With the 2025 NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, let’s rank the top 12 running backs from the past two drafts as prospects. To be clear, these players will be ranked based on their pre-draft profile, as it was evaluated before they took an NFL snap as rookies.
The purpose of this is to compare this year’s prospects at the running back position to those from last year, which could help us determine which class was more talented coming out, as well as how things have changed since. Let’s get into the list and break down a combined ranking of the last two NFL rookie class’ running backs!
1. Ashton Jeanty (LV)
It should be no surprise that Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty takes the top spot on this list. He possesses every perceivable trait necessary to become a dominant, high-usage rusher in the modern NFL.
Jeanty has game-breaking speed, rare patience, unreal elusiveness, adequate size, and an impressive arsenal of hurdles and stiff arms to shake off defenders. He is a generational prospect and should have an instant impact for Las Vegas, a team that has gone through much change on the offensive side of the ball this offseason.
The sixth-overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft totaled 2,601 rushing yards, 29 rushing touchdowns, and 7.0 yards per carry during his final season of college football. He should have no trouble adjusting to the NFL level quickly during his rookie season.
2. Omarion Hampton (LAC)
North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton takes the second spot on our list with ease. His blend of elite physicality and elusiveness makes him one of the most dangerous players on the field at all times. Hampton also has sneaky upside as a receiver, making him a true three-down back.
At 221 lbs, Hampton has shocking speed that can leave defenders in the dust. He’s not afraid of contact and can truck over defenders standing in his path with minimal effort. He should overtake veteran running back Najee Harris for the starting job in no time in Los Angeles.
Overall, Hampton is close behind Ashton Jeanty and is the second-best running back to come out of the past two NFL Drafts.
3. Kaleb Johnson (PIT)
This is a bit of a hot take, but Pittsburgh’s Kaleb Johnson is the third-best running back prospect to be drafted over the past two years.
Johnson is a high-floor player who has showcased fantastic vision at the line of scrimmage and the ability to run through contact. The former Iowa Hawkeye may be 225 lbs, but his speed is one of the more underrated aspects of his game. While it isn't exactly top-end, Johnson is able to run away from defenders when he gets in the open field.
Johnson’s power and vision give him a great outlook at the NFL level, and he will likely be the team’s starting running back by the end of the season.
4. TreVeyon Henderson (NE)
New England’s TreVeyon Henderson is a very unique prospect and will thrive in the NFL with time. His skill set will add a lot to the Patriots’ offense; his pass-catching, blocking, elusiveness, and long speed make Henderson a perfect complement to veteran Rhamondre Stevenson.
I expect the duo to be an effective force on the ground, making it possible for the passing game to find its rhythm as well. Quarterback Drake Maye will have a new receiving threat in Henderson, as well as a dynamic player to hand the ball off to.
In Henderson’s case, 50-yard touchdowns are a possibility at any moment. He’s going to do great things over the next few seasons.
5. Trey Benson (ARI)
Trey Benson was a very well-rounded running back coming out of college and has found a role next to veteran James Conner as the team’s second option out of the backfield. In his sophomore season, he will have a chance to compete for more snaps.
Benson’s best traits as a prospect were his size, contact balance, and athleticism. While he has some weaknesses in his game, he has a real shot to take over as Arizona’s top rusher in a year or two.
The former Florida State Seminole is flying under the radar in dynasty leagues and is a breakout candidate for the 2025 NFL season.
6. Quinshon Judkins (CLE)
Quinshon Judkins was one of the more polarizing prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft and was selected in the second round by the Cleveland Browns.
He has elite burst and physicality but lacks vision at the line of scrimmage and home-run speed. Similar to TreVeyon Henderson, his college teammate, Judkins would thrive best in a split backfield with a role mirroring a player like Detroit’s David Montgomery.
In a stacked running back class, Judkins has the chance to separate himself with a great landing spot early in his career.
7. Jonathon Brooks (CAR)
Jonathon Brooks was one of the top players in a weak running back class in 2024. He would’ve been ranked higher that draft cycle, but, unfortunately, he tore his ACL in the preceding college football season. This happened once again during his rookie season in the NFL, which hurt his long-term outlook.
Regardless, Brooks was a solid prospect out of Texas who thrived as a rusher and pass-catcher. His quickness and elusiveness led the Panthers to select him in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. If he can rebound from his second significant knee injury, Brooks might be able to make an impact in 2026.
8. Cam Skattebo (NYG)
Cam Skattebo took over the world of college football during Arizona State’s 2024 College Football Playoff run. He shined as a bruising runner and surprisingly effective receiver and was able to take over games when given the volume.
Skattebo received some criticism about his speed, but his contact balance is some of the best ever seen. He joins Tyrone Tracy in an intriguing New York backfield ahead of the 2025 NFL season. As a true high-risk, high-reward prospect, time will tell if Skattebo is able to win the starting job for the Giants. Even if he doesn’t, this is a strong duo for New York.
9. RJ Harvey (DEN)
RJ Harvey ended up with the best landing spot in the entire 2025 NFL Draft. Built like a bowling ball, Harvey thrives using impressive contact balance and incredible acceleration. He is able to get around the edge with blazing quickness and torch defenses for massive gains.
Harvey is also a player capable of handling a lot of volume, taking 232 carries in 2024 at UCF. This is relevant because he is the presumed starter for Denver, who had an ineffective rushing attack last season.
If he can take advantage of the situation, RJ Harvey could end up playing a major role in Denver’s 2025 offense.
10. Blake Corum (LAR)
Blake Corum was a player I truly believed in heading into the 2024 NFL season. While his rookie year was disappointing, Corum’s dominance at Michigan is hard to forget.
His strength and physical nature as a runner made Los Angeles an interesting landing spot. After scoring 24 rushing touchdowns in his final college season, the former Michigan Wolverine failed to score once during his rookie season.
Corum still has some upside as Kyren Williams’ handcuff, but the Rams did draft Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter early on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft to add competition to the backfield. With Corum, we will simply have to wait and see.
11. Jaylen Wright (MIA)
Jaylen Wright was one of college football’s most explosive running backs during the 2023 season. As a Tennessee Volunteer, Wright’s speed, contact balance, jump-cut ability, and production made him a popular prospect ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.
He is now the handcuff to Miami’s De’Von Achane, one of the best pass-catching running backs in the NFL. Achane, like Wright, possesses impressive speed and elusiveness, so if the time comes, Wright could have some fantasy value as Miami’s starter if the opportunity presented itself.
12. Bucky Irving (TB)
Bucky Irving made a name for himself in Oregon’s dynamic offense, especially during the 2023 college football season. His home-run ability, speed, elusiveness, and vision led Tampa Bay to select him in the middle rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Irving had a phenomenal rookie season, posting 1,122 rushing yards, 392 receiving yards, and 5.42 yards per carry. If he’s given more volume, Irving could even improve upon his stellar rookie campaign.
HM: Ray Davis (BUF)
HM: Devin Neal (NO)