2025 NFL Draft: Rookie Running Back Rankings | Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, Cam Skattebo and More

As we get closer to the 2025 NFL Draft, it's time to start doing our pre-draft position rankings.

We'll be breaking down the film of all the players at the key fantasy positions to get you ready for the NFL Draft, dynasty rookie drafts, and you're 2025 fantasy football season. These are the top 11 running backs in this year's class. 

1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State Broncos

Once every couple of seasons, a can't-miss running back prospect declares for the NFL Draft and you know he's going to be a star. Jeanty is better than most of those guys.

Both his film and production are unbelievable and he's going to be one of the best NFL running backs in the league for years to come, as long as he stays healthy - that's the only thing that could slow him down. He grades out higher than star prospects like Bijan Robinson and Ezekiel Elliott.  

2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina Tar Heels

Because of Hampton, there is a chance that we get two running backs selected in the first round of this year's NFL Draft.

He would project as the top running back in a lot of drafts that don't feature a stud like Jeanty. His combination of size and burst is a rare thing to find and he will be an immediate high-end NFL starter. 

3. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State Buckeyes

Henderson may be the most creative runner in this class. His ability to turn a little bit of space into a lot of space with incredible footwork and acceleration is a sight to behold.

There are durability concerns though, which could cause a few other running backs to be drafted ahead of him. He doesn't project as a bell-cow back and is better suited for a Jahmyr Gibbs type of role. However, his ceiling is as high as it gets. 

4. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa Hawkeyes

Johnson has feature-back potential and displays elite vision with an impressive ability to finish off runs.

He's one of the best we've seen when it comes to planting, cutting, and going at his size. There is nothing he doesn't do well and showed home run ability at 224 pounds. 

5. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State Buckeyes

Judkins was the thunder to Henderson's lightning.

He projects as an outstanding workhorse back on the next level. His combination of size, balance, and ability to run over defenders makes him a nightmare to bring down. 

6. Damien Martinez, Miami Hurricanes

Martinez has everything you want in a bell-cow back. You can hand him the ball 20 times and he'll only get stronger as the game goes on.

He has both the speed to make plays and the power to run through defenders. Many people have him ranked lower, but he will be a Day 2 pick and potentially one of the biggest steals of the draft. 

7. Dylan Sampson, Tennessee Volunteers

Sampson is an explosive runner who should fit well in any scheme you want to put him in.

His footwork and acceleration are off the charts. He is also a versatile back who can be used in just about any role he's called on to fill. 

8. Devin Neal, Kansas Jayhawks

Neal is an elite athlete and one-cut runner who can be on his way to the house before the defense even realizes what just happened.

He has also demonstrated a quick first step and a fluid change of direction.  

9. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State Sun Devils

Skattebo is such a tough player to evaluate. He doesn't have the elite burst and speed of these other guys ranked around him, but he was so productive in college that you can't ignore him.

In the NFL, he could have a rare useful combination of a short-yardage back and a pass-catcher. It will be very interesting to see where he is selected on draft day.

10. Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State Cowboys

Gordon projects as an early-down back who can be lethal coming downhill.

He can handle a heavy workload and dominate on short yardage. 

11. Brashard Smith, SMU Mustangs

This was supposed to be a top 10 list, however, I wanted to include Smith on this list so I added one more slot. He's a natural pass-catcher with great acceleration and is a perfect fit in today's NFL.

You constantly see him turning nothing into something and taking what looks like a nothing play and turning it into a chunk play. If he lands in the right system, he could be a major difference-maker on the next level as a pass-catcher who can also thrive between the tackles, even if he isn't built for bell-cow workload.