Top 5 Running Back Prospects to Watch in the 2025 NFL Draft

As the NFL draft season approaches, the 2025 class of running back prospects is one of the most anticipated in recent years. With a number of talented players from both the high school and college ranks, this year’s crop of running backs has the potential to make a major impact on the NFL in the years to come. From explosive playmakers to bruising ball carriers, there is a running back for every type of offensive scheme in this year’s draft class.

One of the most exciting prospects in the 2025 NFL draft is running back Evan Stewart from Texas A&M. Stewart is a five-star recruit who is considered one of the best overall players in the country. He is a versatile player who can line up at running back, wide receiver, or even quarterback. Stewart has excellent speed, agility, and ball-carrying skills. He is also a very good receiver out of the backfield. Stewart is expected to be one of the first running backs taken in the 2025 NFL draft.

Another top prospect in the 2025 NFL draft is running back Richard Reese from Baylor. Reese is a four-star recruit who is considered one of the best running backs in the country. He is a powerful runner with excellent vision and balance. Reese is also a very good receiver out of the backfield. He is expected to be one of the top running backs taken in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Future of Running Backs

#1. Bijan Robinson – Texas Longhorns

Bijan Robinson is widely considered the top running back prospect for the 2025 NFL Draft. The 6-foot, 220-pound running back from Tucson, Arizona, is an explosive runner with an uncanny combination of speed, power, and agility. In his freshman season at Texas, Robinson rushed for 772 yards and 11 touchdowns on 86 carries, averaging 9.0 yards per carry. He also caught 26 passes for 259 yards and two touchdowns out of the backfield. Robinson’s sophomore season was even more impressive, as he rushed for 1,127 yards and 15 touchdowns on 195 carries, averaging 5.8 yards per carry. He also caught 27 passes for 304 yards and four touchdowns. Robinson is expected to be one of the top playmakers in college football in 2023, and he is likely to declare for the NFL Draft after the season.

Key Stats:

	2021	2022
Rushing yards	772	1,127
Rushing touchdowns	11	15
Receiving yards	259	304
Receiving touchdowns	2	4

Sprinting Sensations: Speed Demons on the Horizon

Blazing Tornados

The 2025 NFL Draft will witness a new era of speedster running backs, with several exceptional prospects tearing up the gridiron with their blazing pace. Leading this pack of sprinters is the electrifying Marcus Goodwin (6’0″, 200 lbs) from the University of Southern California. With his impressive 4.22-second 40-yard dash and lightning-fast acceleration, Goodwin has the ability to leave defenders in his dust and take it to the house from anywhere on the field. His elusive running style and quick cuts make him an unstoppable force in the open field, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses.

Another notable speedster is Isaiah Wilson (5’11”, 195 lbs) from the University of Texas. Wilson’s 4.31-second 40-yard dash showcases his explosive speed, while his agility and balance allow him to make sharp cuts and avoid tackles with ease. His ability to create separation from defenders with his quick bursts of speed makes him a dangerous receiving threat out of the backfield.

Rounding out the trio of speedsters is the dynamic Elijah Jones (5’10”, 185 lbs) from the University of Alabama. Jones boasts an astonishing 4.28-second 40-yard dash, complemented by his exceptional vision and agility. His ability to find the open lane and accelerate through gaps in the defense makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Jones’ elusiveness and impressive cutbacks also make him a formidable challenge for defenders to bring down.

Prospect	40-Yard Dash
Marcus Goodwin	4.22 seconds
Isaiah Wilson	4.31 seconds
Elijah Jones	4.28 seconds

Elite Evasion: Jukes and Jigs Setting the Stage

Savvy lateral agility is increasingly indispensable for modern running backs, as it enables them to avoid tacklers, gain extra yardage, and extend plays. Anthony Richards stands out in this aspect with his exceptional ability to juk, cut, and shimmy through defenders. His remarkable footwork and body control allow him to change direction abruptly, leaving opponents in his wake.

Setting the Stage: Speed, Burst, and Timing

Richards’s elite evasion skills are not isolated qualities. They are rooted in a foundation of speed, burst, and precise timing. His quick acceleration allows him to separate from defenders swiftly, creating the space necessary to execute intricate moves. His burst provides him with the explosive power to burst through tackle attempts or gain extra yards. Moreover, his ability to judge defender angles and anticipate their movements enables him to anticipate weaknesses and exploit them with deceptive cuts.

Lateral Agility in Numbers

To quantify Richards’s lateral agility prowess, consider the following metrics:

Metric	Value
40-Yard Dash Shuttle (3-Cone Drill)	7.02 seconds
20-Yard Shuttle (5-10-5 Drill)	4.15 seconds

Richards’s performances in these drills are among the top in the nation, showcasing his ability to change direction swiftly and smoothly. His elite lateral agility makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses and a potent weapon for his future NFL team.

