The 2025 NFL Draft is rife with running back talent. That lines up well with plenty of teams needing either feature workhorses or complementary committee options.
Not only are there fine top-line prospects this year, but there’s also incredible depth, from power backs to change-of-pace receiving types.
Here’s looking at the 10 best RBs who all should be selected from April 24-26.
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1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (5-8, 211 pounds)
Jeanty is a compact power runner who’s hard to bring down after initial contact between the tackles and also has some rare explosive qualities when he bursts into the open field. He can handle a feature volume and is a receiving asset when needed. There’s no question he’s a rare complete back capable of carrying an entire load. He may not last past the Raiders at No. 6, but the Cowboys also are a great fit.
Draft projection: Early first round
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2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina (6-0, 221 pounds)
Hampton is no mere consolation prize after Jeanty, as he’s an excellent workhorse in his own right with a fine blend of power, quickness, and hands. He can also deliver with explosiveness through the red zone, with his best fits being teams like the Broncos or Steelers.
Draft projection: Mid first round to second round
3. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State (6-0, 221 pounds)
Judkins is built like Hampton but is known more for packing a stronger punch as a power runner. He also can tap into some unrealized production as a receiver. He’s an early-down hammer with a third-down capacity in progress.
Draft projection: Second round
4. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State (5-11, 215 pounds)
Skattebo is getting real interest as a more dynamic, versatile ball carrier than a glorified fullback given his unique punch and production firing up the offense in Tempe. His high-energy presence for a backfield creates an extra boost. He can be valuable in any scheme.
Draft projection: Second round to third round
5. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa (6-0, 225 pounds)
Johnson is known for his strong downfield running, and he can stay on the field to contribute well there before he rounds more into a receiving option. He would fit best with the Bears or Browns.
Draft projection: Second round to third round
6. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State (5-10, 202 pounds)
Henderson matched Judkins in Columbus with his solid power running, but he was known for having a little more change-of-pace juice, including as a receiver.
Draft projection: Second round to third round
7. Dylan Sampson, Tennessee (5-8, 200 pounds)
Sampson is coming off big-time production in Knoxville, but for the NFL, he’s an ideal change-of-pace complement to a heavy-touch lead, such as Jonathan Taylor in Indianapolis.
Draft projection: Third round
8. R.J. Harvey, UCF (5-8, 205 pounds)
Harvey is much like Sampson in his build, and despite his size, he has great Frank Gore-like power qualities. His speed and quickness can add a big-play backfield element to any team.
Draft projection: Third round
9. Devin Neal, Kansas (5-11, 213 pounds)
Neal has the quick-cutting, vision, and natural following of blocks to thrive in a zone-blocking running scheme for a variety of teams who operate 49ers-adjacent offenses.
Draft projection: Third round to fourth round
10. Trevor Etienne, Georgia (5-9, 198 pounds)
Etienne, the brother of Jaguars 2021 first-rounder Travis (5-10, 215 pounds), is smaller all-around but has a similar strong receiving skill set with underrated inside running pop.
Draft projection: Fourth round
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