5 NFL Draft Running Backs to Watch in 2025

5 NFL Draft Running Backs to Watch in 2025

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The 2025 NFL Draft remains to be a great distance away, however there are already a lot of operating backs who’re anticipated to be excessive draft picks. These gamers have all proven spectacular abilities on the faculty degree, and they’re anticipated to make a right away impression 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 robust and elusive runner who has the flexibility to make huge 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 troublesome to deal with. He’s additionally an excellent cross 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 steadiness and agility; glorious imaginative and prescient and endurance; highly effective decrease physique with robust leg drive; distinctive pass-catching capability.

Weaknesses: Restricted top-end pace; can get caught within the backfield if he would not have a clear launch; often loses steadiness when making cuts.

Rueben Owens, South Carolina

Strengths: Glorious measurement and physicality; highly effective runner with good leg drive; spectacular steadiness and physique management; versatile pass-catcher.

Weaknesses: Lacks elite pace and agility; imaginative and prescient and endurance could be inconsistent; tends to lose momentum when making cuts.

Domani Jackson, Southern California

Strengths: Distinctive pace and acceleration; elusive runner with fast ft; good steadiness and physique management; harmful within the open subject.

Weaknesses: Dimension and physicality are considerations; lacks a constant energy base; decision-making could be questionable at instances.

Richard Reese, Baylor

Strengths: Explosive and dynamic runner; combines pace and energy successfully; good imaginative and prescient and endurance; dependable pass-catcher.

Weaknesses: Dimension 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 degree and steadiness; constant pass-catcher.

Weaknesses: Lacks elite pace and agility; imaginative and prescient and decision-making could be improved; might wrestle to create huge performs within the open subject.

Draft Predictions and Mock Drafts

The 2025 NFL Draft remains to be a methods away, however there are already a lot of highly-touted operating backs who’re anticipated to be taken within the first spherical. Here’s a have a look at a number of the high operating again prospects and the place they’re projected to go within the draft:

Prime Operating 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:

Choose 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 Operating Backs within the Fashionable NFL

Operating backs are nonetheless an necessary a part of the trendy NFL. Whereas the passing sport has develop into extra necessary in recent times, operating backs nonetheless play a significant position in transferring the chains and scoring touchdowns.

Operating backs could be divided into two essential classes: energy backs, comparable to Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry, and pace backs, comparable to Tyreek Hill and Christian McCaffrey. Energy backs are recognized for his or her power and talent to interrupt tackles, whereas pace backs are recognized for his or her quickness and talent to make huge performs within the open subject.

The Evolution of the Operating Again Place

The operating again place has developed over time. Up to now, operating backs had been primarily used as ball carriers. Nonetheless, in recent times, they’ve develop into extra concerned within the passing sport. Operating backs at the moment are usually 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 at present’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

Operating Backs

The 2025 NFL Draft is anticipated to be loaded with proficient operating backs. Nonetheless, there are a number of gamers who might slip by the cracks and develop into steals on draft day.

Kendre Miller, Texas

Miller is a robust 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 troublesome to deal with. Miller can be a very good receiver out of the backfield, and he has the flexibility 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 understood 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 powerful yards. Sawchuk can be a very good blocker, and he may also help his crew in cross 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 may catch passes out of the backfield. Kanak just isn’t the most important or quickest operating again within the draft, however he is a brilliant and instinctive participant who could make an impression 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 tricky and bodily runner who can get the powerful yards, however he additionally has good pace and agility. Tucker is an efficient receiver out of the backfield, and he may 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 deal with, and he has the potential to be a workhorse again within the NFL. Charbonnet can be a very good 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 could possibly be accessible within the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. If they can slip by the cracks, they could possibly be steals for his or her respective groups.

