When it comes to the Running backs in the final 2025 NFL draft top 250 player rankings, it’s clear that teams across the league are taking a close look at their options, especially those looking to bolster their depth on Day 3.
With the NFL Draft just days away, excitement is building. While quarterbacks and edge rushers often steal the spotlight, the running back position remains a cornerstone for many franchises.
In Jeff Risdon’s final 2025 draft player rankings, a total of 26 running backs cut, showcasing the depth and potential of this year’s RB class.
Overview of the 2025 Running Back Class
The 2025 draft class of running backs is a mixture of power, agility, and versatility. While only one back cracked the top 10, several others are projected to make significant impacts in the NFL.
More importantly, many of these backs bring specialized skills such as pass protection, return ability, and receiving capabilities traits highly valued in today’s pass-heavy league.
Key Highlights at the Top
At the very top of the list sits Ashton Jeanty from Boise State, who astonishingly lands at No. 2 overall in the entire top 250 rankings. This is highly unusual, considering how running backs have been devalued in recent drafts.
Jeanty’s blend of acceleration, vision, and ability to catch out of the backfield sets him apart. He is a true three-down back, and while teams may hesitate to take a running back this early, Jeanty could be the exception.
Close behind him is Omarion Hampton of North Carolina, ranked at No. 31. Hampton possesses a bruising running style and elite short-yardage instincts, making him ideal for red zone situations.
Not far behind is TreVeyon Henderson (No. 36), a familiar name out of Ohio State. Henderson is explosive and shifty, often making defenders miss in space.
Mid-Round Talent with High Upside
For teams that wait until Day 2 or early Day 3, several valuable options remain. Kaleb Johnson (Iowa, No. 52), Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State, No. 73), and Dylan Sampson (Tennessee, No. 76) round out the higher-ranked backs. Each brings a unique skill set to the table.
Kaleb Johnson – The Hidden Gem
Johnson is an intriguing back due to his combination of speed and patience. He isn’t the flashiest runner, but he understands blocking schemes and rarely loses yards.
His draft position at No. 52 shows scouts appreciate his football IQ and reliability.
Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson – Speed Meets Power
Judkins, who transferred to Ohio State, is a power back who breaks tackles and finishes runs.
Meanwhile, Sampson is known for his quick bursts and ability to stretch the field horizontally. If a team needs a change-of-pace back, Sampson fits the bill perfectly.
Late-Round Steals and Versatile Role Players
Although top-tier backs may dominate the headlines, many successful NFL runners come from later rounds.
The Running backs in the final 2025 NFL draft top 250 player rankings feature names like D.J. Giddens (Kansas State, No. 116) and R.J. Harvey (UCF, No. 118), who could become key contributors.
Who Could Be This Year’s Isiah Pacheco?
One name to watch is Devin Neal (Kansas, No. 124). Much like Pacheco in 2022, Neal has been somewhat overlooked but possesses the necessary traits of explosiveness, decisiveness, and toughness. He could easily outplay his draft position.
Special Teams Value
As the list progresses into the 130s and beyond, players like Bhayshul Tuten (Virginia Tech, No. 135) and Cam Skattebo (Arizona State, No. 151) come into focus.
Though they might not start immediately, their value on special teams and third-down situations can’t be ignored. Especially in a league where every roster spot counts, these players might stick because of versatility.
Arizona Cardinals’ Running Back Strategy
When evaluating the Running backs in the final 2025 NFL draft top 250 player rankings, one must consider team-specific needs. The Arizona Cardinals, for instance, are unlikely to use a high draft pick on a running back.
With James Conner and Trey Benson as their top two backs, and Emari Demercado and DeeJay Dallas filling out the depth chart, the Cardinals are well-stocked.
Day 3 Possibilities
However, things could change if a value pick emerges. Players like Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech, No. 160) and Damien Martinez (Miami, No. 192) could be worth a late-round flyer. Brooks is tough between the tackles and offers decent pass protection, a trait many late-round backs lack.
Return Specialists and Pass Catchers
Names such as Lan Larison (UC Davis, No. 194) and Brsahard Smith (SMU, No. 166) are particularly intriguing.
Larison’s return ability and Smith’s receiving skills could make them useful additions for special teams and situational offenses. The Cardinals might look here if they want a running back who can do more than just run.
Rookies Who Fit Modern NFL Offenses
In today’s NFL, running backs are expected to be multi-dimensional. Fortunately, several players on this list bring more to the table than just rushing yards.
Trevor Etienne – The All-Around Weapon
Etienne (Georgia, No. 130) is an all-purpose back who can be a weapon in both the run and pass game. Coming from a football family, his football IQ is high, and his ability to read defenses while running routes is exceptional. He’ll likely be used creatively in a modern offense.
Rocket Sanders – A Name to Remember
Rocket Sanders (South Carolina, No. 157) may not have had a standout season, but he has tools you can’t teach: size, strength, and breakaway speed. Coaches love players with raw upside, and Sanders could be molded into a dynamic back if given the right coaching environment.
Underrated Prospects to Watch
In every draft, some names slip through the cracks only to become household names years later. Several in this year’s RB class could be those players.
Kyle Monangai and Mario Anderson
Monangai (Rutgers, No. 174) runs low to the ground and rarely gets tackled on first contact. Meanwhile, Anderson (Memphis, No. 241) shows flashes of brilliance when given space. Either could become a rotational back in the NFL with proper development.
Jo’Quavious Marks – A Dark Horse Candidate
Ranked No. 247, Marks (USC) has an opportunity to make noise. Although his numbers may not dazzle, his vision and ability to find cutback lanes make him one of the more technically sound runners late in the rankings.
Draft Strategy: When to Take a Running Back?
Running backs continue to slide further down in mock drafts due to the short lifespan of the position. However, with so many solid players ranked between No. 100 and No. 250, teams may see better ROI waiting until later rounds.
Value Over Hype
Instead of chasing the top backs, franchises that prioritize value often find reliable contributors in the fifth, sixth, or even seventh rounds. The Running backs in final 2025 NFL draft top 250 player rankings demonstrate that waiting doesn’t mean missing out on quality.
Scheme Fit Matters
A player like Jaydon Blue (Texas, No. 207) might not thrive in every system, but in a zone-blocking scheme, he could flourish. Coaches need to prioritize scheme fit over raw stats when evaluating these prospects.
Expert Editorial Comment
This year’s running back class might not boast a Saquon Barkley or Christian McCaffrey-level talent, but the depth is undeniable. Nearly every player on the list can contribute in some way, whether on special teams, third downs, or short-yardage situations.
Teams willing to invest the time in developing these players could be rewarded handsomely. Moreover, with the trend of committees becoming the norm in backfields, having multiple capable backs is more valuable than ever.
Ultimately, the Running backs in the final 2025 NFL draft top 250 player rankings provide a comprehensive snapshot of this year’s talent pool. From potential Pro Bowlers to core special teams guys, there is something here for every team.