In-Depth Analysis of the 2025 NFL Draft Running Backs
The 2025 NFL draft is shaping up to be a standout event, especially concerning the running back class. Analysts predicted that we could see up to 30 running backs selected, something that hadn’t happened since 2011. Ultimately, 25 players were chosen, the highest number since 2019.
The six running backs selected in the first three rounds are likely to have a significant impact on the 2025 season. In addition, several players chosen in middle and late rounds are well-positioned to excel in specific roles. We analyze the 25 drafted running backs, dividing them into six categories based on their potential performance in the rookie season.
In this analysis, we include statistical projections for each runner, offering a comprehensive view of their potential in the NFL.
Running back Ashton Jeanty, selected by the Raiders with pick number 6, tops the list. But how do the rest of the running backs compare?
Starting Runners
Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders
2025 Projection: 244 carries, 1,120 yards, 7 touchdowns; 54 receptions, 415 yards, 2 touchdowns
Draft Selection: Round 1, Pick 6
Jeanty is ready to be the Raiders’ starting running back, after a standout stint at Boise State. Last season, he ran for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns, forcing 126 missed tackles, the most in the FBS. In addition, he led the running backs in this class in yards after contact both last season (1,733) and in his entire college career (3,227).
With Raheem Mostert and Sincere McCormick as the main competitors, Jeanty has an excellent opportunity to be the primary ball carrier in the new coordinator Chip Kelly’s offense. Jeanty’s elite playmaking ability and his ability to play in all three facets of the game give him the potential to become an elite running back in the NFL.
Main Runners
Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers
2025 Projection: 215 carries, 961 yards, 9 touchdowns; 39 receptions, 282 yards, 2 touchdowns
Draft Selection: Round 1, Pick 22
Hampton is a strong and burly runner. His 3.9 yards after contact per carry average ranks fourth in this class. Although he is more about strength than agility, he impressed at the Combine tests. Hampton is a capable receiver and should find a three-down role in the NFL. He will share some carries with Najee Harris, and targets could be limited in the Jim Harbaugh/Greg Roman scheme, but there will be enough volume to allow for high-level production.
Quinshon Judkins, Cleveland Browns
2025 Projection: 211 carries, 922 yards, 6 touchdowns; 40 receptions, 285 yards, 1 touchdown
Draft Selection: Round 2, Pick 36
Like Hampton, Judkins is a strong runner who had good tests at the Combine. He led his group in the long jump (11 feet) and ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds. The Browns should keep him busy near the end zone, as he had more than 16 touchdowns in his three seasons at Ohio State. He can catch the ball, but he wasn’t very impressive in that area at Ole Miss or OSU.
Judkins will likely become Cleveland’s primary running back, although he could lose some carries to Jerome Ford and rookie Dylan Sampson.
RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos
2025 Projection: 189 carries, 841 yards, 5 touchdowns; 46 receptions, 357 yards, 2 touchdowns
Draft Selection: Round 2, Pick 60
Harvey is smaller in size (5 feet 8 inches, 205 pounds), but was productive in college. He ran for over 10 yards on 23% of his carries in 2024, the best in the class. Putting aside concerns about his size and age (24), he had the fastest 40-yard dash at the Combine (4.40) and landed in a great spot. His main competition in Denver is Jaleel McLaughlin, who is also small (5 feet 7 inches). Harvey is practically assured as the lead running back in a Sean Payton offense that prefers to rely on running backs in the passing game.
Support Runners
Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
2025 Projection: 222 carries, 947 yards, 7 touchdowns; 29 receptions, 216 yards, 1 touchdown
Draft Selection: Round 3, Pick 83
The de facto replacement for Najee Harris in the Pittsburgh offense, focused on the run. Johnson is not super fast (4.57 in the 40-yard dash) nor agile (1.62 in the 10-yard split). This limited his production at Iowa, as only 34% of his runs were for 5 or more yards. But he is one of the biggest running backs in this class, at 6 feet 1 inch and 224 pounds.
Johnson appears to be a capable receiver, but he was only targeted 38 times in college and needs to work on pass blocking. Don’t be surprised if he’s limited in that department, especially since Jaylen Warren is positioned to handle roughly a third of the carries and most of the work on passing plays.
Kaleb Johnson’s NFL draft profile.
TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots
2025 Projection: 174 carries, 775 yards, 5 touchdowns; 35 receptions, 267 yards, 2 touchdowns
Draft Selection: Round 2, Pick 38
The Ohio State product led this RB rookie class with 7.1 yards per carry last season and was effective as both a runner and receiver during his college career. His 5-foot-10-inch, 202-pound size might limit his total carries in the NFL somewhat, but he impressed at the Combine, and his elite pass-blocking skills and ability to play in all three facets of the game make him a fantastic fit in the modern NFL.
Henderson will begin the season sharing carries with Rhamondre Stevenson, although it is possible that the rookie will quickly become the Patriots’ primary running back. Stevenson was benched during parts of last season due to fumble issues.
Cam Skattebo, New York Giants
2025 Projection: 160 carries, 691 yards, 4 touchdowns; 29 receptions, 213 yards, 1 touchdown
Draft Selection: Round 4, Pick 105
He is one of the most veteran RBs in this class at 23 years old, but that’s not enough to offset his elite efficiency for two seasons at Arizona State. Skattebo’s 110 missed tackles were second only to Jeanty in the FBS last season, and his 15% target share and 11.1 yards per target were the best in the draft class in the passing game.
Skattebo isn’t super fast, but his size (5 feet 11 inches, 215 pounds) and his skill set for all three facets of the game give him a solid long-term outlook. However, his short-term numbers will likely be limited because Tyrone Tracy Jr., selected in the fifth round in 2024, had a breakout season in 2024.
Surprise Players
Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys
2025 Projection: 107 carries, 446 yards, 3 touchdowns; 16 receptions, 111 yards, 0 touchdowns
Draft Selection: Round 5, Pick 149
Blue’s workload was limited in a crowded running back group at Texas (214 carries in three seasons), but he was an effective runner: his 3.8 yards per carry after contact in his career are the fifth-best in this class, and he demonstrated his receiving skills with 42 receptions in 2024. He’s a bit undersized at 196 pounds and has had trouble holding onto the ball. However, the speed is there; he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.38 seconds.
Blue will begin his career behind newly acquired veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, but neither has played well in recent seasons, so this depth chart is wide open. The starting running back position in Dallas is ready to be taken.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars
2025 Projection: 84 carries, 363 yards, 2 touchdowns; 15 receptions, 108 yards, 1 touchdown
Draft Selection: Round 4, Pick 104
Tuten struggled with negative yardage runs (22% of his carries) and fumbles (2.5% rate, highest in the class) during his 24 games at Virginia Tech, but otherwise his efficiency was really good. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry last season, including 3.8 after contact per carry.
More importantly, Tuten dominated at the Combine with the best RB marks in the 40-yard dash (4.32) and in the vertical jump (40½ inches). He is incredibly fast with a three-down potential, although his year one opportunities are unclear with Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby on the depth chart. That could lead to a limited role early in the season, but the uncertainty also allows him the opportunity to eventually steal the starting duties.
