This yr’s NFL draft is loaded with gifted operating backs, and the 2025 rookie RB rankings are certain to be hotly contested. With so many nice prospects to select from, it may be tough to know who to draft. That is why we have put collectively a complete information to the highest operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft. On this article, we’ll give you detailed scouting stories on every participant, in addition to our projections for his or her NFL success.
One of the crucial necessary issues to contemplate when rating operating backs is their athleticism. In spite of everything, operating backs want to have the ability to run, lower, and bounce with the intention to be efficient. On this yr’s draft, there are a number of operating backs who possess elite athleticism. These gamers embrace Bijan Robinson from Texas, Evan Hull from Northwestern, and Zach Charbonnet from UCLA. All three of those gamers have the velocity, agility, and energy to achieve success within the NFL. Nonetheless, you will need to word that athleticism isn’t the one issue that determines a operating again’s success. Different elements, similar to imaginative and prescient, ball safety, and pass-catching capability, are additionally necessary.
Along with athleticism, one other necessary issue to contemplate when rating operating backs is their manufacturing. In spite of everything, operating backs are paid to attain touchdowns and acquire yards. On this yr’s draft, there are a number of operating backs who’ve put up spectacular manufacturing numbers. These gamers embrace Blake Corum from Michigan, Deuce Vaughn from Kansas State, and Sean Tucker from Syracuse. All three of those gamers have rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored a number of touchdowns this season. Nonetheless, you will need to word that manufacturing isn’t at all times a dependable indicator of future success. Some operating backs who put up huge numbers in faculty wrestle to supply within the NFL. That is why you will need to contemplate different elements, similar to athleticism and intangibles, when rating operating backs.
Rising Stars: High Rookies to Watch
| Rank | Title | Yr | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bijan Robinson | 2023 | Texas |
| 2 | Richard Reese | 2023 | Baylor |
| 3 | Jerrick Gibson | 2023 | UCF |
| 4 | Adam Randall | 2023 | Clemson |
| 5 | Kyle Porter | 2023 | UCF |
Bijan Robinson
A rising star within the operating again class of 2025 is Bijan Robinson from the College of Texas. Robinson, a real freshman, has shortly grow to be probably the most talked-about gamers in faculty soccer. In his first yr, he rushed for over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns, whereas additionally catching 26 passes for over 250 yards. Robinson has a singular mixture of dimension, velocity, and energy, making him a tough matchup for opposing defenses. He’s a risk to run the ball inside and out of doors, and he’s additionally an efficient pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Robinson is at present thought of to be the highest operating again prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft, and he’s anticipated to be a first-round decide.
Elite Prospects: The Cream of the Crop
Within the realm of rookie operating backs, a choose few stand head and shoulders above the remaining, showcasing an distinctive mix of bodily attributes, technical prowess, and game-changing potential. These elite prospects are destined to make a direct impression within the NFL, leaving their mark on the sport proper from the get-go.
One such participant who has the potential to redefine the place is TreVeyon Henderson. The Ohio State standout possesses an uncanny mixture of velocity, energy, and agility, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Henderson’s acceleration is off the charts, permitting him to burst via holes and go away defenders in his wake. His energy is clear in his capability to interrupt tackles and drive via contact, whereas his agility and elusiveness make him unimaginable to pin down. Henderson is a real game-changer who can single-handedly alter the momentum of a recreation.
| Participant | Faculty | Top | Weight | 40-Yard Sprint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TreVeyon Henderson | Ohio State | 5’9″ | 195 lbs | 4.35 seconds |
Henderson’s statistics throughout his time with the Buckeyes communicate volumes about his potential. In his true freshman season, he rushed for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns, incomes the Massive Ten Freshman of the Yr award. His sophomore season was lower brief as a result of harm, however he nonetheless managed to hurry for 577 yards and 6 touchdowns in simply six video games. Henderson’s mixture of expertise and manufacturing make him the undisputed primary prospect within the 2025 rookie operating again class.
Late Bloomers: Underneath-the-Radar Gems
Within the realm of rookie operating backs, there are sometimes hidden skills that emerge later of their collegiate careers. These “late bloomers” could not have obtained the identical hype as their early-entry counterparts, however they possess the potential to grow to be helpful belongings on the NFL degree. Listed here are just a few under-the-radar gems to regulate within the 2025 NFL Draft:
1. Zack Charbonnet, UCLA
Charbonnet is a bodily runner who has improved every season at UCLA. He’s a strong inside runner with good imaginative and prescient and steadiness, and he additionally has the velocity to interrupt away for large beneficial properties. Charbonnet has rushed for over 1,000 yards in every of the previous two seasons, and he’s on tempo to take action once more in 2024. He could possibly be a late-round steal for groups searching for a workhorse operating again.
2. CJ Donaldson, West Virginia
Donaldson is a smaller operating again, however he makes up for it together with his athleticism and instincts. He’s a shifty runner who could make defenders miss within the open discipline, and he additionally has the velocity to get to the skin. Donaldson has rushed for over 1,000 yards in every of the previous two seasons, and he’s on tempo to take action once more in 2024. He could possibly be a mid-round decide for groups searching for a change-of-pace operating again.
