The 2025 NFL Draft continues to be a good distance away, however there are already a variety of operating backs who’re anticipated to be excessive draft picks. These gamers have all proven spectacular expertise on the school stage, and they’re anticipated to make a right away influence within the NFL.
One of the 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 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 predicted to be a excessive draft decide 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 move 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; wonderful imaginative and prescient and endurance; highly effective decrease physique with sturdy leg drive; distinctive pass-catching skill.
Weaknesses: Restricted top-end velocity; can get caught within the backfield if he would not have a clear launch; sometimes 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 velocity and agility; imaginative and prescient and endurance could be inconsistent; tends to lose momentum when making cuts.
Domani Jackson, Southern California
Strengths: Distinctive velocity and acceleration; elusive runner with fast ft; good steadiness and physique management; harmful within the open area.
Weaknesses: Measurement 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 velocity and energy successfully; good imaginative and prescient and endurance; dependable pass-catcher.
Weaknesses: Measurement could also be a limiting issue; sturdiness is a slight concern; can lose momentum when altering path.
AJ Swann, Vanderbilt
Strengths: Highly effective and hard-nosed runner; wonderful leg drive and talent to interrupt tackles; runs with good pad stage and steadiness; constant pass-catcher.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite velocity and agility; imaginative and prescient and decision-making could be improved; might wrestle to create massive performs within the open area.
Draft Predictions and Mock Drafts
The 2025 NFL Draft continues to be a methods away, however there are already a variety 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 Working Again Prospects
| Identify | School | Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Marvin Jones Jr. | Ohio State | Prime 5 decide |
| Camar Wheaton | Texas | Prime 10 decide |
| 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 Working Backs within the Trendy NFL
Working backs are nonetheless an necessary a part of the fashionable NFL. Whereas the passing recreation has turn out to be extra necessary in recent times, operating backs nonetheless play an important function in transferring the chains and scoring touchdowns.
Working backs could be divided into two essential classes: energy backs, comparable to Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry, and velocity backs, comparable to Tyreek Hill and Christian McCaffrey. Energy backs are recognized for his or her energy and talent to interrupt tackles, whereas velocity backs are recognized for his or her quickness and talent to make massive performs within the open area.
The Evolution of the Working Again Place
The operating again place has advanced over time. Up to now, operating backs have been primarily used as ball carriers. Nevertheless, in recent times, they’ve turn out to be extra concerned within the passing recreation. Working backs are actually 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 recreation. 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 area.
The next desk reveals the highest 10 operating backs within the NFL in 2021, ranked by whole 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 predicted to be loaded with gifted operating backs. Nevertheless, there are a couple of gamers who may slip by way of the cracks and turn out to be 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 tough to sort out. Miller can also be an excellent receiver out of the backfield, and he has the flexibility to make defenders miss within the open area.
Richard Reese, Baylor
Reese is a dynamic playmaker who can rating from wherever on the sphere. He’s a shifty runner with wonderful acceleration and top-end velocity. Reese can also be a harmful return specialist, and he has the potential to be a game-changer within the NFL.
Gavin Sawchuk, California
Sawchuk is a giant, 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 robust yards. Sawchuk can also be an excellent blocker, and he can assist his staff in move 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 isn’t the most important or quickest operating again within the draft, however he is a brilliant and instinctive participant who could make an influence 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 velocity 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, velocity, 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 also be an excellent receiver out of the backfield, and he could make defenders miss within the open area.
| Rank | Participant |
|---|---|
| 1 | Kendre Miller |
| 2 | Richard Reese |
| 3 | Gavin Sawchuk |
| 4 | Jaren Kanak |
| 5 | Sean Tucker |
| 6 | Zach Charbonnet |
These are only a few of the operating backs who may very well be out there within the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. If they’re able to 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 can assist 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-Menace 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 beneficial 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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Go-Catching Working 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. 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 should not thought-about to be high prospects however have the potential to be beneficial 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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Harm-Susceptible Working Backs
Harm-prone operating backs are gamers who’ve a historical past of accidents. These gamers could be dangerous dynasty investments, as they could not have the ability to 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 must 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 reveals the present ADP for a number 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 Lessons
The 2023 NFL Draft Class
The 2023 NFL Draft class is taken into account one of many deepest and most gifted operating again lessons in current reminiscence. With a variety of potential first-round picks and a number of other others who may go within the second or third spherical, this class has the potential to supply a variety of influence gamers on the NFL stage.
Historic Draft Lessons
To place the 2023 operating again class in context, it’s useful to check it to a number of the finest operating again lessons in NFL historical past. Among the most notable current operating again lessons embody:
| Yr | 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 Lessons
The 2023 operating again class has a variety of similarities to a number of the finest current operating again lessons. First, the category may be very deep, with a variety of 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 influence gamers on the NFL stage. Lastly, the category is various, with a variety of various kinds of operating backs who may 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 one of the best gamers prone 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 number of the finest current operating again lessons. Nevertheless, the category has a variety of gamers who may grow to be influence gamers on the NFL stage, and it is going to be attention-grabbing to see how they carry out within the years to come back.
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 school. These gamers usually tend to expertise accidents and decline in manufacturing sooner.
2. Gamers with Poor Imaginative and prescient and Resolution-Making
Working backs want wonderful imaginative and prescient to seek out holes within the protection and make the proper cuts. They need to even have sturdy decision-making expertise to know when to hit the outlet, bounce exterior, or pass-protect. Gamers who lack these attributes will wrestle to supply on the NFL stage.
3. Gamers with Fumbles and Ball Safety Points
Fumbles are pricey 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 staff in harmful conditions.
4. Gamers with Restricted Versatility
Trendy 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 immediately’s recreation.
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
Working backs can solely be pretty much as good as their offensive line and quarterback. Keep away from gamers who come from school offenses that have 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 supplies 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 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 will not be prepared for the pains of the NFL.
9. Gamers with Character Considerations
Character considerations could be 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 Abilities
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 recreation. These gamers could have restricted worth in fashionable 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 expertise, lack of expertise within the passing recreation |
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. This is a have a look at a number of the gamers who may very well be making an influence within the NFL in 2025:
- Bijan Robinson, Texas: Robinson is a 5-star recruit who is taken into account to be probably the greatest operating again prospects within the nation. He has a fantastic mixture of measurement, velocity, 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 wonderful velocity 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 wonderful velocity 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 wonderful 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 wonderful velocity and agility, and he’s additionally an excellent receiver out of the backfield.
These are only a few 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 number 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 one of the best operating again prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft?
It’s nonetheless too early to say who one of the 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 wonderful measurement, velocity, and energy. He’s additionally an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Nevertheless, 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 wonderful velocity and agility, and he’s additionally an excellent receiver. Nevertheless, he could be susceptible to accidents.
