The 2025 NFL draft’s working again class was actually good. Some analysts predicted we would see as many as 30 drafted for the primary time since 2011. Twenty-five ended up being the ultimate tally, probably the most since 25 additionally went in 2019.
All six backs chosen throughout the first three rounds are more likely to make a considerable influence in 2025, whereas a number of mid-to-late-round picks are effectively positioned to make some noise in particular roles. In order NFL groups assemble their depth charts for this season, I separated the 25 drafted RBs into six tiers primarily based on projected rookie-season roles. That features the every-down backs, the change-of-pace playmakers and the developmental backups. I rolled in stat projections for every ball service with my evaluation, too.
Clearly, Ashton Jeanty — the Raiders’ No. 6 general choose — lands within the high tier, however how does the remainder of the RB class stack up? (Word: Gamers are listed by projected speeding yards inside every tier.)
Leap to a tier:
Clear featured backs | Lead backs
Committee backs | Wild playing cards
Situational backups | Depth backs
Clear featured backs
2025 projection: 244 carries, 1,120 yards, 7 TDs; 54 receptions, 415 yards, 2 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 1, No. 6
Jeanty is ready up for featured again duties within the execs following a dominant tenure at Boise State. He ran for two,601 yards and 29 TDs final season, and he compelled an FBS-high 126 missed tackles. And extremely, he ranked first on this working again class in yards after contact each final season (1,733, better than some other again’s complete speeding yards) and over the course of his complete collegiate profession (3,227).
With Raheem Mostert and Honest McCormick amongst his high “competitors” for carries, Jeanty is well-positioned for the majority of the touches in new coordinator Chip Kelly’s offense. When Kelly coached the Eagles from 2013-15, they led the NFL in carries every season. Jeanty’s elite playmaking capability and three-down ability set give him the upside to be the following elite NFL working again.
Lead backs
2025 projection: 215 carries, 961 yards, 9 TDs; 39 receptions, 282 yards, 2 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 1, No. 22
Hampton is an enormous, robust again whose profession 3.9 yards after contact per rush ranks fourth on this class. He is extra downhill than he’s agile, however he impressed in all of the exercises on the mix. Hampton is a succesful move catcher and will discover his solution to a three-down position within the execs. He’ll defer some carries to Najee Harris, and targets could also be restricted within the Jim Harbaugh/Greg Roman scheme, however there can be sufficient quantity to permit for high-end manufacturing.
2025 projection: 211 carries, 922 yards, 6 TDs; 40 receptions, 285 yards, 1 TD
Drafted: Spherical 2, No. 36
Like Hampton, Judkins is an enormous, robust runner who examined effectively on the mix. He led the place group within the broad leap (11-foot), whereas working a 4.48-second 40-yard sprint. The Browns ought to hold him busy close to the purpose line, as he had 16-plus touchdowns in all three seasons at Ohio State. He can catch the ball a bit, however he wasn’t overly spectacular in that space at Ole Miss or OSU.
Judkins will possible step in as Cleveland’s lead again, although he would possibly lose some touches to Jerome Ford and fellow rookie Dylan Sampson.
2025 projection: 189 carries, 841 yards, 5 TDs; 46 receptions, 357 yards, 2 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 2, No. 60
Harvey is on the smaller facet (5-foot-8, 205 kilos), however he was productive in school. He ran for 10-plus yards on a class-best 23% of his carries in 2024. Dimension and age (24) considerations apart, he had the fourth-fastest 40 on the mix out of all RBs (4.40) and landed in an awesome spot. His high competitors in Denver is Jaleel McLaughlin, who can be undersized at 5-foot-7. Harvey is all however locked in because the lead again in a Sean Payton offense that likes to lean on working backs within the passing sport.
Committee backs
2025 projection: 222 carries, 947 yards, 7 TDs; 29 receptions, 216 yards, 1 TD
Drafted: Spherical 3, No. 83
The de facto Najee Harris alternative within the run-heavy Pittsburgh offense, Johnson is not tremendous quick (4.57 within the 40) or fast (1.62 within the 10-yard cut up). That restricted his output at Iowa, as solely 34% of his runs went for five or extra yards. However he is likely one of the greatest backs on this class at 6-foot-1, 224 kilos.
