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Mike Clay
The 2025 NFL draft‘s operating again class was actually good. Some analysts predicted we’d see as many as 30 drafted for the primary time since 2011. Twenty-five ended up being the ultimate tally, probably the most since 25 additionally went in 2019.
All six backs chosen in the course of the first three rounds are prone to make a considerable influence in 2025, whereas a number of mid-to-late-round picks are effectively positioned to make some noise in particular roles. In order NFL groups assemble their depth charts for this season, I separated the 25 drafted RBs into six tiers based mostly on projected rookie-season roles. That features the every-down backs, the change-of-pace playmakers and the developmental backups. I rolled in stat projections for every ball provider with my evaluation, too.
Clearly, Ashton Jeanty — the Raiders’ No. 6 general choose — lands within the prime tier, however how does the remainder of the RB class stack up? (Be aware: Gamers are listed by projected dashing yards inside every tier.)
Bounce to a tier:
Clear featured backs | Lead backs
Committee backs | Wild playing cards
Situational backups | Depth backs
Clear featured backs
2025 projection: 244 carries, 1,120 yards, 7 TDs; 54 receptions, 415 yards, 2 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 1, No. 6
Jeanty is ready up for featured again duties within the execs following a dominant tenure at Boise State. He ran for two,601 yards and 29 TDs final season, and he pressured an FBS-high 126 missed tackles. And extremely, he ranked first on this operating again class in yards after contact each final season (1,733, larger than another again’s complete dashing yards) and over the course of his total collegiate profession (3,227).
With Raheem Mostert and Honest McCormick amongst his prime “competitors” for carries, Jeanty is well-positioned for the majority of the touches in new coordinator Chip Kelly’s offense. When Kelly coached the Eagles from 2013-15, they led the NFL in carries every season. Jeanty’s elite playmaking potential and three-down ability set give him the upside to be the following elite NFL operating again.
Lead backs
2025 projection: 215 carries, 961 yards, 9 TDs; 39 receptions, 282 yards, 2 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 1, No. 22
Hampton is a giant, robust again whose profession 3.9 yards after contact per rush ranks fourth on this class. He is extra downhill than he’s agile, however he impressed in all of the exercises on the mix. Hampton is a succesful go catcher and will discover his approach to a three-down function within the execs. He’ll defer some carries to Najee Harris, and targets could also be restricted within the Jim Harbaugh/Greg Roman scheme, however there will likely be sufficient quantity to permit for high-end manufacturing.
2025 projection: 211 carries, 922 yards, 6 TDs; 40 receptions, 285 yards, 1 TD
Drafted: Spherical 2, No. 36
Like Hampton, Judkins is a giant, robust runner who examined effectively on the mix. He led the place group within the broad leap (11-foot), whereas operating a 4.48-second 40-yard sprint. The Browns ought to maintain him busy close to the purpose line, as he had 16-plus touchdowns in all three seasons at Ohio State. He can catch the ball a bit, however he wasn’t overly spectacular in that space at Ole Miss or OSU.
Judkins will probably step in as Cleveland’s lead again, although he would possibly lose some touches to Jerome Ford and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson.
2025 projection: 189 carries, 841 yards, 5 TDs; 46 receptions, 357 yards, 2 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 2, No. 60
Harvey is on the smaller aspect (5-foot-8, 205 kilos), however he was productive in school. He ran for 10-plus yards on a class-best 23% of his carries in 2024. Dimension and age (24) considerations apart, he had the fourth-fastest 40 on the mix out of all RBs (4.40) and landed in an amazing spot. His prime competitors in Denver is Jaleel McLaughlin, who can be undersized at 5-foot-7. Harvey is all however locked in because the lead again in a Sean Payton offense that likes to lean on operating backs within the passing recreation.
