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 troublesome 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 studies on every participant, in addition to our projections for his or her NFL success.
One of the essential issues to think about when rating operating backs is their athleticism. In any case, 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 embody Bijan Robinson from Texas, Evan Hull from Northwestern, and Zach Charbonnet from UCLA. All three of those gamers have the pace, agility, and energy to achieve success within the NFL. Nonetheless, it is very important word that athleticism is just not the one issue that determines a operating again’s success. Different elements, equivalent to imaginative and prescient, ball safety, and pass-catching potential, are additionally essential.
Along with athleticism, one other essential issue to think about when rating operating backs is their manufacturing. In any case, 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 embody 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, it is very important word that manufacturing is just not all the time a dependable indicator of future success. Some operating backs who put up massive numbers in school wrestle to provide within the NFL. That is why it is very important think about different elements, equivalent to athleticism and intangibles, when rating operating backs.
Rising Stars: Prime Rookies to Watch
| Rank | Title | 12 months | Workforce |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 rapidly turn into some of the talked-about gamers in school 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 novel mixture of dimension, pace, and energy, making him a troublesome matchup for opposing defenses. He’s a menace to run the ball inside and out of doors, and he’s additionally an efficient pass-catcher out of the backfield.
Robinson is at the moment 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 affect 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 pace, energy, and agility, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Henderson’s acceleration is off the charts, permitting him to burst by means of holes and go away defenders in his wake. His energy is obvious in his potential to interrupt tackles and drive by means of 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 sport.
| Participant | School | Peak | 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 12 months award. His sophomore season was lower quick as a consequence of damage, 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: Beneath-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 turn into worthwhile belongings on the NFL stage. Listed below are a number of under-the-radar gems to control 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 pace to interrupt away for giant features. 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 might be a late-round steal for groups on the lookout 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 pace 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 might be a mid-round decide for groups on the lookout for a change-of-pace operating again.
3. Donovan Inexperienced, North Carolina
With lightening pace,
| Participant | Faculty | 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 dedication. Earlier than his breakout season, he labored tirelessly within the offseason, honing his abilities and getting ready for his likelihood to shine. His dedication and resilience are evident in his distinctive efficiency on the sector. Because the draft approaches, NFL scouts might be keen to judge Inexperienced’s dynamic skills, and he’s undoubtedly poised to turn into 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 serious affect on dynasty leagues. Listed below are 4 operating backs to focus on in dynasty drafts:
Bijan Robinson, Texas
Robinson is a 5-star recruit who is taken into account among the finest operating again prospects within the nation. He’s a bodily runner, weighing in at 6’0″, 215 lbs. Robinson additionally has nice pace and agility, making him a menace 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 some of the explosive operating backs within the nation. He’s a home-run menace each time he touches the ball. Singleton additionally has good imaginative and prescient and pass-catching potential, making him a flexible weapon within the passing sport.
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Evan Hull, Northwestern
Hull is a 3-star recruit who is taken into account to be some of the 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 great 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 some of the 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 | Workforce | Place |
|---|---|---|
| Bijan Robinson | Texas | Operating again |
| Nick Singleton | Penn State | Operating again |
| Evan Hull | Northwestern | Operating again |
| Kaytron Allen | Florida | Operating 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 worthwhile belongings in fantasy soccer. These sleeper picks possess intriguing talent units and have the potential to shock scouts and analysts alike.
5. John Doe, College of XYZ
Regardless of not being a family title 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 toes, and a knack for locating holes within the protection. Doe additionally has good dimension and energy, making him a menace as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. Whereas he could not possess the breakaway pace of a number of the different prime prospects, his general talent set means that he might be a dependable and constant contributor within the professionals.
| Title | School | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Doe | College of XYZ | Burst, fast toes, hole-finding potential | Breakaway pace |
Control these sleeper picks because the draft approaches. With their distinctive abilities and potential, they might present fantasy house owners with worthwhile depth and upside within the 2025 season and past.
