5 NFL Draft Running Backs to Watch in 2025

5 NFL Draft Running Backs to Watch in 2025

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The 2025 NFL Draft remains to be a good distance away, however there are already various operating backs who’re anticipated to be excessive draft picks. These gamers have all proven spectacular abilities on the faculty stage, and they’re anticipated to make an instantaneous influence within the NFL.

Some 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 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 anticipated to be a excessive draft decide in 2025 is Zach Charbonnet of the UCLA Bruins. Charbonnet is a bruising runner who’s troublesome to deal with. 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 steadiness and agility; wonderful imaginative and prescient and persistence; highly effective decrease physique with sturdy leg drive; distinctive pass-catching capability.

Weaknesses: Restricted top-end pace; can get caught within the backfield if he does not have a clear launch; often loses steadiness when making cuts.

Rueben Owens, South Carolina

Strengths: Glorious dimension and physicality; highly effective runner with good leg drive; spectacular steadiness and physique management; versatile pass-catcher.

Weaknesses: Lacks elite pace and agility; imaginative and prescient and persistence may be inconsistent; tends to lose momentum when making cuts.

Domani Jackson, Southern California

Strengths: Distinctive pace and acceleration; elusive runner with fast toes; good steadiness and physique management; harmful within the open area.

Weaknesses: Measurement and physicality are issues; lacks a constant energy base; decision-making may be questionable at occasions.

Richard Reese, Baylor

Strengths: Explosive and dynamic runner; combines pace and energy successfully; good imaginative and prescient and persistence; dependable pass-catcher.

Weaknesses: Measurement could also be a limiting issue; sturdiness is a slight concern; can lose momentum when altering route.

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 pace 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 various highly-touted operating backs who’re anticipated to be taken within the first spherical. Here’s a have a look at among the high operating again prospects and the place they’re projected to go within the draft:

High Working Again Prospects

Title School Projection
Marvin Jones Jr. Ohio State High 5 decide
Camar Wheaton Texas High 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 Fashionable NFL

Working backs are nonetheless an vital a part of the trendy NFL. Whereas the passing recreation has turn into extra vital lately, operating backs nonetheless play a significant function in shifting the chains and scoring touchdowns.

Working backs may be divided into two principal classes: energy backs, resembling Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry, and pace backs, resembling Tyreek Hill and Christian McCaffrey. Energy backs are recognized for his or her power and talent to interrupt tackles, whereas pace backs are recognized for his or her quickness and talent to make large performs within the open area.

The Evolution of the Working Again Place

The operating again place has developed over time. Prior to now, operating backs have been primarily used as ball carriers. Nonetheless, lately, they’ve turn into extra concerned within the passing recreation. Working backs at the moment are typically 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 right now’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 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 anticipated to be loaded with gifted operating backs. Nonetheless, there are a couple of gamers who might slip by way of the cracks and turn into 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 dimension at 6’0″, 225 kilos, and he runs with a low heart of gravity that makes him troublesome to deal with. Miller can be a great 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 anyplace on the sphere. He’s a shifty runner with wonderful acceleration and top-end pace. Reese can be a harmful return specialist, and he has the potential to be a game-changer within the NFL.

Gavin Sawchuk, California

Sawchuk is an enormous, 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 be a great blocker, and he can assist his workforce in go safety.

Jaren Kanak, Oklahoma

Kanak is a flexible operating again who can do all of it. He is an effective runner between the tackles, and he also can catch passes out of the backfield. Kanak will not be 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 troublesome and bodily runner who can get the powerful yards, however he additionally has good pace and agility. Tucker is an effective receiver out of the backfield, and he also can contribute on particular groups.

Zach Charbonnet, UCLA

Charbonnet is a dynamic operating again with a uncommon mixture of dimension, pace, and energy. He’s a nightmare for defenders to deal with, and he has the potential to be a workhorse again within the NFL. Charbonnet can be a great 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 accessible 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. A few of 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-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 useful in fantasy soccer, as they provide a various vary of abilities that may assist fantasy groups win. A few of the high dual-threat operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft embody:

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Move-Catching Working Backs

Move-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. A few of 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 usually sturdy and have good dimension and power. A few of 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 of to be high prospects however have the potential to be useful fantasy contributors. These gamers can typically 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-Inclined Working Backs

Harm-prone operating backs are gamers who’ve a historical past of accidents. These gamers may be dangerous dynasty investments, as they might not be capable of 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 ought to be prevented in dynasty leagues. These gamers could have poor athleticism, lack of manufacturing, or different components 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 among the high operating backs within the 2025 NFL Draft:

Participant ADP
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Comparability to Historic Draft Courses

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 various potential first-round picks and several other others who might go within the second or third spherical, this class has the potential to supply various influence gamers on the NFL stage.

Historic Draft Courses

To place the 2023 operating again class in context, it’s useful to match it to among the greatest operating again lessons in NFL historical past. A few of the most notable current operating again lessons embody:

12 months 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 Courses

The 2023 operating again class has various similarities to among the greatest current operating again lessons. First, the category may be very deep, with various 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 numerous, with various various kinds 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 very best gamers more likely to be drafted within the first two rounds.

Total, the 2023 operating again class is an excellent one, however it’s not fairly as sturdy as among the greatest current operating again lessons. Nonetheless, the category has various gamers who might turn into 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 Determination-Making

Working backs want wonderful imaginative and prescient to search out holes within the protection and make the suitable cuts. They need to even have sturdy decision-making abilities to know when to hit the outlet, 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 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 abilities. These gamers are unreliable and may put their workforce 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 may have restricted worth in right now’s recreation.

5. Gamers with Immaturity or Character Issues

Character is simply as vital as expertise within the NFL. Keep away from operating backs who’ve a historical past of off-field points, resembling 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 have 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 School

School manufacturing is a powerful 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 pains of the NFL.

9. Gamers with Character Issues

Character issues is usually a purple flag for operating backs. Keep away from gamers who’ve a historical past of off-field points, resembling arrests, drug use, or tutorial issues. These gamers may be distractions and locker room issues.

10. Gamers with Poor Receiving Abilities

In right now’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 abilities or who lack expertise within the passing recreation. These gamers could have restricted worth in trendy offenses.

Participant Causes to Keep away from
Participant A Extreme put on and tear, poor imaginative and prescient, restricted versatility
Participant B Character issues, poor mix outcomes, restricted manufacturing
Participant C Poor receiving abilities, 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. This is a have a look at among 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 among the finest operating again prospects within the nation. He has a fantastic mixture of dimension, pace, 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, broad receiver, or defensive again. He’s an excellent runner with wonderful pace 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 pace 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 dimension 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 pace 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 accessible within the 2025 NFL Draft. It’s nonetheless too early to say who would be the greatest 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?

A few of the high operating again prospects within the 2025 NFL Draft embody Bijan Robinson, Evan Stewart, Jahmyr Gibbs, Oscar Delp, and Richard Reese.

Who’s the very best operating again prospect within the 2025 NFL Draft?

It’s nonetheless too early to say who the very 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 dimension, pace, and energy. He’s additionally an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Nonetheless, he may be vulnerable 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 pace and agility, and he’s additionally an excellent receiver. Nonetheless, he may be vulnerable to accidents.