Running Backs

RB1: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

Ashton Jeanty is a generational game-changing running back with a rare blend of explosiveness, strength, and vision that makes him the most dangerous running back in this draft. His athleticism is off the charts, capable of hitting top speed in the blink of an eye, and he’s a nightmare for defenders to bring down because of his incredible power and balance. Even on his worst plays, he’s still a highly effective back, but when everything clicks, he looks nothing short of superhuman. Jeanty’s ability to break tackles, even when getting hit in the backfield, sets him apart from others, consistently gaining countless yards after contact. His vision allows him to read and explode through run lanes, while his ability to make defenders miss in the open field is outstanding. Jeanty is a true home-run threat every time he touches the ball. His only minor flaws are ball security, route running, a lack of elite pass protection, and his shorter frame. However, ball security is correctable—and for context, he handled by far the most touches in college football last season. Overall, Jeanty has the makings of an elite NFL running back, and his skill set truly puts him in a special tier of RB prospects.

Grade: Round 1

RB2: Omarion Hampton, North Carolina

Omarion Hampton is a powerful, well-rounded running back with elite strength and explosiveness. He thrives on physicality, consistently running through defenders and generating extra yards thanks to his dense frame and aggressive play style. While he lacks top-tier elusiveness in open space, his body control is better than expected, helping him stay balanced and navigate traffic effectively for a power back. Hampton accelerates well through the hole and shows enough juice to rip off chunk plays when given room. His vision stands out, as he consistently reads blocks and reacts decisively. Though not a dynamic receiving threat, his hands are reliable enough to contribute as a checkdown option. He holds his own in pass protection and brings the toughness and burst needed to handle a feature-back role. With no glaring weaknesses and the size, vision, and explosiveness to thrive as a downhill runner, Hampton projects as an impactful contributor at the next level.

Grade: Round 1

RB3: TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State

TreVeyon Henderson is a game-breaking running back who brings elite speed, explosiveness, and elusiveness to the field. He’s a true home-run threat with the ability to erase angles in space and create chunk plays consistently. Henderson also stands out in pass protection, showing both willingness and technique—he’s one of the best blocking backs in this class, with flashes of elite strength in pass protection. As a receiver, he’s dependable with soft hands and clean routes out of the backfield. While his vision isn’t fully developed—particularly on inside runs—he does a good job identifying cutback lanes and maximizing yardage when the initial hole isn’t there. That said, there are occasional lapses where he fails to recognize or anticipate defenders at the second level. He’s not the most physical runner through contact, but he’s tough and doesn’t shy away from it. Overall, Henderson’s combination of elite speed, blocking, and receiving make him one of the top running backs in this class, even with some room to grow as a processor.

Grade: Round 1

RB4: Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State

Quinshon Judkins is a powerful, downhill running back with a rare combination of strength and balance that gives him true workhorse upside. He thrives between the tackles, using his low center of gravity and impressive contact balance to consistently finish runs through defenders. His stiff arm is deadly in one-on-one situations, and while he’s not overly elusive, he flashes enough lateral quickness to occasionally make defenders miss. Judkins also shows real value as a blocker—he’s a willing and physical pass protector and has delivered effective lead blocks. The biggest area for improvement is his vision, which can be inconsistent. He doesn’t always recognize cutback lanes or fully maximize space when working through congestion. As a receiver, he’s functional as a checkdown option but doesn’t bring much dynamic ability in the passing game. Overall, Judkins projects as a high-volume lead back who fits best in a downhill, power-based scheme. With continued development in his processing and decision-making, he has the tools to be a reliable starter at the next level.

Grade: Round 2

RB5: Cam Skattebo, Arizona State

Cam Skattebo is a compact, physical running back with outstanding strength, balance, and vision, making him a valuable asset as a tough inside runner. He thrives between the tackles, showing patience and a strong understanding of blocking schemes to consistently maximize yardage. His elite contact balance and leg drive allow him to power through defenders and stay upright in heavy traffic. While he lacks top-end athleticism and long speed, Skattebo is surprisingly nimble in tight spaces, using subtle cuts to avoid tacklers. He’s also a reliable receiver with soft hands and natural ball skills, though his route running remains a work in progress. His limited burst and long speed restrict his effectiveness on outside runs and prevent him from consistently generating explosive plays. Though not a home-run threat, Skattebo’s physicality, vision, and toughness give him great value as a short-yardage option at the next level.

