It feels like just yesterday we were talking about the 2024 NFL offseason, with big names like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry making waves by changing teams. That year, the draft wasn't exactly overflowing with top-tier running backs, leading many teams to rely on free agency. But looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, the landscape shifts dramatically. We're hearing whispers that there could be over 30 running backs with draftable grades, a far cry from the previous year.
Leading the charge is Ashton Jeanty from Boise State. This guy is something special, quite literally carrying his team to the college playoffs. He's an explosive runner, capable of handling a huge workload – and importantly, he stayed healthy through it all. Jeanty brings a tough, physical style with that game-breaking speed that scouts love. He's the kind of player who can make an immediate impact.
Then there's TreVeyon Henderson out of Ohio State. If you're looking for that dynamic, home-run threat who can also catch the ball out of the backfield, Henderson might be your guy. While he might not be the biggest back on the board, his ability in pass protection is a huge plus, often a key factor for getting on the field early in their NFL careers. He showed flashes of that big-play ability in the college playoffs, and he's definitely someone to watch.
Omarion Hampton from North Carolina brings a different kind of energy. He's got good speed and runs with a real aggressive, downhill mentality. He runs hard, sometimes maybe a bit too hard, and could benefit from slowing down to read his blocks better. But make no mistake, he has the speed to outrun defenders and the power to run through them.
Another Ohio State standout, Quinshon Judkins, is also generating buzz. He's a tough runner who's shown he can catch the ball well. Judkins possesses the power to grind out tough yards inside and the patience to find the edge on zone plays. And that sub-4.5 40-yard dash speed he clocked? That certainly doesn't hurt his draft stock.
Arizona State's Cam Skattebo might not have elite speed, but he sure knows how to break off long runs. His contact balance is incredible; he's incredibly difficult to bring down. This running style, however, means he takes a lot of hits. He's also a very capable receiver out of the backfield.
And keep an eye out for a potential sleeper: Damien Martinez. After a stellar career at Oregon State, where he was the Pac-12 Offensive Rookie of the Year, and then another 1,000-yard season at Miami, Martinez has the size and bruising style you'd expect from a power back. But he also averages over 6 yards per carry and shows good contact balance and pass-blocking skills. He looks ready to be a significant part of an NFL backfield, possibly even an every-down back.
What's truly exciting about this 2025 running back class is the sheer variety and depth. It's being called one of the strongest position groups in the entire draft. You've got potential superstars, plenty of guys who can be solid starters, and great depth throughout. It’s a group that truly has something for everyone, and you might even find some incredible value on the later days of the draft.
