The 2025 NFL Draft continues to be a great distance away, however there are already various operating backs who’re anticipated to be excessive draft picks. These gamers have all proven spectacular expertise on the faculty stage, and they’re anticipated to make a right away affect within the NFL.
One of the crucial extremely touted operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft is Bijan Robinson of the Texas Longhorns. Robinson is a strong and elusive runner who has the power to make massive performs. He’s additionally an excellent receiver out of the backfield. In his sophomore season at Texas, Robinson rushed for 1,127 yards and 15 touchdowns. He additionally caught 26 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns.
One other operating again who is anticipated to be a excessive draft choose in 2025 is Zach Charbonnet of the UCLA Bruins. Charbonnet is a bruising runner who’s tough to sort out. He’s additionally an excellent go blocker. In his sophomore season at UCLA, Charbonnet rushed for 1,138 yards and 12 touchdowns. He additionally caught 21 passes for 182 yards.
Strengths and Weaknesses of Key Gamers
Bijan Robinson, Texas
Strengths: Elite stability and agility; glorious imaginative and prescient and persistence; highly effective decrease physique with sturdy leg drive; distinctive pass-catching capacity.
Weaknesses: Restricted top-end pace; can get caught within the backfield if he would not have a clear launch; often loses stability when making cuts.
Rueben Owens, South Carolina
Strengths: Wonderful measurement and physicality; highly effective runner with good leg drive; spectacular stability and physique management; versatile pass-catcher.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite pace and agility; imaginative and prescient and persistence may be inconsistent; tends to lose momentum when making cuts.
Domani Jackson, Southern California
Strengths: Distinctive pace and acceleration; elusive runner with fast toes; good stability and physique management; harmful within the open subject.
Weaknesses: Measurement and physicality are issues; lacks a constant energy base; decision-making may be questionable at instances.
Richard Reese, Baylor
Strengths: Explosive and dynamic runner; combines pace and energy successfully; good imaginative and prescient and persistence; dependable pass-catcher.
Weaknesses: Measurement could also be a limiting issue; sturdiness is a slight concern; can lose momentum when altering course.
AJ Swann, Vanderbilt
Strengths: Highly effective and hard-nosed runner; glorious leg drive and talent to interrupt tackles; runs with good pad stage and stability; constant pass-catcher.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite pace and agility; imaginative and prescient and decision-making may be improved; might wrestle to create massive performs within the open subject.
Draft Predictions and Mock Drafts
The 2025 NFL Draft continues to be a methods away, however there are already various highly-touted operating backs who’re anticipated to be taken within the first spherical. Here’s a have a look at a few of the high operating again prospects and the place they’re projected to go within the draft:
Prime Working Again Prospects
Title | School | Projection |
---|---|---|
Marvin Jones Jr. | Ohio State | Prime 5 choose |
Camar Wheaton | Texas | Prime 10 choose |
Evan Hull | Northwestern | 1st spherical |
Aidan Robbins | Clemson | 1st spherical |
Kyle McCord | Ohio State | 1st spherical |
Mock Drafts
A number of mock drafts have already been launched, and the consensus appears to be that Marvin Jones Jr. would be the first operating again taken within the 2025 NFL Draft. HERE are how some mock drafts have projected the highest 5 operating backs to be chosen:
Decide | Crew | Participant |
---|---|---|
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 Impression of Working Backs within the Fashionable NFL
Working backs are nonetheless an necessary a part of the fashionable NFL. Whereas the passing sport has change into extra necessary in recent times, operating backs nonetheless play an important function in transferring the chains and scoring touchdowns.
Working backs may be divided into two major classes: energy backs, akin to Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry, and pace backs, akin to Tyreek Hill and Christian McCaffrey. Energy backs are identified for his or her energy and talent to interrupt tackles, whereas pace backs are identified for his or her quickness and talent to make massive performs within the open subject.