Powerhouse Performers: Pounding the Gridiron with Force

Within the annals of the 2025 NFL Draft, a formidable contingent of running backs has emerged, captivating the attention of scouts and analysts alike. These dynamic athletes embody the essence of force and power, possessing an uncanny ability to dominate the gridiron with their relentless style of play.

#4: Trevion Williams (6’2”, 225 lbs)

Hailing from the hallowed halls of Saint Ignatius College Prep, Trevion Williams stands as an extraordinary talent. His imposing frame and raw power make him an unstoppable force on the field. Williams’ bruising running style leaves opponents in his wake, as he consistently breaks tackles and gains yards after contact. His exceptional speed and agility complement his physicality, rendering him a dual-threat nightmare for defenders.

Year

Carries

Yards

TDs

2021

126

853

2022

154

1024

Off the field, Williams exudes leadership and maturity. His unwavering determination and relentless pursuit of excellence set him apart as a true game-changer. With his unique blend of physical prowess and mental toughness, Trevion Williams is poised to make a significant impact at the collegiate level and beyond.

Multidimensional Threats: Versatile Visions of the Backfield

The Swiss Army Knife: Devon Brown

Devon Brown of Ohio State University combines an impressive physical presence with an uncanny versatility. Not only is he a formidable runner, but he also excels as a pass-catcher, lining up as a wide receiver or slot receiver in certain formations. His quick cuts and shifty moves make him a nightmare for opposing defenses to cover.

The Aerial Assassin: Markus Minor

Markus Minor from the University of Alabama is a receiving specialist. While not the most physically imposing back, he makes up for it with his acrobatic abilities and route running. Minor’s hands are as reliable as a Swiss watch, and his ability to create separation in coverage is simply remarkable. He has a knack for finding the soft spots in the defense and making crucial catches in key situations.

The Run-Pass Hybrid: Davon Green

Davon Green of the University of Michigan is a true dual threat, possessing both the speed and power to excel as a runner and a pass-catcher. He has the vision and instincts of a quarterback, making him an unpredictable weapon in any offensive scheme. Green’s versatility allows his teams to create mismatches and keep defenses guessing.

The Shifty Slot: Jaheim Oatis

Jaheim Oatis from the University of Georgia is a shifty and elusive slot receiver in the backfield. His ability to accelerate and change direction on a dime makes him a difficult target to cover. Oatis possesses soft hands and a natural feel for running routes, making him a reliable target in the passing game. He thrives in tight spaces and can create havoc with his quick bursts of speed.

The Super Utility Back: Kaleb Anderson

Kaleb Anderson of the University of Texas is the epitome of versatility, excelling in multiple roles on the field. Anderson is a dynamic runner with the speed and agility to break away for big plays. He also has exceptional pass-catching skills and is often used as a check-down option. In addition, Anderson is a capable blocker, making him a valuable asset in both the running and passing game. His all-around abilities make him an indispensable weapon for any offense.

Prospect	Passing Yards	Receiving TDs
Markus Minor	3,250	25
Davon Green	1,800	15
Jaheim Oatis	1,500	10

Breakout Candidates: Hidden Gems Primed for Stardom

This section highlights promising running backs who have flown under the radar but possess the potential to emerge as impact players in the 2025 NFL Draft. These hidden gems are ready to burst onto the scene and make a name for themselves.

A.J. Spencer, RB, IMG Academy

Despite his size (5’10”, 195 lbs), Spencer’s speed, agility, and elusiveness make him a dangerous threat. His ability to create space and make defenders miss makes him a nightmare to tackle.

TreVonte Citizen, RB, Miami Central

Citizen is a physical specimen with exceptional strength and explosiveness. At 6’1″, 215 lbs, he runs with power and can break tackles with ease. His agility and vision also make him a versatile threat in both the running and passing game.

Luther Burden, RB, Missouri

Burden is a dynamic playmaker who can impact a game in multiple ways. He possesses speed, acceleration, and a knack for finding the end zone. His ability to make people miss in the open field is a sight to behold.

Elijah Brown, RB, Bishop Gorman

Brown is a shifty and agile runner who excels in changing direction and making defenders look foolish. His footwork and balance are exceptional, making him a difficult target to bring down.

Oscar Delp, RB, St. Thomas Aquinas

Delp is a versatile and well-rounded running back who can handle multiple roles in an offense. He is a strong runner between the tackles, can catch passes out of the backfield, and is proficient in pass protection.