3. Donovan Inexperienced, North Carolina
With lightening velocity,
| Participant | College | 2024 Stats |
| Donovan Inexperienced | North Carolina | 193 rushes, 2,012 yards, 25 TDs |
Inexperienced’s rise to stardom has been fueled by his pure expertise and unwavering willpower. Earlier than his breakout season, he labored tirelessly within the offseason, honing his abilities and making ready for his probability to shine. His dedication and resilience are evident in his distinctive efficiency on the sector. Because the draft approaches, NFL scouts will likely be keen to judge Inexperienced’s dynamic skills, and he’s undoubtedly poised to grow to be a extremely sought-after prospect.
Dynasty Dominators: Gamers to Construct Round
The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping as much as be a loaded one, particularly on the operating again place. A number of gifted prospects are anticipated to declare, they usually may all have a significant impression on dynasty leagues. Listed here are 4 operating backs to focus on in dynasty drafts:
Bijan Robinson, Texas
Robinson is a 5-star recruit who is taken into account probably the greatest operating again prospects within the nation. He’s a bodily runner, weighing in at 6’0″, 215 lbs. Robinson additionally has nice velocity and agility, making him a risk to attain from anyplace on the sector.
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Nick Singleton, Penn State
Singleton is a 4-star recruit who is taken into account to be probably the most explosive operating backs within the nation. He’s a home-run risk each time he touches the ball. Singleton additionally has good imaginative and prescient and pass-catching capability, making him a flexible weapon within the passing recreation.
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Evan Hull, Northwestern
Hull is a 3-star recruit who is taken into account to be probably the most productive operating backs within the nation. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in every of the previous two seasons. Hull is a tricky, bodily runner who can be a superb receiver out of the backfield.
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Kaytron Allen, Florida
Allen is a 4-star recruit who is taken into account to be probably the most versatile operating backs within the nation. He’s a gifted runner, receiver, and returner. Allen has the potential to be a do-it-all participant within the NFL.
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| Title | Staff | Place |
|---|---|---|
| Bijan Robinson | Texas | Working again |
| Nick Singleton | Penn State | Working again |
| Evan Hull | Northwestern | Working again |
| Kaytron Allen | Florida | Working again |
Sleeper Picks: Potential Worth Steals
Whereas the highest tier of operating again prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft is well-established, there are a number of under-the-radar gamers who may emerge as helpful belongings in fantasy soccer. These sleeper picks possess intriguing ability units and have the potential to shock scouts and analysts alike.
5. John Doe, College of XYZ
Regardless of not being a family identify at this level, John Doe has all of the instruments to be a productive operating again within the NFL. He boasts distinctive go off the road of scrimmage, fast ft, and a knack for locating holes within the protection. Doe additionally has good dimension and energy, making him a risk as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Whereas he could not possess the breakaway velocity of a few of the different high prospects, his general ability set means that he could possibly be a dependable and constant contributor within the professionals.
| Title | Faculty | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Doe | College of XYZ | Burst, fast ft, hole-finding capability | Breakaway velocity |
Control these sleeper picks because the draft approaches. With their distinctive abilities and potential, they might present fantasy house owners with helpful depth and upside within the 2025 season and past.
Excessive-Danger, Excessive-Reward Choices
T.J. Pledger, USC
Regardless of dealing with stiff competitors at USC, Pledger has flashed his potential as a dynamic playmaker. Together with his explosive velocity and agility, he can create huge performs within the open discipline. Nonetheless, his sturdiness issues (he is missed video games as a result of accidents) and smaller dimension (5’9″) make him a high-risk, high-reward prospect.
Eric Grey, Tennessee
Grey is a flexible operating again with a compact construct and good athleticism. He is a easy runner with fast ft and a low heart of gravity. Nonetheless, he lacks the breakaway velocity of another prospects and may wrestle towards larger defenders.
Jaydn Ott, Cal
Ott is a real freshman who made a direct impression for Cal in 2023. He is a bodily runner with a strong body and good imaginative and prescient. Nonetheless, he wants to enhance his go safety and grow to be extra constant as a receiver.
Dillon Johnson, Texas A&M
Johnson is a gifted pass-catching specialist who excelled within the slot at Texas A&M. He is fast, elusive, and has sturdy fingers. Nonetheless, his dimension (5’10”, 190 lbs) and lack of expertise as a standard operating again could restrict his upside.
Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma
Kanak is a giant, bodily runner who has the potential to be a workhorse within the NFL. He is a strong runner with good steadiness and imaginative and prescient. Nonetheless, his lack of athleticism and straight-line velocity could make him much less efficient within the open discipline.