The Evolution of the Working Again Place
The operating again place has advanced over time. Prior to now, operating backs had been primarily used as ball carriers. Nevertheless, in recent times, they’ve change into extra concerned within the passing sport. Working backs are actually typically used as receivers out of the backfield, and a few even line up as extensive receivers.
The evolution of the operating again place has been pushed by the rising significance of the passing sport. In immediately’s NFL, groups want operating backs who can do extra than simply run the ball. They want operating backs who can catch passes out of the backfield and make performs within the open subject.
The next desk exhibits the highest 10 operating backs within the NFL in 2021, ranked by complete scrimmage yards:
Rank | Participant | Crew | 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
Working Backs
The 2025 NFL Draft is anticipated to be loaded with gifted operating backs. Nevertheless, there are just a few gamers who might slip by way of the cracks and change into steals on draft day.
Kendre Miller, Texas
Miller is a strong and elusive runner who has the potential to be a three-down again within the NFL. He has good measurement at 6’0″, 225 kilos, and he runs with a low middle of gravity that makes him tough to sort out. Miller can be a superb receiver out of the backfield, and he has the power to make defenders miss within the open subject.
Richard Reese, Baylor
Reese is a dynamic playmaker who can rating from anyplace on the sphere. He’s a shifty runner with glorious acceleration and top-end pace. Reese can be a harmful return specialist, and he has the potential to be a game-changer within the NFL.
Gavin Sawchuk, California
Sawchuk is an enormous, bodily runner who is thought for his toughness and sturdiness. He isn’t the quickest or most athletic operating again within the draft, however he’s a grinder who can get the robust yards. Sawchuk can be a superb blocker, and he might help his workforce in go safety.
Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma
Kanak is a flexible operating again who can do all of it. He is an efficient runner between the tackles, and he can even catch passes out of the backfield. Kanak will not be the largest or quickest operating again within the draft, however he is a brilliant and instinctive participant who could make an affect within the NFL.
Sean Tucker, Syracuse
Tucker is a productive operating again who has rushed for over 1,000 yards in every of the previous two seasons. He’s a troublesome and bodily runner who can get the robust yards, however he additionally has good pace and agility. Tucker is an efficient receiver out of the backfield, and he can even contribute on particular groups.
Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
Charbonnet is a dynamic operating again with a uncommon mixture of measurement, pace, and energy. He’s a nightmare for defenders to sort out, and he has the potential to be a workhorse again within the NFL. Charbonnet can be a superb receiver out of the backfield, and he could make defenders miss within the open subject.
Rank | Participant |
---|---|
1 | Kendre Miller |
2 | Richard Reese |
3 | Gavin Sawchuk |
4 | Jaren Kanak |
5 | Sean Tucker |
6 | Zach Charbonnet |
These are just some of the operating backs who may very well be out there within the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. If they can slip by way of the cracks, they may very well be steals for his or her respective groups.
Dynasty Fantasy Soccer Implications
Excessive-Scoring Working Backs
In dynasty leagues, high-scoring operating backs are extremely wanted. These gamers present constant factors and might help fantasy groups win championships. Among the high operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft who’re anticipated to be excessive scorers in fantasy soccer embody:
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Twin-Risk Working Backs
Twin-threat operating backs are gamers who can each run and catch passes out of the backfield. These gamers have gotten more and more invaluable in fantasy soccer, as they provide a various vary of expertise that may assist fantasy groups win. Among the high dual-threat operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft embody:
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Move-Catching Working Backs
Move-catching operating backs are gamers who’re primarily used as receivers out of the backfield. These gamers can present fantasy groups with a dependable supply of receptions and yards, significantly in PPR (factors per reception) leagues. Among the high pass-catching operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft embody:
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Workhorse Working Backs
Workhorse operating backs are gamers who’re anticipated to hold the majority of the load for his or her groups. These gamers are sometimes sturdy and have good measurement and energy. Among the high workhorse operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft embody:
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Sleeper Working Backs
