Breaking Down the Top Running Backs in the 2025 NFL Draft – Part 1

Drew and Rob dive deep into the top RBs in the Draft, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and potential fits in the NFL. This is Part 1 of their in-depth breakdown, featuring some of the most talented backs in the class.  The conversation kicks off with Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, a powerful yet elusive runner who dominated college football in 2024. With over 2,600 rushing yards and nearly 30 touchdowns last season, he finished second in Heisman voting and collected multiple awards. While his every-down ability and contact balance make him a top prospect, questions remain about his workload and how it may impact his NFL longevity.  Next, Omarion Hampton from North Carolina, a big-bodied back with an ideal mix of speed and power. He proved to be an every-down back with solid pass protection and receiving skills, making him a likely late 1st or early 2nd pick. However, he’ll need to work on protecting his body at the next level.  Quinshon Judkins, who transferred to Ohio State after two strong seasons at Ole Miss, is another intriguing prospect. Though he excelled in short-yardage and goal-line situations, his lack of breakaway speed and occasional hesitation could impact his draft stock. He’s viewed as a potential power-back complement in a 1-2 punch system.  The guys also analyze Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, a bruising runner with great vision and quick acceleration. His ability to break tackles and find the right lanes is impressive, but questions about his receiving ability and poor pass protection might keep him from being a 1st-round selection.  Virginia Tech’s Bhaysul Tuten turned heads with his incredible speed, posting the fastest 40-time among running backs at the combine. Though he had a strong 2024 season, his overall production might land him in the 2nd or 3rd round.  Dylan Sampson from Tennessee is another explosive playmaker with great vision and balance, but concerns about his fumbling issues and small frame make him a risky pick. The same goes for Arizona State’s Cameron Skattebo, an old-school power back who thrives on contact but lacks the top-end speed to break away.  Raheim "Rocket" Sanders, who spent time at both Arkansas and South Carolina, stands out for his surprising speed at his size. He’s a bruiser with great contact balance and vision, but his cutback ability and lack of home-run speed could make him a mid-rounder.  Trevor Etienne, younger brother of NFL star Travis, transferred to Georgia for the 2024 season. While he’s quick and tough for his size, concerns about his durability and a DUI arrest last year could impact his draft stock.  Rounding out the discussion, the guys cover UCF’s RJ Harvey, Syracuse’s Lequint Allen, Kansas State’s DJ Giddens, USC’s Woody Marks, and Florida’s Montrell Johnson Jr. Each of these backs has unique skills, from Allen’s elite receiving ability to Harvey’s natural instincts as a runner. However, many of them have limitations that might relegate them to mid-to-late-round selections or specialized roles in the NFL.  This is just the beginning of the 2025 NFL Draft running back discussion, with even more names to analyze in Part 2. Stay tuned for more!Send us Fan MailSupport the show