Dynasty Fantasy Soccer Implications

Excessive-Scoring Operating Backs

In dynasty leagues, high-scoring operating backs are extremely wanted. These gamers present constant factors and may also help fantasy groups win championships. A few of 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-Menace Operating 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 worthwhile in fantasy soccer, as they provide a various vary of abilities that may assist fantasy groups win. A few of the high dual-threat operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft embody:

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Go-Catching Operating Backs

Go-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. A few of the high pass-catching operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft embody:

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Workhorse Operating 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 power. A few of the high workhorse operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft embody:

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Sleeper Operating Backs

Sleeper operating backs are gamers who aren’t thought-about to be high prospects however have the potential to be worthwhile fantasy contributors. These gamers can usually 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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Damage-Susceptible Operating Backs

Damage-prone operating backs are gamers who’ve a historical past of accidents. These gamers could 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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Operating Backs to Keep away from

There are some operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft who ought to be prevented in dynasty leagues. These gamers might have poor athleticism, lack of manufacturing, or different components 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 number of the high operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft:

Participant ADP
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Comparability to Historic Draft Lessons

The 2023 NFL Draft Class

The 2023 NFL Draft class is taken into account one of many deepest and most proficient operating again courses in latest reminiscence. With a lot of 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 supply a lot of impression gamers on the NFL degree.

Historic Draft Lessons

To place the 2023 operating again class in context, it’s useful to check it to a number of the greatest operating again courses in NFL historical past. A few of the most notable latest operating again courses embody:

12 months Notable Operating Backs
2017 Alvin Kamara, Leonard Fournette, Christian McCaffrey, Dalvin Cook 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 Lessons

The 2023 operating again class has a lot of similarities to a number of the greatest latest operating again courses. First, the category could be very deep, with a lot of gamers who could possibly be drafted within the first three rounds. Second, the category is proficient, with a number of gamers who’ve the potential to be impression gamers on the NFL degree. Lastly, the category is various, with a lot of several types of operating backs who might match into quite a lot of NFL offenses.

Nonetheless, 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 most effective gamers more likely to be drafted within the first two rounds.

Total, the 2023 operating again class is an excellent one, however it isn’t fairly as robust as a number of the greatest latest operating again courses. Nonetheless, the category has a lot of gamers who might become impression gamers on the NFL degree, and it is going to be attention-grabbing to see how they carry out within the years to come back.

Operating Backs to Keep away from within the Draft

1. Gamers with Extreme Put on and Tear

Operating backs endure important 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 Choice-Making

Operating backs want glorious imaginative and prescient to seek out holes within the protection and make the best cuts. They need to even have robust decision-making abilities to know when to hit the outlet, bounce outdoors, or pass-protect. Gamers who lack these attributes will wrestle to supply on the NFL degree.

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 abilities. These gamers are unreliable and may put their crew 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 may have restricted worth in at present’s sport.

5. Gamers with Immaturity or Character Considerations

Character is simply as necessary as expertise within the NFL. Keep away from operating backs who’ve a historical past of off-field points, comparable to arrests, drug use, or tutorial issues. These gamers could be distractions and locker room issues.

6. Gamers from Weak or Inefficient Offenses

Operating backs can solely be nearly 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 gives scouts and analysts with an opportunity to guage gamers’ athleticism and bodily capabilities. Keep away from operating backs who’ve poor performances in key metrics, such because the 40-yard sprint, vertical soar, 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 will not be prepared for the trials of the NFL.

9. Gamers with Character Considerations

Character considerations is usually a purple flag for operating backs. Keep away from gamers who’ve a historical past of off-field points, comparable to arrests, drug use, or tutorial issues. These gamers could be distractions and locker room issues.

10. Gamers with Poor Receiving Expertise

In at present’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 abilities or who lack expertise within the passing sport. These gamers may 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 considerations, poor mix outcomes, restricted manufacturing
Participant C Poor receiving abilities, lack of expertise within the passing sport

2025 NFL Draft Operating Backs: A Preliminary Look

The 2025 NFL Draft remains 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 number of the gamers who could possibly be making an impression 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 important 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 could possibly be accessible within the 2025 NFL Draft. It’s nonetheless too early to say who would be the greatest gamers within the draft, however these are a number of the gamers who’ve the potential to be stars on the subsequent degree.

Individuals Additionally Ask About 2025 NFL Draft Operating Backs

What are the highest operating again prospects within the 2025 NFL Draft?

A few of 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 most effective operating again prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft?

It’s nonetheless too early to say who the most effective 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. Nonetheless, he could 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. Nonetheless, he could be susceptible to accidents.