Committee backs
2025 projection: 222 carries, 947 yards, 7 TDs; 29 receptions, 216 yards, 1 TD
Drafted: Spherical 3, No. 83
The de facto Najee Harris alternative within the run-heavy Pittsburgh offense, Johnson is not tremendous quick (4.57 within the 40) or fast (1.62 within the 10-yard break up). That restricted his output at Iowa, as solely 34% of his runs went for five or extra yards. However he is without doubt one of the largest backs on this class at 6-foot-1, 224 kilos.
Johnson is seemingly a succesful receiver, but he was solely focused 38 occasions in school and desires work as a go blocker. Do not be shocked if he is restricted in that division, particularly since Jaylen Warren is positioned to deal with a couple of third of the carries and many of the passing-down work.
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Kaleb Johnson’s NFL draft profile
Take a look at stats from Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson forward of the 2025 NFL draft.
2025 projection: 174 carries, 775 yards, 5 TDs; 35 receptions, 267 yards, 2 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 2, No. 38
The Ohio State product paced this rookie RB class with a 7.1 yards per carry final season and was efficient as each a rusher and receiver all through his collegiate tenure. His 5-foot-10, 202-pound dimension may restrict his carry complete a bit within the execs, however he impressed on the mix, and his elite pass-blocking abilities and three-down potential make him a terrific match within the fashionable NFL.
Henderson will start the season sharing carries with Rhamondre Stevenson, although it is doable the rookie shortly takes over because the Patriots’ lead again. Stevenson was demoted for parts of final season on account of fumbling points.
2025 projection: 160 carries, 691 yards, 4 TDs; 29 receptions, 213 yards, 1 TD
Drafted: Spherical 4, No. 105
He is one of many oldest RBs on this class at 23, however that is not sufficient to offset his elite effectivity throughout two seasons at Arizona State. Skattebo’s 110 pressured missed tackles had been second to Jeanty within the FBS final season, and his 15% goal share and 11.1 yards per goal had been the draft class’s finest within the go recreation.
Skattebo just isn’t tremendous quick, however his dimension (5-foot-11, 215 kilos) and three-down ability set provides him with a stable long-term outlook. Nonetheless, his short-term numbers will probably be restricted as a result of 2024 fifth-round choose Tyrone Tracy Jr. had a breakout 2024 season.
Wild playing cards
2025 projection: 107 carries, 446 yards, 3 TDs; 16 receptions, 111 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 5, No. 149
Blue’s workload was restricted in a crowded Texas operating again room (214 carries in three seasons), however he was an efficient rusher — his 3.8 profession yards after contact per rush is fifth finest on this class — and confirmed receiving chops with 42 receptions in 2024. He is a bit on the small dimension at 196 kilos and has had points with holding onto the ball. Nonetheless, the velocity is there; he ran a 4.38 within the 40-yard sprint.
Blue will start his profession behind newly acquired veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, however neither have performed effectively in current seasons, so this depth chart is vast open. The lead again function in Dallas is there for the taking.
2025 projection: 84 carries, 363 yards, 2 TDs; 15 receptions, 108 yards, 1 TD
Drafted: Spherical 4, No. 104
Tuten struggled with negative-yardage runs (22% of his carries) and fumbles (class-high 2.5% price) throughout his 24 video games at Virginia Tech, however his effectivity was in any other case actually good. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry final season, together with 3.8 after contact per rush.
Extra importantly, Tuten dominated on the mix with RB-best marks within the 40-yard sprint (4.32) and vertical leap (40½ inches). He’s blazing quick with three-down upside, although his Yr 1 alternatives are unclear with Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby on the depth chart. That would result in a restricted early-season function, however the uncertainty additionally permits him an opportunity to finally steal beginning duties.
Situational backs and backups
2025 projection: 105 carries, 457 yards, 3 TDs; 21 receptions, 157 yards, 1 TD
Drafted: Spherical 4, No. 116
Marks was a pass-catching star in school, posting 1,546 receiving yards on 317 targets over 5 seasons — greater than doubling the next-closest again in routes, targets and catches. However, he averaged south of 5.0 yards per carry over 5 seasons, and his profession 2.4 yards after contact per carry is definitely the worst on this class. Marks additionally underwhelmed throughout the board on the mix, together with a 4.54 within the 40-yard sprint. The 24-year-old will compete with Dare Ogunbowale and Dameon Pierce for No. 2 duties behind Joe Mixon in Houston.