Byron Cardwell, South Carolina
Cardwell is a uncooked however gifted operating again with a uncommon mixture of dimension (6’1″, 235 lbs) and velocity. He is a tough runner with good burst and acceleration. Nonetheless, he must develop his approach and grow to be extra constant.
| Rank | Participant | Staff |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bijan Robinson | Texas |
| 2 | Rueben Owens | Louisville |
| 3 | Richard Reese | Baylor |
| 4 | Chris Johnson | Florida |
| 5 | Israel Abanikanda | Pittsburgh |
| 6 | T.J. Pledger | USC |
| 7 | Eric Grey | Tennessee |
| 8 | Jaydn Ott | Cal |
Scouting Experiences: In-Depth Participant Evaluation
7. [Player Name]
Standing at [Height] and weighing [Weight], [Player Name] possesses an intriguing mix of dimension and athleticism. His sturdy body permits him to soak up and shed tackles with ease, whereas his nimble ft and fast burst make him a risk in each the operating and passing recreation.
Considered one of [Player Name]’s most notable attributes is his capability to create yards after contact. He reveals glorious steadiness, imaginative and prescient, and a powerful decrease physique, enabling him to realize further yardage via missed tackles and damaged tackles. His brief and fast steps permit him to alter path and keep away from pursuit, making him a tough participant to convey down.
Along with his speeding prowess, [Player Name] can be a reliable receiving again. He has delicate fingers, runs exact routes, and possesses the flexibility to make contested catches over the center. His versatility in each elements of the sport makes him a helpful asset to any offense.
| Attribute | Score |
|---|---|
| Pace | 8/10 |
| Energy | 9/10 |
| Agility | 7/10 |
| Receiving | 8/10 |
| Imaginative and prescient | 9/10 |
Together with his mixture of physicality, athleticism, and receiving abilities, [Player Name] has the potential to be a do-it-all operating again. He tasks to be a high-impact participant on the subsequent degree, able to making a big contribution to any NFL group.
Discount Bin Bonanzas: Discovering Expertise on the Low cost
Quantity 8: Deuce Vaughn
Vaughn was the main rusher within the Massive 12 in each 2021 and 2022, averaging over 120 speeding yards per recreation. He stands at a compact 5’6″, however he makes up for his lack of dimension together with his distinctive velocity, agility, and quickness. Vaughn has a knack for locating holes within the protection and may flip a routine run into a giant play together with his explosive strikes. Regardless of his smaller stature, he has proven the flexibility to tackle defenders and acquire robust yards. Vaughn’s receiving capability additionally provides worth to his profile, as he caught 21 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns in 2022.
| Yr | Makes an attempt | Yards | TDs | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 187 | 1,404 | 18 | ||||||||||||
| 2022 | 195 | 1,483 | 18
Vaughn’s NFL Draft inventory could also be barely decrease as a result of his dimension, however he has the potential to be a helpful asset to an NFL group. His distinctive athleticism and playmaking capability make him a viable choice as a beginning operating again or a dynamic change-of-pace choice in a high-octane offense. Fantasy house owners ought to regulate Vaughn within the later rounds of drafts, as he may present a big return on funding together with his explosive play type. Harm Projections: Mitigating Danger### Understanding Harm Likelihood Understanding the probability of an harm occurring will help fantasy soccer managers make knowledgeable roster choices and mitigate danger. Elements similar to utilization, play type, and harm historical past can present helpful insights right into a participant’s potential to maintain an harm. For instance, operating backs with a historical past of a number of concussions or ACL tears could carry the next danger of re-injury. ### Evaluating Utilization The variety of touches a operating again receives per recreation can considerably impression their harm danger. Working backs with excessive workloads are extra prone to put on and tear and have a better probability of sustaining an harm. As an illustration, operating backs who common over 20 touches per recreation have a considerably larger harm price in comparison with those that common lower than 15 touches per recreation. ### Play Type Issues Sure play types may also enhance a operating again’s harm danger. Working backs who’re identified for his or her physicality and energy operating could also be extra prone to maintain an harm because of the elevated contact they expertise. However, shifty and elusive operating backs who depend on quickness and agility are likely to have decrease harm charges. ### Evaluating Harm Historical past A operating again’s harm historical past can present a helpful indication of their future harm danger. Gamers with a historical past of a number of accidents, particularly vital ones like concussions or ACL tears, could carry the next danger of re-injury. Contemplating a operating again’s harm historical past alongside different elements will help fantasy managers make knowledgeable choices about their potential for staying wholesome and contributing to their fantasy groups. Fantasy Impression: Predicting Rookie Contributions10. Bijan Robinson, TexasRobinson is a gifted operating again who has the potential to be a star within the NFL. He has an amazing mixture of dimension, velocity, and energy, and he’s additionally an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Robinson is predicted to be a workhorse for the Longhorns in 2023, and he ought to put up some spectacular numbers. He’s a participant who may make a direct impression within the NFL, and he is likely one of the most fun prospects on this yr’s draft class. Robinson is at present ranked because the No. 10 operating again prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft by ESPN. He’s projected to be a first-round decide, and he could possibly be one of many first operating backs taken off the board. Robinson has the potential to be an excellent fantasy soccer participant, and he could possibly be a helpful addition to any fantasy group. Here’s a desk that summarizes Robinson’s key statistics:
2025 Rookie RB RankingsWith the 2025 NFL Draft quickly approaching, it is time to begin looking on the high operating again prospects who may make an impression on the subsequent degree. Listed here are my high 5 rookie RBs for 2025:
Folks Additionally Ask About 2025 Rookie RB Rankings
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