Johnson is seemingly a succesful receiver, but he was solely focused 38 occasions in school and wishes work as a move blocker. Do not be stunned if he is restricted in that division, particularly since Jaylen Warren is positioned to deal with a couple of third of the carries and a lot of the passing-down work.
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Kaleb Johnson’s NFL draft profile
Take a look at stats from Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson forward of the 2025 NFL draft.
2025 projection: 174 carries, 775 yards, 5 TDs; 35 receptions, 267 yards, 2 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 2, No. 38
The Ohio State product paced this rookie RB class with a 7.1 yards per carry final season and was efficient as each a rusher and receiver all through his collegiate tenure. His 5-foot-10, 202-pound measurement might restrict his carry complete a bit within the execs, however he impressed on the mix, and his elite pass-blocking expertise and three-down capability make him a terrific match within the fashionable NFL.
Henderson will start the season sharing carries with Rhamondre Stevenson, although it is potential the rookie rapidly takes over because the Patriots’ lead again. Stevenson was demoted for parts of final season as a result of fumbling points.
2025 projection: 160 carries, 691 yards, 4 TDs; 29 receptions, 213 yards, 1 TD
Drafted: Spherical 4, No. 105
He is one of many oldest RBs on this class at 23, however that is not sufficient to offset his elite effectivity throughout two seasons at Arizona State. Skattebo’s 110 compelled missed tackles had been second to Jeanty within the FBS final season, and his 15% goal share and 11.1 yards per goal had been the draft class’s greatest within the move sport.
Skattebo isn’t tremendous quick, however his measurement (5-foot-11, 215 kilos) and three-down ability set provides him with a strong long-term outlook. Nonetheless, his short-term numbers will possible be restricted as a result of 2024 fifth-round choose Tyrone Tracy Jr. had a breakout 2024 season.
Wild playing cards
2025 projection: 107 carries, 446 yards, 3 TDs; 16 receptions, 111 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 5, No. 149
Blue’s workload was restricted in a crowded Texas working again room (214 carries in three seasons), however he was an efficient rusher — his 3.8 profession yards after contact per rush is fifth greatest on this class — and confirmed receiving chops with 42 receptions in 2024. He is a bit on the small measurement at 196 kilos and has had points with holding onto the ball. Nonetheless, the pace is there; he ran a 4.38 within the 40-yard sprint.
Blue will start his profession behind newly acquired veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders, however neither have performed effectively in latest seasons, so this depth chart is broad open. The lead again position in Dallas is there for the taking.
2025 projection: 84 carries, 363 yards, 2 TDs; 15 receptions, 108 yards, 1 TD
Drafted: Spherical 4, No. 104
Tuten struggled with negative-yardage runs (22% of his carries) and fumbles (class-high 2.5% price) throughout his 24 video games at Virginia Tech, however his effectivity was in any other case actually good. He averaged 6.3 yards per carry final season, together with 3.8 after contact per rush.
Extra importantly, Tuten dominated on the mix with RB-best marks within the 40-yard sprint (4.32) and vertical leap (40½ inches). He’s blazing quick with three-down upside, although his 12 months 1 alternatives are unclear with Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby on the depth chart. That might result in a restricted early-season position, however the uncertainty additionally permits him an opportunity to ultimately steal beginning duties.
Situational backs and backups
2025 projection: 105 carries, 457 yards, 3 TDs; 21 receptions, 157 yards, 1 TD
Drafted: Spherical 4, No. 116
Marks was a pass-catching star in school, posting 1,546 receiving yards on 317 targets over 5 seasons — greater than doubling the next-closest again in routes, targets and catches. Alternatively, he averaged south of 5.0 yards per carry over 5 seasons, and his profession 2.4 yards after contact per carry is well the worst on this class. Marks additionally underwhelmed throughout the board on the mix, together with a 4.54 within the 40-yard sprint. The 24-year-old will compete with Dare Ogunbowale and Dameon Pierce for No. 2 duties behind Joe Mixon in Houston.