Sleeper operating backs are gamers who usually are not thought of to be high prospects however have the potential to be invaluable fantasy contributors. These gamers can typically be discovered within the later rounds of dynasty drafts or as undrafted free brokers. Some potential sleeper operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft embody:
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Harm-Inclined Working Backs
Harm-prone operating backs are gamers who’ve a historical past of accidents. These gamers may be dangerous dynasty investments, as they might not be capable of keep wholesome sufficient to be dependable fantasy contributors. Some injury-prone operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft embody:
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Working Backs to Keep away from
There are some operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft who needs to be averted in dynasty leagues. These gamers might have poor athleticism, lack of manufacturing, or different elements that make them unlikely to achieve success within the NFL. Some operating backs to keep away from within the 2025 NFL Draft embody:
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Worth vs. Common Draft Place (ADP)
The next desk exhibits the present ADP for a few of the high operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft:
Participant | ADP |
---|---|
[Player name] | [ADP] |
[Player name] | [ADP] |
[Player name] | [ADP] |
[Player name] | [ADP] |
[Player name] | [ADP] |
[Player name] | [ADP] |
Comparability to Historic Draft Courses
The 2023 NFL Draft Class
The 2023 NFL Draft class is taken into account one of many deepest and most gifted operating again courses in current reminiscence. With various potential first-round picks and a number of other others who might go within the second or third spherical, this class has the potential to provide various affect gamers on the NFL stage.
Historic Draft Courses
To place the 2023 operating again class in context, it’s useful to match it to a few of the finest operating again courses in NFL historical past. Among the most notable current operating again courses embody:
12 months | Notable Working Backs |
---|---|
2017 | Alvin Kamara, Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Prepare dinner |
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 Courses
The 2023 operating again class has various similarities to a few of the finest current operating again courses. First, the category could be very deep, with various gamers who may very well be drafted within the first three rounds. Second, the category is gifted, with a number of gamers who’ve the potential to be affect gamers on the NFL stage. Lastly, the category is numerous, with various various kinds of operating backs who might match into quite a lot of NFL offenses.
Nevertheless, the 2023 operating again class additionally has some weaknesses. For instance, the category lacks a real top-tier prospect like Alvin Kamara or Saquon Barkley. Moreover, the category is considerably top-heavy, with the very best gamers more likely to be drafted within the first two rounds.
General, the 2023 operating again class is an excellent one, however it isn’t fairly as sturdy as a few of the finest current operating again courses. Nevertheless, the category has various gamers who might become affect gamers on the NFL stage, and it will likely be attention-grabbing to see how they carry out within the years to return.
Working Backs to Keep away from within the Draft
1. Gamers with Extreme Put on and Tear
Working backs endure vital bodily punishment throughout their careers. Keep away from gamers who’ve a historical past of main accidents or who’ve performed a excessive variety of snaps in faculty. These gamers usually tend to expertise accidents and decline in manufacturing sooner.
2. Gamers with Poor Imaginative and prescient and Determination-Making
Working backs want glorious imaginative and prescient to seek out holes within the protection and make the precise cuts. They need to even have sturdy decision-making expertise to know when to hit the opening, bounce exterior, or pass-protect. Gamers who lack these attributes will wrestle to provide on the NFL stage.
3. Gamers with Fumbles and Ball Safety Points
Fumbles are expensive turnovers that may kill drives and lose video games. Keep away from operating backs who’ve a historical past of fumbles or who’ve poor ball-handling expertise. These gamers are unreliable and may put their workforce in harmful conditions.
4. Gamers with Restricted Versatility
Fashionable NFL offenses demand operating backs who can do extra than simply run the ball. They want to have the ability to catch passes out of the backfield, block successfully, and return kicks. Keep away from gamers who lack versatility, as they are going to have restricted worth in immediately’s sport.
5. Gamers with Immaturity or Character Issues
Character is simply as necessary as expertise within the NFL. Keep away from operating backs who’ve a historical past of off-field points, akin to arrests, drug use, or educational issues. These gamers may be distractions and locker room issues.