Excessive-Threat, Excessive-Reward Choices
T.J. Pledger, USC
Regardless of going through stiff competitors at USC, Pledger has flashed his potential as a dynamic playmaker. Along with his explosive pace and agility, he can create massive performs within the open discipline. Nonetheless, his sturdiness considerations (he is missed video games as a consequence 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 clean runner with fast toes and a low middle of gravity. Nonetheless, he lacks the breakaway pace of another prospects and may wrestle in opposition to greater defenders.
Jaydn Ott, Cal
Ott is a real freshman who made a direct affect for Cal in 2023. He is a bodily runner with a strong body and good imaginative and prescient. Nonetheless, he wants to enhance his move safety and turn into 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 robust palms. 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 an enormous, 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 pace 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 pace. He is a tough runner with good burst and acceleration. Nonetheless, he must develop his approach and turn into extra constant.
| Rank | Participant | Workforce |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Studies: 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 toes and fast burst make him a menace in each the operating and passing sport.
One in all [Player Name]’s most notable attributes is his potential to create yards after contact. He displays wonderful steadiness, imaginative and prescient, and a robust decrease physique, enabling him to achieve further yardage by means of missed tackles and damaged tackles. His quick and fast steps permit him to vary path and keep away from pursuit, making him a troublesome participant to convey down.
Along with his dashing prowess, [Player Name] can be a reliable receiving again. He has smooth palms, runs exact routes, and possesses the power to make contested catches over the center. His versatility in each points of the sport makes him a worthwhile asset to any offense.
| Attribute | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Velocity | 8/10 |
| Energy | 9/10 |
| Agility | 7/10 |
| Receiving | 8/10 |
| Imaginative and prescient | 9/10 |
Along 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 stage, able to making a major contribution to any NFL staff.
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 dashing yards per sport. He stands at a compact 5’6″, however he makes up for his lack of dimension together with his distinctive pace, agility, and quickness. Vaughn has a knack for locating holes within the protection and may flip a routine run into an enormous play together with his explosive strikes. Regardless of his smaller stature, he has proven the power to tackle defenders and acquire robust yards. Vaughn’s receiving potential additionally provides worth to his profile, as he caught 21 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns in 2022.
| 12 months | 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 consequence of his dimension, however he has the potential to be a worthwhile asset to an NFL staff. His distinctive athleticism and playmaking potential make him a viable possibility as a beginning operating again or a dynamic change-of-pace possibility in a high-octane offense. Fantasy house owners ought to control Vaughn within the later rounds of drafts, as he may present a major return on funding together with his explosive play type. Damage Projections: Mitigating Threat### Understanding Damage Likelihood Understanding the chance of an damage occurring may also help fantasy soccer managers make knowledgeable roster choices and mitigate danger. Components equivalent to utilization, play type, and damage historical past can present worthwhile insights right into a participant’s potential to maintain an damage. 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 sport can considerably affect their damage danger. Operating backs with excessive workloads are extra vulnerable to put on and tear and have a larger likelihood of sustaining an damage. As an example, operating backs who common over 20 touches per sport have a considerably increased damage charge in comparison with those that common lower than 15 touches per sport. ### Play Model Concerns Sure play types may enhance a operating again’s damage danger. Operating backs who’re identified for his or her physicality and energy operating could also be extra prone to maintain an damage as a result of elevated contact they expertise. However, shifty and elusive operating backs who depend on quickness and agility are inclined to have decrease damage charges. ### Evaluating Damage Historical past A operating again’s damage historical past can present a worthwhile indication of their future damage 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 damage historical past alongside different elements may also 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 excellent mixture of dimension, pace, 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 affect within the NFL, and he is without doubt one of the most fun prospects on this yr’s draft class. Robinson is at the moment 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 might be one of many first operating backs taken off the board. Robinson has the potential to be an excellent fantasy soccer participant, and he might be a worthwhile addition to any fantasy staff. 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 prime operating again prospects who may make an affect on the subsequent stage. Listed below are my prime 5 rookie RBs for 2025:
Folks Additionally Ask About 2025 Rookie RB Rankings
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