The 2025 NFL Draft remains to be a great distance away, however there are already numerous operating backs who’re anticipated to be excessive draft picks. These gamers have all proven spectacular expertise on the faculty stage, and they’re anticipated to make a direct influence 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 strong and elusive runner who has the flexibility to make large 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 choose 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 go 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 stability and agility; wonderful imaginative and prescient and endurance; highly effective decrease physique with sturdy leg drive; distinctive pass-catching capability.
Weaknesses: Restricted top-end velocity; can get caught within the backfield if he does not have a clear launch; often loses stability when making cuts.
Rueben Owens, South Carolina
Strengths: Wonderful measurement and physicality; highly effective runner with good leg drive; spectacular stability and physique management; versatile pass-catcher.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite velocity and agility; imaginative and prescient and endurance may be inconsistent; tends to lose momentum when making cuts.
Domani Jackson, Southern California
Strengths: Distinctive velocity and acceleration; elusive runner with fast ft; good stability and physique management; harmful within the open area.
Weaknesses: Dimension and physicality are considerations; lacks a constant energy base; decision-making may be questionable at occasions.
Richard Reese, Baylor
Strengths: Explosive and dynamic runner; combines velocity 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 path.
AJ Swann, Vanderbilt
Strengths: Highly effective and hard-nosed runner; wonderful leg drive and skill to interrupt tackles; runs with good pad stage and stability; constant pass-catcher.
Weaknesses: Lacks elite velocity and agility; imaginative and prescient and decision-making may be improved; could battle to create large performs within the open area.
Draft Predictions and Mock Drafts
The 2025 NFL Draft remains to be a methods away, however there are already numerous highly-touted operating backs who’re anticipated to be taken within the first spherical. Here’s a have a look at among the prime operating again prospects and the place they’re projected to go within the draft:
High Working Again Prospects
| Identify | Faculty | Projection |
|---|---|---|
| Marvin Jones Jr. | Ohio State | High 5 choose |
| Camar Wheaton | Texas | High 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:
| Decide | Group | 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 Fashionable NFL
Working backs are nonetheless an necessary a part of the trendy NFL. Whereas the passing recreation has turn into extra necessary in recent times, operating backs nonetheless play an important position in shifting the chains and scoring touchdowns.
Working backs may be divided into two most important classes: energy backs, reminiscent of Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry, and velocity backs, reminiscent of Tyreek Hill and Christian McCaffrey. Energy backs are identified for his or her energy and skill to interrupt tackles, whereas velocity backs are identified for his or her quickness and skill to make large performs within the open area.
The Evolution of the Working Again Place
The operating again place has developed through the years. Up to now, operating backs had been primarily used as ball carriers. Nonetheless, in recent times, they’ve turn into 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 broad receivers.
The evolution of the operating again place has been pushed by the growing significance of the passing recreation. In as we speak’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 complete scrimmage yards:
| Rank | Participant | Group | 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 proficient operating backs. Nonetheless, there are a couple of gamers who might slip via the cracks and turn into steals on draft day.
Kendre Miller, Texas
Miller is a strong 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 a superb 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 sector. 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 powerful yards. Sawchuk can also be a superb blocker, and he can assist his crew in go 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 also catch passes out of the backfield. Kanak is just not the most important or quickest operating again within the draft, however he is a great 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 tricky and bodily runner who can get the powerful yards, however he additionally has good velocity and agility. Tucker is an efficient receiver out of the backfield, and he may also 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 a superb 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 could possibly be out there within the later rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. If they can slip via the cracks, they could possibly 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 prime operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft who’re anticipated to be excessive scorers in fantasy soccer embrace:
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
Twin-Risk 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 precious in fantasy soccer, as they provide a various vary of expertise that may assist fantasy groups win. Among the prime dual-threat operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft embrace:
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
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, notably in PPR (factors per reception) leagues. Among the prime pass-catching operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft embrace:
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
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 usually sturdy and have good measurement and energy. Among the prime workhorse operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft embrace:
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
Sleeper Working Backs
Sleeper operating backs are gamers who should not thought of to be prime prospects however have the potential to be precious 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 embrace:
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
Damage-Inclined Working Backs
Damage-prone operating backs are gamers who’ve a historical past of accidents. These gamers may be dangerous dynasty investments, as they could not be capable of keep wholesome sufficient to be dependable fantasy contributors. Some injury-prone operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft embrace:
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
Working Backs to Keep away from
There are some operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft who needs to be prevented in dynasty leagues. These gamers could 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 embrace:
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
- [Player name]
Worth vs. Common Draft Place (ADP)
The next desk reveals the present ADP for among the prime 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 proficient operating again courses in current reminiscence. With numerous potential first-round picks and several other others who might go within the second or third spherical, this class has the potential to supply numerous influence gamers on the NFL stage.
Historic Draft Lessons
To place the 2023 operating again class in context, it’s useful to match it to among the finest operating again courses in NFL historical past. Among the most notable current operating again courses embrace:
| 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 numerous similarities to among the finest current operating again courses. First, the category could be very deep, with numerous 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 influence gamers on the NFL stage. Lastly, the category is numerous, with numerous 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.
General, the 2023 operating again class is an excellent one, however it’s not fairly as sturdy as among the finest current operating again courses. Nonetheless, the category has numerous gamers who might become influence gamers on the NFL stage, and will probably 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 faculty. 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 search out holes within the protection and make the precise cuts. They need to even have sturdy decision-making expertise to know when to hit the opening, bounce outdoors, or pass-protect. Gamers who lack these attributes will battle to supply on the NFL stage.
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 expertise. 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’ll have restricted worth in as we speak’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, reminiscent of arrests, drug use, or tutorial issues. These gamers may be distractions and locker room issues.
6. Gamers from Weak or Inefficient Offenses
Working 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 could not have had the chance to showcase their true expertise.
7. Gamers with Poor Mix Outcomes
The NFL Mix offers 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 Faculty
Faculty 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 might not be prepared for the trials of the NFL.
9. Gamers with Character Considerations
Character considerations generally is a pink flag for operating backs. Keep away from gamers who’ve a historical past of off-field points, reminiscent of arrests, drug use, or tutorial issues. These gamers may be distractions and locker room issues.
10. Gamers with Poor Receiving Expertise
In as we speak’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 may 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 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 among the gamers who could possibly 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 the most effective 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 prime all-around athletes within the nation. He’s a flexible participant who can play operating again, broad 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 prime 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 prime 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 prime 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 could possibly 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 among 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 prime operating again prospects within the 2025 NFL Draft embrace 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 prime 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. Nonetheless, he may be liable to fumbles.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Evan Stewart?
Evan Stewart is a really versatile participant who can play operating again, broad receiver, or defensive again. He’s an excellent runner with wonderful velocity and agility, and he’s additionally an excellent receiver. Nonetheless, he may be liable to accidents.