6. Gamers from Weak or Inefficient Offenses
Working backs can solely be pretty much as good as their offensive line and quarterback. Keep away from gamers who come from faculty offenses that had been weak or inefficient. These gamers might not have had the chance to showcase their true expertise.
7. Gamers with Poor Mix Outcomes
The NFL Mix offers scouts and analysts with an opportunity to judge gamers’ athleticism and bodily capabilities. Keep away from operating backs who’ve poor performances in key metrics, such because the 40-yard sprint, vertical bounce, and agility drills.
8. Gamers with Restricted Manufacturing in School
School manufacturing is a robust indicator of future NFL success. Keep away from operating backs who had restricted manufacturing or who performed in a small-conference program. These gamers might not be prepared for the pains of the NFL.
9. Gamers with Character Issues
Character issues is usually a crimson flag for operating backs. Keep away from gamers who’ve a historical past of off-field points, akin to arrests, drug use, or educational issues. These gamers may be distractions and locker room issues.
10. Gamers with Poor Receiving Expertise
In immediately’s NFL, operating backs are anticipated to have the ability to catch passes out of the backfield. Keep away from operating backs who’ve poor receiving expertise or who lack expertise within the passing sport. These gamers can have restricted worth in trendy offenses.
Participant | Causes to Keep away from |
---|---|
Participant A | Extreme put on and tear, poor imaginative and prescient, restricted versatility |
Participant B | Character issues, poor mix outcomes, restricted manufacturing |
Participant C | Poor receiving expertise, lack of expertise within the passing sport |
2025 NFL Draft Working Backs: A Preliminary Look
The 2025 NFL Draft continues to be two years away, however scouts are already beginning to determine the highest operating again prospects. Here is a have a look at a few of the gamers who may very well be making an affect within the NFL in 2025:
- Bijan Robinson, Texas: Robinson is a 5-star recruit who is taken into account to be among the best operating again prospects within the nation. He has an excellent mixture of measurement, pace, and energy, and he’s additionally an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
- Evan Stewart, Texas A&M: Stewart is one other 5-star recruit who is taken into account to be one of many high all-around athletes within the nation. He’s a flexible participant who can play operating again, extensive receiver, or defensive again. He’s an excellent runner with glorious pace and agility, and he’s additionally an excellent receiver.
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama: Gibbs is a 4-star recruit who is taken into account to be one of many high operating backs within the nation. He’s an excellent runner with glorious pace and agility, and he’s additionally an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
- Oscar Delp, Georgia: Delp is a 4-star recruit who is taken into account to be one of many high operating backs within the nation. He’s an excellent runner with glorious measurement and energy, and he’s additionally an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
- Richard Reese, Baylor: Reese is a 4-star recruit who is taken into account to be one of many high operating backs within the nation. He’s an excellent runner with glorious pace and agility, and he’s additionally an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
These are just some of the highest operating again prospects who may very well be out there within the 2025 NFL Draft. It’s nonetheless too early to say who would be the finest gamers within the draft, however these are a few of the gamers who’ve the potential to be stars on the subsequent stage.
Individuals Additionally Ask About 2025 NFL Draft Working Backs
What are the highest operating again prospects within the 2025 NFL Draft?
Among the high operating again prospects within the 2025 NFL Draft embody Bijan Robinson, Evan Stewart, Jahmyr Gibbs, Oscar Delp, and Richard Reese.
Who’s the very best operating again prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft?
It’s nonetheless too early to say who the very best operating again prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft is, however Bijan Robinson is taken into account to be one of many high prospects within the nation.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Bijan Robinson?
Bijan Robinson is an excellent operating again prospect with glorious measurement, pace, and energy. He’s additionally an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Nevertheless, he may be susceptible to fumbles.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Evan Stewart?
Evan Stewart is a really versatile participant who can play operating again, extensive receiver, or defensive again. He’s an excellent runner with glorious pace and agility, and he’s additionally an excellent receiver. Nevertheless, he may be susceptible to accidents.