limited top-end speed; can get caught in the backfield if he doesn’t have a clean release; occasionally loses balance when making cuts.
Rueben Owens, South Carolina
Strengths: Excellent size and physicality; powerful runner with good leg drive; impressive balance and body control; versatile pass-catcher.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite speed and agility; vision and patience can be inconsistent; has a tendency to lose momentum when making cuts.
Domani Jackson, Southern California
Strengths: Exceptional speed and acceleration; elusive runner with quick feet; good balance and body control; dangerous in the open field.
Weaknesses: Size and physicality are concerns; lacks a consistent power base; decision-making can be questionable at times.
Richard Reese, Baylor
Strengths: Explosive and dynamic runner; combines speed and power effectively; good vision and patience; reliable pass-catcher.
Weaknesses: Size may be a limiting factor; durability is a slight concern; can lose momentum when changing direction.
AJ Swann, Vanderbilt
Strengths: Powerful and hard-nosed runner; excellent leg drive and ability to break tackles; runs with good pad level and balance; consistent pass-catcher.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite speed and agility; vision and decision-making can be improved; may struggle to create big plays in the open field.
Draft Predictions and Mock Drafts
The 2025 NFL Draft is still a ways away, but there are already a number of highly-touted running backs who are expected to be taken in the first round. Here is a look at some of the top running back prospects and where they are projected to go in the draft:
Top Running Back Prospects
| Name | College | Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Marvin Jones Jr. | Ohio State | Top 5 pick |
| Camar Wheaton | Texas | Top 10 pick |
| Evan Hull | Northwestern | 1st round |
| Aidan Robbins | Clemson | 1st round |
| Kyle McCord | Ohio State | 1st round |
Mock Drafts
Several mock drafts have already been released, and the consensus seems to be that Marvin Jones Jr. will be the first running back taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. HERE are how some mock drafts have projected the top 5 running backs to be selected:
| Pick | Team | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carolina Panthers | Marvin Jones Jr. |
| 2 | Houston Texans | Camar Wheaton |
| 3 | Indianapolis Colts | Evan Hull |
| 4 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Aidan Robbins |
| 5 | Philadelphia Eagles | Kyle McCord |
The Impact of Running Backs in the Modern NFL
Running backs are still an important part of the modern NFL. While the passing game has become more important in recent years, running backs still play a vital role in moving the chains and scoring touchdowns.
Running backs can be divided into two main categories: power backs, such as Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry, and speed backs, such as Tyreek Hill and Christian McCaffrey. Power backs are known for their strength and ability to break tackles, while speed backs are known for their quickness and ability to make big plays in the open field.
The Evolution of the Running Back Position
The running back position has evolved over the years. In the past, running backs were primarily used as ball carriers. However, in recent years, they have become more involved in the passing game. Running backs are now often used as receivers out of the backfield, and some even line up as wide receivers.
The evolution of the running back position has been driven by the increasing importance of the passing game. In today’s NFL, teams need running backs who can do more than just run the ball. They need running backs who can catch passes out of the backfield and make plays in the open field.
The following table shows the top 10 running backs in the NFL in 2021, ranked by total scrimmage yards:
| Rank | Player | Team | Scrimmage Yards |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Taylor | Indianapolis Colts | 1,836 |
| 2 | Derrick Henry | Tennessee Titans | 1,799 |
| 3 | Alvin Kamara | New Orleans Saints | 1,688 |
| 4 | Nick Chubb | Cleveland Browns | 1,657 |
| 5 | Austin Ekeler | Los Angeles Chargers | 1,558 |
| 6 | Ezekiel Elliott | Dallas Cowboys | 1,551 |
| 7 | Joe Mixon | Cincinnati Bengals | 1,516 |
| 8 | Najee Harris | Pittsburgh Steelers | 1,466 |
| 9 | Melvin Gordon | Denver Broncos | 1,416 |
| 10 | Rashaad Penny | Seattle Seahawks | 1,390 |
Potential Draft Day Steals
Running Backs
The 2025 NFL Draft is expected to be loaded with talented running backs. However, there are a few players who could slip through the cracks and become steals on draft day.
Kendre Miller, Texas
Miller is a powerful and elusive runner who has the potential to be a three-down back in the NFL. He has good size at 6’0″, 225 pounds, and he runs with a low center of gravity that makes him difficult to tackle. Miller is also a good receiver out of the backfield, and he has the ability to make defenders miss in the open field.
Richard Reese, Baylor
Reese is a dynamic playmaker who can score from anywhere on the field. He is a shifty runner with excellent acceleration and top-end speed. Reese is also a dangerous return specialist, and he has the potential to be a game-changer in the NFL.
