When it comes to the NFL Draft, the running back position always garners significant interest, and the 2025 class is no different. This year, Ashton Jeanty is the clear front runner for most analysts, but behind him, there is much debate as to who the No. 2 ranked back might be.
Let’s examine our current top 10 RB rankings for the 2025 NFL Draft and analyze their respective skill sets.
This article’s analysis is based on the opinions of a combination of our scouting analysts at PFSN.
10) Phil Mafah, Clemson
Phil Mafah’s 230-pound frame suggests he might be bouncing heads off the ground à la Derrick Henry at the NFL level, but the Clemson RB has more to his game than pure violence.
Mafah is patient and effective as a zone runner with an eye-catching wiggle to find a crease and make defenders miss. He doesn’t have the explosiveness to be a consistent big-play creator, but his consistent ability to drive the sled on contact makes him a fun early-down and short-yardage committee candidate.
9) Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State
Ollie Gordon II is a massive running back who runs hard and possesses the toughness and raw power needed to bowl over defenders at the collegiate level. He also has plenty of experience and value as a pass catcher, giving him more dimensions in his game than the stereotypical “power back” archetype.
That said, Gordon’s athletic limitations could affect how big of a role he plays for his team at the NFL level. He feels like a consistent bet to regularly pick up three to five yards in between the tackles, but he doesn’t have the breakaway speed or the crafty agility needed to project as a dynamic threat in the open field. He’ll have to run with a better pad level in the NFL to maintain how well he shed tackles at Oklahoma State.
8) Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
The fact that Bhayshul Tuten graded as well as he did despite some historically bad ball security (nine fumbles over the last two seasons on fewer than 400 touches) is a testament to his ability. Additionally, ball security is an almost universally coachable issue.
Tuten oozes first-level explosiveness, a dense lower half to skirt past glancing blows, and enough long speed to outrun ACC DBs. He consistently forces himself past the first would-be tackler, and while he’s not often tasked with pass protection, he shows a willingness to sacrifice his body when called upon.
7) Cam Skattebo, Arizona State
Cam Skattebo’s versatility and vision propelled the Arizona State Sun Devils to the Big 12 Championship Game under Kenny Dillingham. A powerful runner who breaks tackles and excels in tight lanes, Skattebo solidified himself as a top prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft, likely earning attention as an early Day 3 pick.
6) DJ Giddens, Kansas State
DJ Giddens is a versatile running back who can impact the game as both a runner and a receiver. He runs with a physical style, displaying excellent balance and the ability to break tackles in tight spaces. Giddens combines good vision and patience with a strong burst through the hole, making him effective between the tackles and in open space.
As a receiver, Giddens shows reliable hands and the ability to create mismatches against linebackers. The main concerns with Giddens are a lack of elite top-end speed and his ability to be a reliable pass blocker. However, he is relatively new to the position, so there is plenty of development potential.
5) TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
TreVeyon Henderson stands out as a true dual-threat back, blending impressive speed with pass-catching skills that hint at third-down NFL potential. When healthy, he’s electric in open space, weaving through defenders with sharp vision and surprising burst. However, concerns linger about whether he peaked during his record-breaking freshman season in 2021.
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While Henderson hasn’t underperformed, his dominance hasn’t been as consistent since that 15-rushing-touchdown year. At his best, Henderson combines modern dual-threat versatility with the short-area explosiveness of a classic power back, making him a dynamic force when fully unleashed.
4) Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
Quinshon Judkins, a standout running back since his breakout freshman season at Ole Miss, remained a force in college football at Ohio State, culminating with a three-touchdown performance in the College Football Playoff National Championship game.
He excels with an explosive first step and a thunderous running style that punishes defenders and forces missed tackles. Though his vision isn’t elite, his patient approach and power make him a consistent threat.
Judkins’ dense frame enables him to churn out yards after contact, showcasing a physical edge that keeps him among the nation’s top rushers, even if he’s less dynamic than he was in his freshman year.
3) Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson had an incredible season, solidifying his spot in the NFL Draft conversation. He’s a rare mix of power and agility, like a pitcher with both a plus fastball and a plus changeup. Whether breaking tackles or outrunning defenders, Johnson consistently shines against elite competition. Once in the Heisman Trophy discussion, his stock only continues to climb.
2) Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Omarion Hampton is one of the top ball carriers in the draft class and would be considered the RB1 in almost any other year. He is a well-rounded player who offers the production, high-end physical tools, and versatility to excel as a three-down running back.
A violent downhill runner, Hampton offers outstanding size, strength, and power. He is a power back first and foremost, but he offers excellent short-area quickness and explosiveness. Hampton has a massive frame and is densely built to withstand contact and deliver punishment as a tempo-setting ball carrier.
Hampton is not to be mistaken for Alvin Kamara as a receiver, but he is more than serviceable in that phase. He flashes soft hands and the ability to take the football outside of his frame. He is oftentimes split into the slot and out wide, showing good proficiency with his route running. There is room for improvement, however, as it relates to his pass blocking.
Overall, Hampton is a dynamic power running back with the skill set to be a three-down playmaker at the next level. He consistently churns out positive yards and has the explosiveness to hit a big play every now and then.
1) Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Ashton Jeanty offers outstanding playmaking ability and possesses the game-breaking attributes to justify a team spending high draft capital on a non-priority position, such as running back. He offsets his average size with outstanding speed, burst, and vision.
Jeanty is a short running back but has a dense build with a sturdy lower body. While not possessing imposing size, Jeanty has rare contact balance and can easily bounce off would-be tacklers without losing speed or stability. He is a scheme-versatile back who shows the ability to excel in a power and gap scheme or a wide-zone-oriented offense and displays outstanding vision.
In the passing game, Jeanty displays good overall hands and is a reliable target on screens, wheel routes, and rail routes. However, he doesn’t have an array of routes in his bag and wouldn’t be a player teams would want to split outside. Jeanty is a willing pass protector, but his lack of strength and length limits his ability to consistently win at the point of attack.