This yr’s NFL draft is loaded with proficient working backs, and the 2025 rookie RB rankings are certain to be hotly contested. With so many nice prospects to select from, it may be tough to know who to draft. That is why we have put collectively a complete information to the highest working backs within the 2025 NFL Draft. On this article, we’ll offer you detailed scouting reviews on every participant, in addition to our projections for his or her NFL success.
One of the necessary issues to think about when rating working backs is their athleticism. In spite of everything, working backs want to have the ability to run, reduce, and bounce with the intention to be efficient. On this yr’s draft, there are a number of working backs who possess elite athleticism. These gamers embrace Bijan Robinson from Texas, Evan Hull from Northwestern, and Zach Charbonnet from UCLA. All three of those gamers have the velocity, agility, and energy to achieve success within the NFL. Nevertheless, it is very important be aware that athleticism will not be the one issue that determines a working again’s success. Different elements, corresponding to imaginative and prescient, ball safety, and pass-catching capacity, are additionally necessary.
Along with athleticism, one other necessary issue to think about when rating working backs is their manufacturing. In spite of everything, working backs are paid to attain touchdowns and achieve yards. On this yr’s draft, there are a number of working backs who’ve put up spectacular manufacturing numbers. These gamers embrace 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. Nevertheless, it is very important be aware that manufacturing will not be at all times a dependable indicator of future success. Some working backs who put up large numbers in faculty battle to provide within the NFL. That is why it is very important take into account different elements, corresponding to athleticism and intangibles, when rating working backs.
Rising Stars: High Rookies to Watch
| Rank | Title | 12 months | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 working again class of 2025 is Bijan Robinson from the College of Texas. Robinson, a real freshman, has shortly turn out to be probably the most talked-about gamers in faculty 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, velocity, and energy, making him a tough 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 presently thought of to be the highest working again prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft, and he’s anticipated to be a first-round choose.
Elite Prospects: The Cream of the Crop
Within the realm of rookie working backs, a choose few stand head and shoulders above the remainder, 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 velocity, energy, and agility, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Henderson’s acceleration is off the charts, permitting him to burst by holes and depart defenders in his wake. His energy is obvious in his capacity to interrupt tackles and drive by contact, whereas his agility and elusiveness make him not possible to pin down. Henderson is a real game-changer who can single-handedly alter the momentum of a recreation.
| Participant | Faculty | 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 Large Ten Freshman of the 12 months award. His sophomore season was reduce quick on account 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 working again class.
Late Bloomers: Beneath-the-Radar Gems
Within the realm of rookie working backs, there are sometimes hidden abilities that emerge later of their collegiate careers. These “late bloomers” might not have acquired the identical hype as their early-entry counterparts, however they possess the potential to turn out to be worthwhile property on the NFL degree. Listed here are a couple of under-the-radar gems to keep watch over 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 velocity to interrupt away for large good points. 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 could possibly be a late-round steal for groups on the lookout for a workhorse working again.
2. CJ Donaldson, West Virginia
Donaldson is a smaller working again, however he makes up for it along with his athleticism and instincts. He’s a shifty runner who could make defenders miss within the open area, and he additionally has the velocity to get to the surface. 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 could possibly be a mid-round choose for groups on the lookout for a change-of-pace working again.
3. Donovan Inexperienced, North Carolina
With lightening velocity,
| 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 expertise and making ready for his probability to shine. His dedication and resilience are evident in his distinctive efficiency on the sphere. Because the draft approaches, NFL scouts will likely be keen to guage Inexperienced’s dynamic skills, and he’s undoubtedly poised to turn out to be 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 working again place. A number of proficient prospects are anticipated to declare, and so they may all have a serious affect on dynasty leagues. Listed here are 4 working backs to focus on in dynasty drafts:
Bijan Robinson, Texas
Robinson is a 5-star recruit who is taken into account top-of-the-line working again prospects within the nation. He’s a bodily runner, weighing in at 6’0″, 215 lbs. Robinson additionally has nice velocity and agility, making him a menace to attain from anyplace on the sphere.
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Nick Singleton, Penn State
Singleton is a 4-star recruit who is taken into account to be probably the most explosive working 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 capacity, making him a flexible weapon within the passing recreation.
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Evan Hull, Northwestern
Hull is a 3-star recruit who is taken into account to be probably the most productive working backs within the nation. He has rushed for over 1,000 yards in every of the previous two seasons. Hull is a troublesome, bodily runner who can also be an excellent 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 probably the most versatile working 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 | Group | Place |
|---|---|---|
| Bijan Robinson | Texas | Working again |
| Nick Singleton | Penn State | Working again |
| Evan Hull | Northwestern | Working again |
| Kaytron Allen | Florida | Working again |
Sleeper Picks: Potential Worth Steals
Whereas the highest tier of working again prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft is well-established, there are a number of under-the-radar gamers who may emerge as worthwhile property in fantasy soccer. These sleeper picks possess intriguing ability 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 working 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 might not possess the breakaway velocity of a number of the different prime prospects, his general ability set means that he could possibly be a dependable and constant contributor within the execs.
| Title | Faculty | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Doe | College of XYZ | Burst, fast toes, hole-finding capacity | Breakaway velocity |
Regulate these sleeper picks because the draft approaches. With their distinctive expertise and potential, they might present fantasy house owners with worthwhile depth and upside within the 2025 season and past.