2025 projection: 62 carries, 265 yards, 1 TD; 9 receptions, 60 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 4, No. 126
Sampson is without doubt one of the smallest and youngest RBs on this class at 5-foot-8 and 20 years previous. He ran for five.9 yards per carry over his three-season profession however wasn’t used a lot within the go recreation (1.5 targets per recreation). Sampson’s outlook is lower than best, as second-rounder Judkins is probably going the group’s short- and long-term lead again. Jerome Ford is probably a consider 2025, as effectively.
2025 projection: 48 carries, 201 yards, 2 TDs; 7 receptions, 49 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 5, No. 151
Giddens has a stable body and confirmed off his athleticism on the mix, with the second-best vertical (39½ inches) and broad leap (10-foot-10) amongst RBs. He was stable by way of his effectivity as a collegiate rusher, however he struggled with drops and would possibly max out as an early-down choice. Behind characteristic again Jonathan Taylor, Giddens will battle Tyler Goodson for major backup duties.
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DJ Giddens’ NFL draft profile
Take a look at some stats and data from draft prospect DJ Giddens of Kansas State.
Developmental and depth gamers
2025 projection: 50 carries, 220 yards, 1 TD; 10 receptions, 74 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 4, No. 114
Travis Etienne Jr.’s brother was efficient as each a rusher and receiver throughout his three school seasons at Florida and Georgia. His three-down ability set ought to translate to the NFL, however his 5-foot-8 dimension may restrict his ceiling. He’s additionally one of many youngest backs on this class — he turns 21 in July.
Carolina’s backfield can be instantly crowded after signing Rico Dowdle in free company. Etienne will spend his rookie marketing campaign growing behind lead again Chuba Hubbard and Dowdle, finally battling Jonathon Brooks for work in 2026 as soon as he’s again from his second ACL tear.
2025 projection: 38 carries, 164 yards, 1 TD; 4 receptions, 30 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 4, No. 117
Hunter ranked within the prime 11 within the FBS in each yards after contact per carry (4.1) and compelled missed tackles (65) final season. He did not stand out as a receiver, although, so he may very well be restricted to a two-down (and returner) function within the execs. Hunter will open his profession behind characteristic again Kyren Williams, battling second-year man Blake Corum for major backup duties.
2025 projection: 24 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD; 2 receptions, 14 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 6, No. 184
Neal is not tremendous quick (4.58 within the 40), however he has respectable 5-foot-11, 215-pound dimension and was a stable producer in 4 seasons at Kansas. That tenure included 760 carries (second most on this class) and stable receiving effectivity on 102 targets. Neal is a protracted shot as a sixth-round flier, however the Saints’ backup state of affairs appears vast open behind 30-year-old Alvin Kamara. If Neal can overtake Kendre Miller and Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the No. 2 job, he may land an even bigger function than anticipated.
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Devin Neal’s NFL draft profile
Take a look at some stats and data from Kansas’ Devin Neal.
2025 projection: 20 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD; 2 receptions, 13 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 7, No. 233
Monangai is just 5-foot-8 and did not present effectively on the mix. In Rutgers’ middling offense, his 1.5 yards earlier than contact per run over 47 video games was the bottom within the class — however his common yards after contact (3.3) was stable. He managed greater than 1,200 dashing yards in every of his ultimate two school seasons. Monangai will open his profession behind D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson and maybe additionally Travis Homer.
2025 projection: 12 carries, 51 yards, 0 TDs; 2 receptions, 15 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 5, No. 147
San Francisco’s RB room seems lots completely different from final season, as Jordan Mason was traded away and Elijah Mitchell signed with the Chiefs. James ought to make the 53-man roster, however he is prone to work behind Christian McCaffrey, Isaac Guerendo and maybe Patrick Taylor Jr. James’ collegiate effectivity was everywhere in the map. His profession 3.0 yards after contact per carry was under common, however he additionally had class-best 11% adverse run and 49% 5-plus-yard run charges. James is proscribed as a receiver and underwhelmed on the mix.