Gavin Sawchuk, California
Sawchuk is a big, physical runner who is known for his toughness and durability. He is not the fastest or most athletic running back in the draft, but he is a grinder who can get the tough yards. Sawchuk is also a good blocker, and he can help his team in pass protection.
Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma
Kanak is a versatile running back who can do it all. He is a good runner between the tackles, and he can also catch passes out of the backfield. Kanak is not the biggest or fastest running back in the draft, but he is a smart and instinctive player who can make an impact in the NFL.
Sean Tucker, Syracuse
Tucker is a productive running back who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of the past two seasons. He is a tough and physical runner who can get the tough yards, but he also has good speed and agility. Tucker is a good receiver out of the backfield, and he can also contribute on special teams.
Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
Charbonnet is a dynamic running back with a rare combination of size, speed, and power. He is a nightmare for defenders to tackle, and he has the potential to be a workhorse back in the NFL. Charbonnet is also a good receiver out of the backfield, and he can make defenders miss in the open field.
| Rank | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kendre Miller |
| 2 | Richard Reese |
| 3 | Gavin Sawchuk |
| 4 | Jaren Kanak |
| 5 | Sean Tucker |
| 6 | Zach Charbonnet |
These are just a few of the running backs who could be available in the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. If they are able to slip through the cracks, they could be steals for their respective teams.
Dynasty Fantasy Football Implications
High-Scoring Running Backs
In dynasty leagues, high-scoring running backs are highly sought after. These players provide consistent points and can help fantasy teams win championships. Some of the top running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft who are expected to be high scorers in fantasy football include:
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
Dual-Threat Running Backs
Dual-threat running backs are players who can both run and catch passes out of the backfield. These players are becoming increasingly valuable in fantasy football, as they offer a diverse range of skills that can help fantasy teams win. Some of the top dual-threat running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft include:
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
Pass-Catching Running Backs
Pass-catching running backs are players who are primarily used as receivers out of the backfield. These players can provide fantasy teams with a reliable source of receptions and yards, particularly in PPR (points per reception) leagues. Some of the top pass-catching running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft include:
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
Workhorse Running Backs
Workhorse running backs are players who are expected to carry the bulk of the load for their teams. These players are typically durable and have good size and strength. Some of the top workhorse running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft include:
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
Sleeper Running Backs
Sleeper running backs are players who are not considered to be top prospects but have the potential to be valuable fantasy contributors. These players can often be found in the later rounds of dynasty drafts or as undrafted free agents. Some potential sleeper running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft include:
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
Injury-Prone Running Backs
Injury-prone running backs are players who have a history of injuries. These players can be risky dynasty investments, as they may not be able to stay healthy enough to be reliable fantasy contributors. Some injury-prone running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft include:
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
Running Backs to Avoid
There are some running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft who should be avoided in dynasty leagues. These players may have poor athleticism, lack of production, or other factors that make them unlikely to be successful in the NFL. Some running backs to avoid in the 2025 NFL Draft include:
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
Value vs. Average Draft Position (ADP)
The following table shows the current ADP for some of the top running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft:
| Player | ADP |
|---|---|
| [Player name] | [ADP] |
| [Player name] | [ADP] |
| [Player name] | [ADP] |
| [Player name] | [ADP] |
| [Player name] | [ADP] |
| [Player name] | [ADP] |
Comparison to Historic Draft Classes
The 2023 NFL Draft Class
The 2023 NFL Draft class is considered one of the deepest and most talented running back classes in recent memory. With a number of potential first-round picks and several others who could go in the second or third round, this class has the potential to produce a number of impact players at the NFL level.
Historic Draft Classes
To put the 2023 running back class in context, it is helpful to compare it to some of the best running back classes in NFL history. Some of the most notable recent running back classes include:
| Year | Notable Running Backs |
|---|---|
| 2017 | Alvin Kamara, Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook |
| 2018 | Saquon Barkley, Nick Chubb, Derrius Guice, Sony Michel |
| 2019 | Josh Jacobs, David Montgomery, Miles Sanders, Darrell Henderson |
| 2020 | Jonathan Taylor, D’Andre Swift, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Cam Akers |
The 2023 Class vs. Historic Classes
The 2023 running back class has a number of similarities to some of the best recent running back classes. First, the class is very deep, with a number of players who could be drafted in the first three rounds. Second, the class is talented, with several players who have the potential to be impact players at the NFL level. Finally, the class is diverse, with a number of different types of running backs who could fit into a variety of NFL offenses.
However, the 2023 running back class also has some weaknesses. For example, the class lacks a true top-tier prospect like Alvin Kamara or Saquon Barkley. Additionally, the class is somewhat top-heavy, with the best players likely to be drafted in the first two rounds.
