With the 2025 NFL Draft behind us, 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 taking an NFL snap as rookies.
This can help us compare the strengths of draft classes while also fostering an understanding of how deep the 2026 running back class could really be. That knowledge helps dynasty managers decide if they should buy or sell 2026 rookie draft picks, depending on their team’s strengths. Let’s get into the rankings!
1. Ashton Jeanty (LV)
Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty easily takes the top spot in our ranking. 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. Las Vegas drafted a generational prospect in Jeanty, and he will make an instant impact, especially in an offense that has gone through much change 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. Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame)
Jeremiyah Love will enter this upcoming college football season as the nation’s top running back prospect. He displays key attributes necessary to emerge as a superstar in the NFL, such as home-run speed, elite contact balance, fantastic athleticism, and solid elusiveness.
In 2024, Love totaled 1,125 rushing yards and 17 rushing touchdowns while averaging 6.9 yards per carry for the Fighting Irish. If he puts up a similar season in 2025, he will have a very good chance to be selected in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Overall, Love is a true playmaker who is capable of carrying an offense. He could be the top overall pick in most rookie drafts by this time next year.
3. Omarion Hampton (LAC)
North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton takes the second spot on our list. His blend of elite physicality and elusiveness makes him one of the most dangerous players on the field at all times. Hampton also has underrated skills as a receiver, profiling him as a true three-down back.
At 221 lbs, Hampton has unexpected speed that gives him an edge over opposing defenses. 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.
Hampton is right behind Ashton Jeanty as a prospect and should have a long, successful NFL career.
4. Kaleb Johnson (PIT)
This may be considered a hot take, but Pittsburgh’s Kaleb Johnson was the third-best running back prospect in the loaded 2025 draft class.
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 underappreciated aspects of his game. While it isn't exactly top-end, Johnson still has the ability to run away from opposing defenders in the open field.
Johnson’s power and vision give him a great outlook at the NFL level, and I would be surprised if he’s not the team’s starting running back by the end of the 2025 NFL season.
5. TreVeyon Henderson (NE)
New England’s TreVeyon Henderson is a very unique prospect and should have the opportunity to succeed in the NFL with time. His skill set will add a lot to the Patriots’ offense; Henderson’s pass-catching, blocking, elusiveness, and long speed make him a perfect fit next 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. New England is one of the NFL’s most-improved teams this offseason, and the addition of Henderson is a huge part of that.
The Ohio State product is a certified big-play threat at all times. With a bit of development, he’s going to be a dynamic weapon for head coach Mike Vrabel.
6. Nick Singleton (Penn State)
Penn State’s Nick Singleton is coming off the most productive year as a rusher in his collegiate career. He’s never had a huge chunk of volume on the ground due to teammate Kaytron Allen’s presence in this split backfield, but Singleton has managed to be very productive in the carries he’s received.
He was also extremely involved as a receiver in 2024, posting 41 receptions, 375 receiving yards, and five receiving touchdowns. Singleton profiles well as a dual-threat running back at the professional level and should be drafted highly in PPR dynasty leagues going into his rookie season in 2026.
Overall, Singleton is a 227 lb rusher who has been extremely impressive over the last three seasons at Penn State. He will shine once again alongside Kaytron Allen and will be a high draft pick next April.
7. Quinshon Judkins (CLE)
Quinshon Judkins was one of the most divisive prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft and was selected in the second round by the Cleveland Browns with the 36th overall pick.
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, I think 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 in a great landing spot early in his career. He should be a target at ADP in both redraft and dynasty leagues.
8. Cam Skattebo (NYG)
Cam Skattebo took over the world of college football during Arizona State’s 2024 College Football Playoff run. He made his mark as a bruising rushing threat and a surprisingly-effective receiver, able to take over games when given the chance.
Skattebo received some criticism about his speed, but his contact balance is some of the best scouts have 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 undoubtedly 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 find his way around the edge with blazing speed and torch defenses for massive yardage.
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, whose rushing attack faced some serious challenges 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. CJ Baxter (Texas)
Texas running back CJ Baxter hasn’t played a snap since his freshman season back in 2023 due to a major injury suffered before the start of the 2024 college football season. This has led many to underrate him as a prospect, leaving the door open for a breakout campaign in 2025.
Baxter looked the part of a dynamic, dual-threat back after compiling 815 yards from scrimmage during his first season as a Longhorn. At 220 lbs, Baxter has true home-run ability and can cash in from anywhere on the field.
If he rebounds from this injury well, he could be a top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if he chooses to declare.
11. Kaytron Allen (Penn State)
Kaytron Allen is the other half of Penn State’s fantastic backfield duo heading into 2025. He was the more prolific rusher of the two in terms of volume, receiving more carries but less receptions than Singleton.
Allen is built like a brick wall at 5’11”, 229 lbs. This will allow him to achieve better power, strength, and contact balance at the NFL level. He will have the chance to prove himself as a high draft pick in 2026 in one of college football’s best backfields.
12. Justice Haynes (Michigan)
Justice Haynes transferred to Michigan after a solid season at Alabama in 2024. He will be a major part of their offense this season as their passing game continues to develop after a disastrous 2024 campaign.
As a prospect, Haynes sheds tackles easily and packs a punch behind his runs. He is also a dynamic athlete with great change-of-direction skills and is a big-play threat.
The newest Michigan Wolverine was an elite rusher in high school and came to Alabama as a highly-ranked recruit. 2025 could be his breakout year in a new offense.
HM. Darius Taylor (Minnesota)
Darius Taylor displayed ability both as a rusher and a receiver as one of Minnesota's top playmakers this past season, with 1,336 total yards from scrimmage. Taylor should get a ton of volume in 2025 and could make a push up these rankings if that happens.
He is a high-floor prospect who will likely be viewed as a solid option in 2026. His contact balance and skills as a receiver make him a specialized prospect, which could give him a productive role quickly.
HM: Makhi Hughes (Oregon)
HM: Jaydn Ott (Oklahoma)
HM: Devin Neal (NO)