Grade: Round 3

RB6: DJ Giddens, Kansas State

DJ Giddens is a smooth running back with excellent vision, fluid footwork, and solid speed that make him a consistent threat between the tackles. He reads blocks well and wastes little movement, showing a natural ability to stay on track and hit the right crease with timing. Giddens’ elite footwork and short-area quickness allow him to avoid defenders cleanly, but he also has enough strength and balance to run through arm tackles and finish runs with toughness. He’s not a burner in the open field, but his play speed is more than adequate, and he accelerates well enough to create big plays. Giddens isn’t a high-level asset in the passing game and has clear struggles in pass protection. His modest long speed limits his effectiveness on outside runs, and while his strength isn’t a major weakness, it doesn’t consistently translate to dominant finishes. Still, his efficient rushing profile gives him real value as a pure runner, and he projects as a great complementary back unless he takes steps forward as a receiver and blocker. 

Grade: Round 3

RB7: Damien Martinez, Miami

Damien Martinez is a big-bodied, well-rounded running back who stands out for his agility and elusiveness. He consistently makes defenders miss in space and shows impressive lateral quickness for a runner his size, giving him real value as a playmaker at the second level. Martinez also runs with solid power and contact balance, allowing him to pick up tough yards between the tackles. He thrives on inside runs, where his patience, footwork, and vision allow him to be efficient and create chunk plays when holes open. While he can break big runs, he lacks elite top-end speed and burst, which limits his effectiveness on outside runs. In the passing game, Martinez remains a work in progress—he’s had some focus drops and doesn’t offer much as a route runner, though his pass protection shows occasional flashes. Despite those areas for improvement, Martinez’s combination of size, strength, and agility makes him an explosive runner with the potential to develop into a more complete back if he can grow as a receiver and blocker.

Grade: Round 3

RB8: RJ Harvey, UCF

RJ Harvey is a smaller but explosive running back with impressive burst, speed, and elusiveness. He brings big-play potential to any backfield and is at his best working outside the tackles, where his acceleration and agility can shine. Though not built for high-volume inside runs, Harvey flashes good vision on cutbacks and shows surprising strength for his frame, even if his vision remains a work in progress. His contact balance is solid, and he’s tough enough to fight for extra yards. Harvey can contribute as a pass-catcher, though his receiving skill set still needs refinement. Ball security is a concern—he’s fumbled three times in each of his starting seasons at UCF. Though his size and between-the-tackles limitations may relegate him to a complementary role initially, Harvey’s burst, agility, and big-play ability give him the upside to evolve into a more versatile contributor with continued development. 

Grade: Round 3

RB9: Devin Neal, Kansas

Devin Neal is a shifty, versatile running back with strong upside as a receiver out of the backfield. He runs smooth routes, has soft hands, and fits naturally into modern passing schemes. Neal’s elusiveness and sharp footwork allow him to make defenders miss in space and create big plays when given room to operate. However, he’s not an elite athlete and can be hesitant behind the line, occasionally taking false steps that disrupt his timing. His vision is also inconsistent, as he sometimes struggles to anticipate developing lanes. While not a power runner, Neal has enough size and toughness to be reliable between the tackles. His skill set makes him a valuable complementary piece with great pass game potential, and with improved decisiveness and vision, he could grow into a more prominent role.

Grade: Round 4

RB10: Jordan James, Oregon

Jordan James is a well-rounded running back with the ability to consistently break tackles and bounce runs outside with his quickness. He displays solid elusiveness, using sharp cuts to make defenders miss and extend plays. James is a strong inside runner, showing a good blend of power and vision to fight for extra yards after contact. While his agility allows him to make plays in the open field, his lack of elite speed can limit his ability to break away from defenders over longer distances. He excels on outside runs, using his agility and vision to find space and hit the perimeter. However, James’ blocking is still a work in progress, as he isn’t a standout in pass protection, and his route-running needs refinement. Overall, while he lacks elite traits, James’ physicality, vision, and general efficiency as a runner make him a promising prospect with the potential to develop into a more complete back at the next level.

