The 2025 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a landmark event for running backs, a position that has seen its value fluctuate wildly in recent years. With a blend of elite talent at the top and impressive depth throughout, this year’s RB class has drawn comparisons to some of the most iconic running back drafts in NFL history. From Heisman hopefuls to versatile playmakers, the top five prospects alone could redefine the position’s relevance in a pass-heavy league. Let’s break down this year’s standout RBs, speculate on their draft destinations, and see how this class stacks up against the greats of yesteryear.
The Top Five Running Backs of 2025
1. Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)
Profile: A 5’8”, 217-pound dynamo, Jeanty is the consensus RB1 after a jaw-dropping 2024 season where he averaged 7.0 yards per carry, racked up 2,601 yards, and scored 29 touchdowns. His blend of vision, contact balance (163 forced missed tackles in 2024), and receiving ability (43 catches for 569 yards in 2023) makes him a rare talent.
Historical Comparison: Jeanty evokes memories of Barry Sanders with his elusiveness and ability to turn losses into gains—think Sanders’ 1988 Heisman season at Oklahoma State.
Draft Speculation: Projected as a top-10 pick, Jeanty could land with the Dallas Cowboys at No. 8 (assuming current draft order trends). With Ezekiel Elliott aging and no clear RB1, Dallas needs a workhorse to pair with Dak Prescott’s passing attack. Jeanty’s three-down potential fits perfectly.
2. Omarion Hampton (North Carolina)
Profile: At 6’0”, 220 pounds, Hampton is a bruising yet agile runner who averaged 6.2 yards per carry in 2024, totaling 1,558 yards and 13 scores. His power and short-area burst make him a nightmare for defenders.
Historical Comparison: Think of a slightly faster Eddie George—Hampton has that same downhill tenacity but with modern versatility.
Draft Speculation: Likely a late first-rounder (20-32 range), Hampton could go to the Denver Broncos at No. 25. Sean Payton loves physical backs, and with Javonte Williams’ contract expiring, Hampton could anchor Denver’s run game alongside Bo Nix.
3. Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State)
Profile: A 6’0”, 220-pound transfer from Ole Miss, Judkins paired with TreVeyon Henderson to form a lethal Buckeye duo in 2024. He averaged 6.1 yards per carry in his career, with 1,185 yards and 9 TDs in 2023 at Ole Miss. His vision and power stand out.
Historical Comparison: Judkins mirrors Jonathan Taylor’s college dominance—consistent, explosive, and built for the NFL grind.
Draft Speculation: A second-round lock (33-50 range), Judkins might head to the Pittsburgh Steelers at No. 40. With Najee Harris’ future uncertain, Pittsburgh could pair Judkins with Jaylen Warren for a dynamic backfield under Arthur Smith’s run-heavy scheme.
4. TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State)
Profile: At 5’11”, 209 pounds, Henderson is the speedster of the OSU tandem, boasting a projected 4.38-4.42 40-yard dash. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry in 2024, with 1,007 yards and 11 TDs, plus 33 receptions for 395 yards.
Historical Comparison: Henderson’s speed and receiving chops draw parallels to Jamaal Charles—a big-play threat every touch.
Draft Speculation: Another second-rounder (40-60 range), Henderson could land with the Miami Dolphins at No. 45. Mike McDaniel’s zone scheme thrives with speed, and with Raheem Mostert aging, Henderson could complement De’Von Achane’s lightning.
5. Kaleb Johnson (Iowa)
Profile: A 6’0”, 225-pound junior, Johnson erupted in 2024 with 1,537 yards and 19 TDs, averaging 6.5 yards per carry. His 78 forced missed tackles highlight his blend of size and elusiveness.
Historical Comparison: Johnson’s physicality and breakout year echo Adrian Peterson’s 2004 Oklahoma campaign—raw power with surprising agility.
Draft Speculation: Likely a Day 2 pick (50-75 range), Johnson could go to the New England Patriots at No. 62. With Rhamondre Stevenson’s injury history, Johnson offers a sturdy, every-down option for Jerod Mayo’s rebuilding offense.
How 2025 Compares to Historic RB Classes
The 2025 RB class is generating buzz reminiscent of these legendary drafts:
1989: Featuring Barry Sanders (No. 3 overall), Thurman Thomas (No. 40), and Bobby Humphrey (supplemental draft), this class produced Hall of Famers and immediate impact players. 2025’s top-end talent (Jeanty, Hampton) rivals Sanders and Thomas, though depth may not reach that level yet.
2005: With Ronnie Brown (No. 2), Cedric Benson (No. 4), and Cadillac Williams (No. 5), this class had three top-five picks—a rarity today. 2025 won’t see that concentration, but its depth (potentially 6-8 RBs in the first three rounds) could outshine 2005’s later rounds.
2017: The modern gold standard, with Leonard Fournette (No. 4), Christian McCaffrey (No. 8), Dalvin Cook (No. 41), and Alvin Kamara (No. 67). 2025’s versatility—Jeanty and Henderson as receivers, Judkins and Johnson as power backs—mirrors 2017’s star power and could match its long-term impact.
While 2025 lacks a singular “generational” talent like Saquon Barkley (2018) or Bijan Robinson (2023), its combination of a top-10 lock (Jeanty) and a deep pool of Day 2 starters (Hampton, Judkins, Henderson, Johnson, plus others like Nicholas Singleton and Cam Skattebo) suggests it could rival 2017 for overall quality. Analysts like PFF’s Trevor Sikkema have called it “the deepest RB class in years,” a sentiment echoed by scouts who see starters emerging well into Day 3.
What Sets 2025 Apart?
This class thrives on versatility and physicality—traits NFL teams crave in a position often relegated to committees. Jeanty’s all-purpose brilliance could buck the trend of devalued RBs, much like McCaffrey did in 2017. Meanwhile, the size (most top prospects are 220+ pounds) and durability of this group suggest they’re built to handle modern workloads, unlike the lighter, speed-first backs of recent drafts. If Jeanty cracks the top 10—a feat not accomplished since McCaffrey—it could signal a mini-renaissance for RB draft stock.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 NFL RB draft class has the potential to be remembered alongside the greats, blending elite talent with unprecedented depth. Ashton Jeanty could headline as a Cowboy, Omarion Hampton might punish AFC West defenses in Denver, and the Ohio State duo of Judkins and Henderson could reshape backfields in Pittsburgh and Miami. Kaleb Johnson, meanwhile, offers New England a cornerstone to build around. As the pre-draft process unfolds—combine performances, interviews, and team needs solidifying—watch this group to see if they can live up to the hype. If they do, 2025 might just be the year the running back reclaims its NFL glory.
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