2025 projection: 62 carries, 265 yards, 1 TD; 9 receptions, 60 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 4, No. 126
Sampson is likely one of the smallest and youngest RBs on this class at 5-foot-8 and 20 years outdated. He ran for five.9 yards per carry over his three-season profession however wasn’t used a lot within the move sport (1.5 targets per sport). Sampson’s outlook is lower than excellent, as second-rounder Judkins is probably going the crew’s short- and long-term lead again. Jerome Ford is probably a think about 2025, as effectively.
2025 projection: 48 carries, 201 yards, 2 TDs; 7 receptions, 49 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 5, No. 151
Giddens has a strong body and confirmed off his athleticism on the mix, with the second-best vertical (39½ inches) and broad leap (10-foot-10) amongst RBs. He was strong when it comes to his effectivity as a collegiate rusher, however he struggled with drops and would possibly max out as an early-down possibility. Behind function again Jonathan Taylor, Giddens will battle Tyler Goodson for main backup duties.
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DJ Giddens’ NFL draft profile
Take a look at some stats and data from draft prospect DJ Giddens of Kansas State.
Developmental and depth gamers
2025 projection: 50 carries, 220 yards, 1 TD; 10 receptions, 74 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 4, No. 114
Travis Etienne Jr.’s brother was efficient as each a rusher and receiver throughout his three school seasons at Florida and Georgia. His three-down ability set ought to translate to the NFL, however his 5-foot-8 measurement might restrict his ceiling. He’s additionally one of many youngest backs on this class — he turns 21 in July.
Carolina’s backfield can be immediately crowded after signing Rico Dowdle in free company. Etienne will spend his rookie marketing campaign growing behind lead again Chuba Hubbard and Dowdle, ultimately battling Jonathon Brooks for work in 2026 as soon as he’s again from his second ACL tear.
2025 projection: 38 carries, 164 yards, 1 TD; 4 receptions, 30 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 4, No. 117
Hunter ranked within the high 11 within the FBS in each yards after contact per carry (4.1) and compelled missed tackles (65) final season. He did not stand out as a receiver, although, so he might be restricted to a two-down (and returner) position within the execs. Hunter will open his profession behind function again Kyren Williams, battling second-year man Blake Corum for main backup duties.
2025 projection: 24 carries, 99 yards, 1 TD; 2 receptions, 14 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 6, No. 184
Neal is not tremendous quick (4.58 within the 40), however he has respectable 5-foot-11, 215-pound measurement and was a strong producer in 4 seasons at Kansas. That tenure included 760 carries (second most on this class) and strong receiving effectivity on 102 targets. Neal is an extended shot as a sixth-round flier, however the Saints’ backup state of affairs appears broad open behind 30-year-old Alvin Kamara. If Neal can overtake Kendre Miller and Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the No. 2 job, he might land an even bigger position than anticipated.
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Devin Neal’s NFL draft profile
Take a look at some stats and data from Kansas’ Devin Neal.
2025 projection: 20 carries, 84 yards, 1 TD; 2 receptions, 13 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 7, No. 233
Monangai is simply 5-foot-8 and did not present effectively on the mix. In Rutgers’ middling offense, his 1.5 yards earlier than contact per run over 47 video games was the bottom within the class — however his common yards after contact (3.3) was strong. He managed greater than 1,200 speeding yards in every of his ultimate two school seasons. Monangai will open his profession behind D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson and maybe additionally Travis Homer.
2025 projection: 12 carries, 51 yards, 0 TDs; 2 receptions, 15 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 5, No. 147
San Francisco’s RB room appears loads completely different from final season, as Jordan Mason was traded away and Elijah Mitchell signed with the Chiefs. James ought to make the 53-man roster, however he is more likely to work behind Christian McCaffrey, Isaac Guerendo and maybe Patrick Taylor Jr. James’ collegiate effectivity was all around the map. His profession 3.0 yards after contact per carry was under common, however he additionally had class-best 11% damaging run and 49% 5-plus-yard run charges. James is proscribed as a receiver and underwhelmed on the mix.