2025 projection: 10 carries, 40 yards, 0 TDs; 2 receptions, 15 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 6, No. 193
Brooks soaked up 879 carries all through 5 collegiate seasons, which is probably the most on this class. He ran for 1,500-plus yards in each 2023 and 2024 at Texas Tech, whereas catching no less than 27 passes every of the previous three seasons. He is sturdy and fast with respectable 5-foot-10, 230-pound dimension. Brooks figures to start his profession buried behind Chase Brown, Zack Moss and Samaje Perine within the Bengals’ rotation.
2025 projection: 8 carries, 34 yards, 0 TDs; 0 receptions, 0 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 7, No. 245
After 4 seasons at Alabama State, Croskey-Merritt had his breakout season at New Mexico in 2023 earlier than showing in just one recreation in 2024 for Arizona. His elite 2023 effectivity (8.2 yards per carry) is notable, however he is an older developmental again at 24. With Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler main the depth chart, and Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. being within the combine, Croskey-Merritt just isn’t a lock to make Washington’s 53-man roster.
2025 projection: 8 carries, 33 yards, 0 TDs; 2 receptions, 14 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 7, No. 223
The Miami product is a giant energy again, and his 4.5 yards after contact per carry final season trailed solely Jeanty. He simply won’t do a lot as a receiver within the execs. Martinez will start his profession behind Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet and perhaps even Kenny McIntosh in Seattle.
2025 projection: 8 carries, 32 yards, 0 TDs; 2 receptions, 15 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 6, No. 179
Gordon had a tough 2024 in robust circumstances (simply 4.6 yards per carry), however he was a lot better as a rusher and receiver throughout a productive 2023 marketing campaign (6.1 per carry). He isn’t tremendous quick or dynamic, but he is a stable producer and is without doubt one of the largest backs within the class (6-foot-1 and 227 kilos, together with an 80-inch wingspan). Gordon will battle Jaylen Wright and Alexander Mattison for No. 2 duties behind De’Von Achane. He is a reputation to observe however most likely nonetheless a protracted shot for actual manufacturing in 2025.
2025 projection: 8 carries, 32 yards, 0 TDs; 2 receptions, 14 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 6, No. 188
A transformed linebacker, Mullings is a giant again at 6-foot-2 and 226 kilos. He did not get a lot run at Michigan (235 carries in three seasons) and was an entire nonfactor as a receiver with solely 14 profession targets. In Tennessee, he’ll compete with Julius Chestnut for a depth function for the reason that lead backs are set with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears.
2025 projection: 7 carries, 30 yards, 0 TDs; 2 receptions, 15 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 7, No. 228
Smith is without doubt one of the smallest rookie RBs at 5-foot-10 and 194 kilos. He ran a stable 4.39-second 40 on the mix, however he carried out poorly within the vertical (32½ inches, second final on the place) and broad leap (9-foot-9, tied for final). A transformed WR, Smith is elusive however has room to develop on the place. He performed just one season at operating again after transferring from Miami to SMU.
Behind Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell, Smith would possibly begin 2025 as a kick returner/reserve.
2025 projection: None
Drafted: Spherical 7, No. 236
Allen’s dashing effectivity at Syracuse is regarding (class-low 4.5 yards per carry final season), however he’s a confirmed receiving menace with a class-high 64 receptions on 83 targets in 2024. Allen will attempt to carve out a third-down function within the execs, although it might take some time. As talked about earlier, Jacksonville drafted Tuten in Spherical 4 to fit in alongside Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby.
2025 projection: None
Drafted: Spherical 7, No. 239
Mafah is without doubt one of the largest backs on this class at 6-foot-1, 234 kilos. He isn’t significantly quick, and his collegiate effectivity was underwhelming. The Dallas RB state of affairs is seemingly vast open, however Blue, Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders all stand in the way in which to a large function.
