This 12 months’s NFL draft is loaded with gifted 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 troublesome 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 stories on every participant, in addition to our projections for his or her NFL success.
One of the essential issues to contemplate when rating working backs is their athleticism. In any case, working backs want to have the ability to run, minimize, and soar so as to be efficient. On this 12 months’s draft, there are a number of working 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. Nevertheless, you will need to notice that athleticism isn’t the one issue that determines a working again’s success. Different elements, equivalent to imaginative and prescient, ball safety, and pass-catching skill, are additionally essential.
Along with athleticism, one other essential issue to contemplate when rating working backs is their manufacturing. In any case, working backs are paid to attain touchdowns and achieve yards. On this 12 months’s draft, there are a number of working 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. Nevertheless, you will need to notice that manufacturing isn’t all the time a dependable indicator of future success. Some working backs who put up large numbers in faculty wrestle to supply within the NFL. That is why you will need to take into account different elements, equivalent to athleticism and intangibles, when rating working backs.
Rising Stars: High Rookies to Watch
| Rank | Identify | Yr | Staff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 into probably the most talked-about gamers in faculty soccer. In his first 12 months, 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 measurement, 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 working 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 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 right away influence 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 depart defenders in his wake. His energy is obvious in his skill to interrupt tackles and drive by means of contact, whereas his agility and elusiveness make him inconceivable to pin down. Henderson is a real game-changer who can single-handedly alter the momentum of a sport.
| Participant | Faculty | Top | Weight | 40-Yard Sprint |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TreVeyon Henderson | Ohio State | 5’9″ | 195 lbs | 4.35 seconds |
Henderson’s statistics throughout his time with the Buckeyes converse 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 Yr award. His sophomore season was minimize brief resulting from harm, 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” could not have acquired the identical hype as their early-entry counterparts, however they possess the potential to turn into beneficial property on the NFL degree. Listed below are just a few under-the-radar gems to regulate within the 2025 NFL Draft:
1. Zack Charbonnet, UCLA
Charbonnet is a bodily runner who has improved every season at UCLA. He’s a robust inside runner with good imaginative and prescient and steadiness, and he additionally has the pace to interrupt away for large beneficial properties. 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 may very well be a late-round steal for groups searching 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 discipline, and he additionally has the pace 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 may very well be a mid-round decide for groups searching for a change-of-pace working 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 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 might be keen to judge Inexperienced’s dynamic talents, 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 working again place. A number of gifted prospects are anticipated to declare, they usually may all have a serious influence on dynasty leagues. Listed below 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 pace 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 skill, 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 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 tricky, bodily runner who can also 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 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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| Identify | Staff | 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 beneficial 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 measurement 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 high prospects, his general ability set means that he may very well be a dependable and constant contributor within the execs.
| Identify | Faculty | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Doe | College of XYZ | Burst, fast toes, hole-finding skill | Breakaway pace |
Control these sleeper picks because the draft approaches. With their distinctive expertise and potential, they may present fantasy homeowners with beneficial 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 pace and agility, he can create large performs within the open discipline. Nevertheless, his sturdiness considerations (he is missed video games resulting from accidents) and smaller measurement (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 easy runner with fast toes and a low middle of gravity. Nevertheless, he lacks the breakaway pace of another prospects and may wrestle in opposition to larger defenders.
Jaydn Ott, Cal
Ott is a real freshman who made a right away influence for Cal in 2023. He is a bodily runner with a robust body and good imaginative and prescient. Nevertheless, 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 sturdy palms. Nevertheless, his measurement (5’10”, 190 lbs) and lack of expertise as a standard working again could 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 robust runner with good steadiness and imaginative and prescient. Nevertheless, 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 working again with a uncommon mixture of measurement (6’1″, 235 lbs) and pace. He is a tough runner with good burst and acceleration. Nevertheless, he must develop his approach and turn into extra constant.
| Rank | Participant | Staff |
|---|---|---|
| 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 Experiences: In-Depth Participant Evaluation
7. [Player Name]
Standing at [Height] and weighing [Weight], [Player Name] possesses an intriguing mix of measurement 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 sport.
One in all [Player Name]’s most notable attributes is his skill to create yards after contact. He reveals glorious steadiness, imaginative and prescient, and a powerful decrease physique, enabling him to realize further yardage by means of missed tackles and damaged tackles. His brief and fast steps enable him to alter course and keep away from pursuit, making him a troublesome participant to deliver down.
Along with his speeding 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 points of the sport makes him a beneficial 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 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.
Discount 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 speeding yards per sport. He stands at a compact 5’6″, however he makes up for his lack of measurement along with his distinctive pace, 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 skill additionally provides worth to his profile, as he caught 21 passes for 240 yards and three touchdowns in 2022.
| Yr | 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 resulting from his measurement, however he has the potential to be a beneficial asset to an NFL staff. His distinctive athleticism and playmaking skill make him a viable choice as a beginning working again or a dynamic change-of-pace choice in a high-octane offense. Fantasy homeowners ought to regulate Vaughn within the later rounds of drafts, as he may present a major return on funding along with his explosive play fashion. Harm Projections: Mitigating Danger### Understanding Harm Likelihood Understanding the probability of an harm occurring might help fantasy soccer managers make knowledgeable roster selections and mitigate threat. Components equivalent to utilization, play fashion, and harm historical past can present beneficial insights right into a participant’s potential to maintain an harm. For instance, working backs with a historical past of a number of concussions or ACL tears could carry the next threat of re-injury. ### Evaluating Utilization The variety of touches a working again receives per sport can considerably influence their harm threat. Working backs with excessive workloads are extra vulnerable to put on and tear and have a higher probability of sustaining an harm. As an example, working backs who common over 20 touches per sport have a considerably larger harm charge in comparison with those that common lower than 15 touches per sport. ### Play Fashion Concerns Sure play kinds may enhance a working again’s harm threat. Working backs who’re recognized for his or her physicality and energy working could also be extra more likely to maintain an harm as a result of elevated contact they expertise. Then again, shifty and elusive working backs who depend on quickness and agility are inclined to have decrease harm charges. ### Evaluating Harm Historical past A working again’s harm historical past can present a beneficial indication of their future harm threat. Gamers with a historical past of a number of accidents, particularly vital ones like concussions or ACL tears, could carry the next threat of re-injury. Contemplating a working again’s harm historical past alongside different elements might help fantasy managers make knowledgeable selections about their potential for staying wholesome and contributing to their fantasy groups. Fantasy Impression: Predicting Rookie Contributions10. Bijan Robinson, TexasRobinson is a gifted working again who has the potential to be a star within the NFL. He has an amazing mixture of measurement, 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 right away influence within the NFL, and he is likely one of the most fun prospects on this 12 months’s draft class. Robinson is at the moment ranked because the No. 10 working again prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft by ESPN. He’s projected to be a first-round decide, and he may very well be one of many first working backs taken off the board. Robinson has the potential to be an excellent fantasy soccer participant, and he may very well be a beneficial 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 high working again prospects who may make an influence on the subsequent degree. Listed below are my high 5 rookie RBs for 2025:
Individuals Additionally Ask About 2025 Rookie RB Rankings
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