Grade: Round 4

RB11: Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

Kaleb Johnson is a big, powerful running back with great play speed and the ability to take runs the distance when he builds up momentum. He excels on outside runs, where his combination of long speed and strength allows him to punish defenders in space and create explosive plays. Johnson runs with physicality and is tough to bring down once he gets going, showing impressive contact balance and the ability to break tackles consistently. While his vision is solid and he’s generally well-rounded, he lacks the short-area quickness and elusiveness to avoid defenders early in runs. His cuts are very stiff, and he doesn’t offer much in terms of suddenness or agility. In the passing game, he’s serviceable with decent hands, though not a dynamic threat. Despite limited athleticism and change-of-direction skills, Johnson’s size, strength, and straight-line speed make him a valuable option with big play ability when given space to work.

Grade: Round 4

RB12: Brashard Smith, SMU

Brashard Smith is an electrifying running back whose dynamic speed and receiving skills make him a dangerous playmaker in space. He’s at his best when used in open-field situations, where his elite acceleration and sharp lateral quickness allow him to slip past defenders and create explosive plays. Smith’s athleticism pops on tape, and he has natural ball skills that translate well in the passing game—making him a legitimate receiving threat out of the backfield. However, Smith’s vision is inconsistent, particularly between the tackles, where he can struggle to anticipate and read blocks. He also lacks the size and strength to be a physical inside runner, which limits his ability to gain tough yardage in traffic. Ball security has also been a concern, and while he flashes willingness in pass protection, his technique and anchor still need work. Despite these flaws, Smith has a rare blend of speed, elusiveness, and receiving ability that gives him significant upside. With the right coaching to refine his vision, improve his decision-making, and clean up the ball security, he has the tools to become an exciting offensive spark plug at the next level.

Grade: Round 4

RB13: LeQuint Allen, Syracuse

LeQuint Allen is a versatile and instinctive running back whose most impressive traits show up in the passing game. He’s a twitchy route runner with reliable hands, excellent feel for spacing, and natural pass-catching ability, making him one of the most refined receiving backs in this class. He’s also an intelligent pass protector who consistently reads pressure and positions himself well, even if his lack of play strength limits his anchor. As a runner, Allen displays solid footwork, vision, and patience, especially between the tackles. He’s a smart inside zone runner who waits for blocks to develop and flashes quick cuts to find daylight. While his agility and instincts help him evade defenders in tight spaces, Allen lacks the contact balance and physicality to break tackles consistently. He’s unlikely to thrive in a high-volume rushing role, where his lack of top-end explosiveness becomes more apparent. Overall, Allen is a polished and smart back with an advanced receiving skill set, good instincts, and enough vision to be effective between the tackles. While he doesn’t have a standout physical trait and won’t break many tackles, his versatility and football IQ give him a real chance to carve out a role as a reliable complementary piece.

Grade: Round 4

RB14: Woody Marks, USC

Woody Marks is a quick, elusive running back with a strong receiving profile who projects best as a change-of-pace weapon in modern spread offenses. He has the agility and short-area quickness to make defenders miss, along with impressive burst when hitting gaps between the tackles. Despite his smaller frame, Marks shows good instincts and footwork as an inside runner, with the patience to find creases and take advantage of light boxes. Where he really shines is in the passing game—he’s a natural route runner with soft hands and impressive ball skills, capable of aligning in various spots and creating mismatches. That said, his lack of play strength remains a concern. He struggles to generate yards after contact and rarely breaks tackles. His vision in space is also inconsistent, occasionally causing missed opportunities in the open field. While he may not profile as a lead back at the next level, his quickness and versatility give him clear value as a rotational piece if used effectively.

Grade: Round 5

RB15: Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State

Ollie Gordon is a big, powerful running back who flashes the ability to wear down defenses with his size and strength. At his best, he runs with solid power and finishes through contact. Despite his frame, he’s surprisingly effective on outside runs and brings value as a pass catcher, showing reliable hands and refined route running. He’s also a capable pass protector who uses his strength well in blocking assignments. However, Gordon lacks explosiveness and long speed, and his overall athleticism is limited. He runs stiff and doesn’t consistently display the contact balance or tackle-breaking ability expected from a back of his size. His value will likely come in a rotational role, either as a power back or a reliable receiver out of the backfield.