Overall, the 2023 running back class is a very good one, but it is not quite as strong as some of the best recent running back classes. However, the class has a number of players who could develop into impact players at the NFL level, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in the years to come.
Running Backs to Avoid in the Draft
1. Players with Excessive Wear and Tear
Running backs endure significant physical punishment during their careers. Avoid players who have a history of major injuries or who have played a high number of snaps in college. These players are more likely to experience injuries and decline in production sooner.
2. Players with Poor Vision and Decision-Making
Running backs need excellent vision to find holes in the defense and make the right cuts. They should also have strong decision-making skills to know when to hit the hole, bounce outside, or pass-protect. Players who lack these attributes will struggle to produce at the NFL level.
3. Players with Fumbles and Ball Security Issues
Fumbles are costly turnovers that can kill drives and lose games. Avoid running backs who have a history of fumbles or who have poor ball-handling skills. These players are unreliable and can put their team in dangerous situations.
4. Players with Limited Versatility
Modern NFL offenses demand running backs who can do more than just run the ball. They need to be able to catch passes out of the backfield, block effectively, and return kicks. Avoid players who lack versatility, as they will have limited value in today’s game.
5. Players with Immaturity or Character Concerns
Character is just as important as talent in the NFL. Avoid running backs who have a history of off-field issues, such as arrests, drug use, or academic problems. These players can be distractions and locker room problems.
6. Players from Weak or Inefficient Offenses
Running backs can only be as good as their offensive line and quarterback. Avoid players who come from college offenses that were weak or inefficient. These players may not have had the opportunity to showcase their true talent.
7. Players with Poor Combine Results
The NFL Combine provides scouts and analysts with a chance to evaluate players’ athleticism and physical capabilities. Avoid running backs who have poor performances in key metrics, such as the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, and agility drills.
8. Players with Limited Production in College
College production is a strong indicator of future NFL success. Avoid running backs who had limited production or who played in a small-conference program. These players may not be ready for the rigors of the NFL.
9. Players with Character Concerns
Character concerns can be a red flag for running backs. Avoid players who have a history of off-field issues, such as arrests, drug use, or academic problems. These players can be distractions and locker room problems.
10. Players with Poor Receiving Skills
In today’s NFL, running backs are expected to be able to catch passes out of the backfield. Avoid running backs who have poor receiving skills or who lack experience in the passing game. These players will have limited value in modern offenses.
| Player | Reasons to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Player A | Excessive wear and tear, poor vision, limited versatility |
| Player B | Character concerns, poor combine results, limited production |
| Player C | Poor receiving skills, lack of experience in the passing game |
2025 NFL Draft Running Backs: A Preliminary Look
The 2025 NFL Draft is still two years away, but scouts are already starting to identify the top running back prospects. Here’s a look at some of the players who could be making an impact in the NFL in 2025:
- Bijan Robinson, Texas: Robinson is a 5-star recruit who is considered to be one of the best running back prospects in the country. He has a great combination of size, speed, and power, and he is also a very good receiver out of the backfield.
- Evan Stewart, Texas A&M: Stewart is another 5-star recruit who is considered to be one of the top all-around athletes in the country. He is a versatile player who can play running back, wide receiver, or defensive back. He is a very good runner with excellent speed and agility, and he is also a very good receiver.
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama: Gibbs is a 4-star recruit who is considered to be one of the top running backs in the country. He is a very good runner with excellent speed and agility, and he is also a very good receiver out of the backfield.
- Oscar Delp, Georgia: Delp is a 4-star recruit who is considered to be one of the top running backs in the country. He is a very good runner with excellent size and power, and he is also a very good receiver out of the backfield.
- Richard Reese, Baylor: Reese is a 4-star recruit who is considered to be one of the top running backs in the country. He is a very good runner with excellent speed and agility, and he is also a very good receiver out of the backfield.
These are just a few of the top running back prospects who could be available in the 2025 NFL Draft. It is still too early to say who will be the best players in the draft, but these are some of the players who have the potential to be stars at the next level.
People Also Ask About 2025 NFL Draft Running Backs
What are the top running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft?
Some of the top running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft include Bijan Robinson, Evan Stewart, Jahmyr Gibbs, Oscar Delp, and Richard Reese.
Who is the best running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft?
It is still too early to say who the best running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft is, but Bijan Robinson is considered to be one of the top prospects in the country.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Bijan Robinson?
Bijan Robinson is a very good running back prospect with excellent size, speed, and power. He is also a very good receiver out of the backfield. However, he can be prone to fumbles.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Evan Stewart?
Evan Stewart is a very versatile player who can play running back, wide receiver, or defensive back. He is a very good runner with excellent speed and agility, and he is also a very good receiver. However, he can be prone to injuries.
