This podcast episode examines the top running back prospects for the 2025 NFL draft. The hosts breakdown the class into tiers and discuss each player’s strengths and weaknesses and discusses which players have the potential to be drafted in the first round.
Top Prospects
- Ashton Jeanty (Boise State): This powerful back is a surprising top prospect. He excels at breaking tackles and averaged 4.52 yards after contact last season. He is also a versatile player who can contribute in both the running and passing game.
- Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State): Gordon is a bigger back with good agility. He had an impressive season last year, racking up 1,732 yards and 21 touchdowns while averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
- Omarion Hampton (North Carolina): Hampton is a balanced runner with a good combination of power and speed. He is projected to be a mid-round pick with significant upside.
- Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State): Judkins transferred to Ohio State after two productive seasons at Ole Miss. He is a powerful runner with good vision.
- TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State): Henderson is an explosive player with home-run ability. He had an impressive freshman year in 2021, averaging 6.8 yards per carry for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Other Players to Watch
The episode also discusses several other prospects, including Donovan Edwards (Michigan) and Kyle Monangai (Rutgers). Edwards is looking to have a breakout season now that Blake Corum is in the league. Monangai has been very productive at Rutgers, despite not playing in a high-powered offense.
Draft Outlook
Running backs have typically not been drafted in the first round in recent years, but there are a few teams that may be looking to draft a running back early in the 2025 draft. These teams include the Carolina Panthers, the New England Patriots, the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Dallas Cowboys.