Excessive-Danger, 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 velocity and agility, he can create large performs within the open area. Nevertheless, his sturdiness considerations (he is missed video games on account of accidents) and smaller dimension (5’9″) make him a high-risk, high-reward prospect.
Eric Grey, Tennessee
Grey is a flexible working again with a compact construct and good athleticism. He is a clean runner with fast toes and a low heart of gravity. Nevertheless, he lacks the breakaway velocity of another prospects and may battle towards 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. Nevertheless, he wants to enhance his cross safety and turn out to be extra constant as a receiver.
Dillon Johnson, Texas A&M
Johnson is a proficient pass-catching specialist who excelled within the slot at Texas A&M. He is fast, elusive, and has robust palms. Nevertheless, his dimension (5’10”, 190 lbs) and lack of expertise as a standard working again might restrict his upside.
Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma
Kanak is a giant, 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. Nevertheless, his lack of athleticism and straight-line velocity might make him much less efficient within the open area.
Byron Cardwell, South Carolina
Cardwell is a uncooked however proficient working again with a uncommon mixture of dimension (6’1″, 235 lbs) and velocity. He is a tough runner with good burst and acceleration. Nevertheless, he must develop his approach and turn out to be extra constant.
| Rank | Participant | Group |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Stories: 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 working and passing recreation.
One among [Player Name]’s most notable attributes is his capacity to create yards after contact. He reveals wonderful steadiness, imaginative and prescient, and a robust decrease physique, enabling him to realize additional yardage by missed tackles and damaged tackles. His quick and fast steps enable him to alter route and keep away from pursuit, making him a tough participant to carry down.
Along with his dashing prowess, [Player Name] can also be a reliable receiving again. He has mushy palms, runs exact routes, and possesses the power to make contested catches over the center. His versatility in each facets of the sport makes him a worthwhile asset to any offense.
| Attribute | Score |
|---|---|
| Pace | 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 expertise, [Player Name] has the potential to be a do-it-all working again. He initiatives to be a high-impact participant on the subsequent degree, able to making a major contribution to any NFL staff.
Cut price Bin Bonanzas: Discovering Expertise on the Low cost
Quantity 8: Deuce Vaughn
Vaughn was the main rusher within the Large 12 in each 2021 and 2022, averaging over 120 dashing yards per recreation. He stands at a compact 5’6″, however he makes up for his lack of dimension along with his distinctive velocity, agility, and quickness. Vaughn has a knack for locating holes within the protection and may flip a routine run into a giant play along with his explosive strikes. Regardless of his smaller stature, he has proven the power to tackle defenders and achieve powerful yards. Vaughn’s receiving capacity 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 on account of his dimension, however he has the potential to be a worthwhile asset to an NFL staff. His distinctive athleticism and playmaking capacity make him a viable choice as a beginning working again or a dynamic change-of-pace choice in a high-octane offense. Fantasy house owners ought to keep watch over Vaughn within the later rounds of drafts, as he may present a major return on funding along with his explosive play type. Damage Projections: Mitigating Danger### Understanding Damage Likelihood Understanding the chance of an damage occurring can assist fantasy soccer managers make knowledgeable roster selections and mitigate danger. Components corresponding to utilization, play type, and damage historical past can present worthwhile insights right into a participant’s potential to maintain an damage. For instance, working backs with a historical past of a number of concussions or ACL tears might carry the next danger of re-injury. ### Evaluating Utilization The variety of touches a working again receives per recreation can considerably affect their damage danger. Working backs with excessive workloads are extra vulnerable to put on and tear and have a larger probability of sustaining an damage. For example, working backs who common over 20 touches per recreation have a considerably larger damage fee in comparison with those that common lower than 15 touches per recreation. ### Play Fashion Issues Sure play kinds may also improve a working again’s damage danger. Working backs who’re identified for his or her physicality and energy working could also be extra more likely to maintain an damage because of the elevated contact they expertise. However, shifty and elusive working backs who depend on quickness and agility are likely to have decrease damage charges. ### Evaluating Damage Historical past A working 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, might carry the next danger of re-injury. Contemplating a working again’s damage historical past alongside different elements can assist fantasy managers make knowledgeable selections about their potential for staying wholesome and contributing to their fantasy groups. Fantasy Affect: Predicting Rookie Contributions10. Bijan Robinson, TexasRobinson is a proficient working again who has the potential to be a star within the NFL. He has an excellent mixture of dimension, velocity, and energy, and he’s additionally an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Robinson is anticipated 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 likely one of the most fun prospects on this yr’s draft class. Robinson is presently ranked because the No. 10 working again prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft by ESPN. He’s projected to be a first-round choose, and he could possibly be one of many first working backs taken off the board. Robinson has the potential to be an excellent fantasy soccer participant, and he could possibly 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 having a look on the prime working again prospects who may make an affect on the subsequent degree. Listed here are my prime 5 rookie RBs for 2025:
Individuals Additionally Ask About 2025 Rookie RB Rankings
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