Grade: Round 5

RB16: Raheim Sanders, South Carolina

Raheim Sanders is a big running back who offers functional elusiveness and solid strength. He shows the ability to make smart cutbacks and bounce runs outside when lanes appear. While not particularly twitchy, Sanders can still be effective in space thanks to his long speed and occasional ability to make defenders miss. He has reliable hands and can contribute in the passing game. However, he lacks short-area burst and doesn't consistently finish runs with the physicality expected from a back his size. His pass protection is inconsistent, and his route running remains a work in progress. While not overly explosive, Sanders’ size, vision, and straight-line speed give him rotational value at the next level with the potential to contribute in multiple phases.

Grade: Round 5

RB17: Kyle Monangai, Rutgers

Kyle Monangai is a smaller running back who brings toughness and consistency between the tackles. He excels at getting downhill quickly and finishing runs with a low center of gravity, consistently generating positive yardage inside. His strength allows him to push through tight lanes and fight through contact. Monangai also displays excellent ball security, and he is a solid pass protector. While he’s effective in short areas and shows functional elusiveness, he lacks top-end athletic traits. His speed and agility don’t stand out, and he doesn't offer much in the passing game. His hands, route running, and open-field burst are all limited, which caps his third-down upside. Monangai profiles as a dependable back who can consistently grind out tough yards as part of a committee. While he may lack high-end athletic traits, his physicality, ball security, and reliable inside running give him a real chance to contribute in the right system. 

Grade: Round 5

RB18: Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech

Tahj Brooks is a patient, shifty running back whose value lies in his ability to make defenders miss. He has excellent elusiveness and footwork, allowing him to navigate crowded boxes and extend runs with lateral quickness. Brooks shows solid vision on inside runs and plays with a level of patience that sometimes becomes a double-edged sword—he’ll wait for lanes to develop, but at times hesitates too long and stalls momentum. Despite having decent size, Brooks lacks true explosiveness, long speed, and play strength. He doesn't consistently push piles or break tackles with power, and his contribution as a blocker is limited. In the passing game, Brooks isn’t particularly polished as a route runner or natural hands-catcher. While he flashes on film with his shiftiness and patience, Brooks will need to clean up his decision-making to solidify a role at the next level. He projects as a rotational back who can create yards in space, but he’ll have to round out his game to make a bigger impact.

Grade: Round 5

RB19: Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech

Bhayshul Tuten is an explosive running back with rare play speed and outside zone potential. His burst to the edge and ability to make cuts in space make him a constant threat to break big runs. He runs with solid contact balance, flashes strength through arm tackles, and has the elusiveness to slip past defenders in the open field. There are moments where his long speed doesn’t jump off the screen, but his acceleration is so effortless that it almost looks like he’s jogging past defenders. Despite his dynamic athleticism, Tuten comes with a handful of limitations. His vision—especially inside—is not advanced, and he can struggle to create when lanes aren’t clearly defined. He’s rarely used in the passing game, and his route running and hands leave a lot to be desired. Blocking is similarly hit-or-miss, he flashes strength in his lead blocks, but he was rarely ever used in pass pro. Most concerning is his ball security—Tuten has put the ball on the ground far too often, including 10 fumbles over the past two seasons. Tuten profiles as a developmental back with exciting speed and outside zone upside, but ball security, vision, and pass game limitations will need to be addressed before he earns meaningful snaps at the next level.

Grade: Round 5

RB20: Dylan Sampson, Tennessee

Dylan Sampson is a smaller running back who wins with burst and speed. He accelerates quickly through open lanes and has the long speed to create explosive plays once he gets into space. His athleticism shows up most when he’s operating on the perimeter or given room to create. Sampson shows functional elusiveness and can make defenders miss with solid lateral quickness. Despite his frame, Sampson is a willing pass protector who takes good angles in blitz pickup and consistently works to stay square and engaged. However, his game lacks consistency. His vision is average, and he doesn’t consistently take advantage of cutback lanes. While functional between the tackles, his lack of contact balance and play strength limits his ability to finish runs or generate yards after contact. In the passing game, he has limited route usage and average hands. Sampson projects as a rotational back who can contribute as a change-of-pace option. With improved decision-making and continued development as a receiver, he could bring starting value in the right scheme. However, as it stands, his inconsistency makes it hard to fully buy in on Sampson.

Grade: Round 5