2025 projection: 10 carries, 40 yards, 0 TDs; 2 receptions, 15 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 6, No. 193
Brooks soaked up 879 carries all through 5 collegiate seasons, which is probably the most on this class. He ran for 1,500-plus yards in each 2023 and 2024 at Texas Tech, whereas catching no less than 27 passes every of the previous three seasons. He is robust and fast with respectable 5-foot-10, 230-pound measurement. Brooks figures to start his profession buried behind Chase Brown, Zack Moss and Samaje Perine within the Bengals’ rotation.
2025 projection: 8 carries, 34 yards, 0 TDs; 0 receptions, 0 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 7, No. 245
After 4 seasons at Alabama State, Croskey-Merritt had his breakout season at New Mexico in 2023 earlier than showing in just one sport in 2024 for Arizona. His elite 2023 effectivity (8.2 yards per carry) is notable, however he is an older developmental again at 24. With Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler main the depth chart, and Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. being within the combine, Croskey-Merritt isn’t a lock to make Washington’s 53-man roster.
2025 projection: 8 carries, 33 yards, 0 TDs; 2 receptions, 14 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 7, No. 223
The Miami product is an enormous energy again, and his 4.5 yards after contact per carry final season trailed solely Jeanty. He simply may not do a lot as a receiver within the execs. Martinez will start his profession behind Kenneth Walker III, Zach Charbonnet and possibly even Kenny McIntosh in Seattle.
2025 projection: 8 carries, 32 yards, 0 TDs; 2 receptions, 15 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 6, No. 179
Gordon had a tough 2024 in robust circumstances (simply 4.6 yards per carry), however he was a lot better as a rusher and receiver throughout a productive 2023 marketing campaign (6.1 per carry). He isn’t tremendous quick or dynamic, but he is a strong producer and is likely one of the greatest backs within the class (6-foot-1 and 227 kilos, together with an 80-inch wingspan). Gordon will battle Jaylen Wright and Alexander Mattison for No. 2 duties behind De’Von Achane. He is a reputation to observe however in all probability nonetheless an extended shot for actual manufacturing in 2025.
2025 projection: 8 carries, 32 yards, 0 TDs; 2 receptions, 14 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 6, No. 188
A transformed linebacker, Mullings is an enormous again at 6-foot-2 and 226 kilos. He did not get a lot run at Michigan (235 carries in three seasons) and was a whole nonfactor as a receiver with solely 14 profession targets. In Tennessee, he’ll compete with Julius Chestnut for a depth position because the lead backs are set with Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears.
2025 projection: 7 carries, 30 yards, 0 TDs; 2 receptions, 15 yards, 0 TDs
Drafted: Spherical 7, No. 228
Smith is likely one of the smallest rookie RBs at 5-foot-10 and 194 kilos. He ran a strong 4.39-second 40 on the mix, however he carried out poorly within the vertical (32½ inches, second final on the place) and broad leap (9-foot-9, tied for final). A transformed WR, Smith is elusive however has room to develop on the place. He performed just one season at working again after transferring from Miami to SMU.
Behind Isiah Pacheco, Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell, Smith would possibly begin 2025 as a kick returner/reserve.
2025 projection: None
Drafted: Spherical 7, No. 236
Allen’s speeding effectivity at Syracuse is regarding (class-low 4.5 yards per carry final season), however he’s a confirmed receiving risk with a class-high 64 receptions on 83 targets in 2024. Allen will attempt to carve out a third-down position within the execs, although it could take some time. As talked about earlier, Jacksonville drafted Tuten in Spherical 4 to fit in alongside Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby.
2025 projection: None
Drafted: Spherical 7, No. 239
Mafah is likely one of the greatest backs on this class at 6-foot-1, 234 kilos. He isn’t notably quick, and his collegiate effectivity was underwhelming. The Dallas RB state of affairs is seemingly broad open, however Blue, Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders all stand in the best way to a large position.
