The 2023 NFL Draft was an anomaly from most recent drafts, with two running backs, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, getting selected in the top dozen picks. The 2024 NFL Draft was back to more familiar territory, with zero running backs in the opening round. Looking ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, it remains to be seen if a prospect will establish himself as a definite first-rounder like Robinson and Gibbs did. However, the running back position looks like it has the potential to be a strong group next April.
The NFL advance scouts have a number of running back prospects graded favorably on their preseason watch list. Three running backs, Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Cal’s Jaydn Ott, and North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton, are tied for the top grade at the position. Just below that trio are a pair of backs from Ohio State, Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson. Another trio of backs were given day two potential grades. That group consisted of Rutgers’ Kyle Monangai, Kansas State’s D.J. Giffens, and Michigan’s Donovan Edwards. Eight running back prospects with the top half of the draft potential could make for a very good class at the position. Plus, other halfbacks could easily emerge during the 2024 season.
In my latest 2025 NFL Mock Draft, I do not have a running back prospect in the first round. But advance scouts see a deep group of running back talent, so it is entirely possible that one of them will become a first-rounder during the lead-up to the 2025 NFL Draft.