Top Breakout Candidate: Xavier Worthy, RB, Michigan

Worthy is a complete running back who has all the physical and mental attributes to be an elite player at the next level. He is a lightning-fast runner, has an explosive burst through holes, and possesses excellent vision and patience. Worthy also has the size (6’0″, 205 lbs) to be a physical presence in the box and is a willing blocker.

Player	Height	Weight	School
A.J. Spencer	5’10”	195 lbs	IMG Academy
TreVonte Citizen	6’1″	215 lbs	Miami Central
Luther Burden	5’9″	195 lbs	Missouri
Elijah Brown	5’10”	190 lbs	Bishop Gorman
Oscar Delp	6’0″	200 lbs	St. Thomas Aquinas
Xavier Worthy	6’0″	205 lbs	Michigan

The Next Generation: Legacy and Lineage in the Running Back Ranks

8. The Dynasty Continues: A Legacy of Excellence at Running Back

In the annals of football history, certain families have etched their names into the annals of greatness. The Sanders family is one such dynasty, with two generations of running backs leaving an indelible mark on the gridiron. Barry Sanders Sr. dominated the NFL with his unmatched speed and agility, while his son, Barry Sanders Jr., is carrying on the legacy with his exceptional talent and determination. Both father and son have displayed remarkable footwork, elusive instincts, and a knack for finding the end zone.

Name	College	Ht/Wt	Hometown
Barry Sanders Jr.	Stanford	5’9″, 205 lbs	Wichita, Kansas

The Sanders family is not alone in passing down the torch of running back greatness. The Proehl family has also produced two generations of NFL stars, with father Ricky Proehl Sr. and son Ricky Proehl Jr. making their mark as wide receivers. Now, the younger Proehl is transitioning to running back, where his speed and athleticism have already drawn comparisons to his illustrious father. With his natural instincts and the guidance of a legendary family, Proehl Jr. has the potential to become a force in the NFL.

Explosive Potential: Dynamic Duo or Explosive Ensemble?

Dyami Brown: Dynamic Duo

Dyami Brown emerged as a true breakout star in 2020, leading all Power Five receivers in receiving yards and touchdowns. His combination of speed, athleticism, and route-running ability makes him an explosive weapon that can take the top off of defenses. Brown is a prime candidate to be one of the NFL’s most explosive receivers in the 2025 draft.

Jayden McGowan: Explosive Ensemble

Jayden McGowan is another top prospect who has shown explosive potential. He is a versatile playmaker who can line up anywhere in the formation and make plays. McGowan is a dangerous return specialist as well, making him a multi-faceted threat. His ability to create explosive plays in a variety of ways makes him a valuable asset to any offense.

Dani Dennis-Sutton: Explosive Ensemble

Dani Dennis-Sutton is a rising star who has burst onto the scene with his impressive performances. He is a physical specimen with a unique combination of size, strength, and speed. Dennis-Sutton has the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL, utilizing his explosive ability to make big plays and open up the field for his teammates.

Emery Jones: Dynamic Duo

Emery Jones is a highly touted prospect who has already shown signs of becoming a dynamic duo. He is a gifted athlete with exceptional speed and quickness. Jones has the potential to be a game-changer in the NFL, using his explosive ability to create separation and make big plays down the field.

Richard Reese: Explosive Ensemble

Richard Reese is a versatile playmaker who has the potential to be a valuable asset in multiple areas of the game. He is a talented running back with a knack for breaking tackles and gaining tough yards. Reese also possesses explosive speed, making him a threat to score every time he touches the ball.

Kyion Grayes: Explosive Ensemble

Kyion Grayes is a rising star who has impressed with his explosive ability. He is a slippery running back with exceptional quickness and agility. Grayes has the potential to be a dynamic weapon, capable of creating big plays both as a runner and a receiver.

Micah Tease: Dynamic Duo

Micah Tease is a talented playmaker who has shown flashes of explosive potential. He is a gifted wide receiver with outstanding speed and leaping ability. Tease has the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL, using his athleticism to make big plays and score touchdowns.

Shamar James: Explosive Ensemble

Shamar James is a versatile playmaker who has the potential to be a dynamic threat in multiple areas. He is a talented running back with a powerful running style and impressive athleticism. James also possesses explosive speed, making him a dangerous weapon in the open field.

Jaleel Skinner: Explosive Ensemble

Jaleel Skinner is a rising star who has made a name for himself with his impressive performances. He is a gifted wide receiver with exceptional size, strength, and athleticism. Skinner has the potential to be a dominant force in the NFL, using his physicality and explosive ability to create mismatches and make big plays.

Draft Day Dominance: Positioning for Perfect Picks

1. Know Your Draft Order

Before you start drafting, it’s important to know where you are in the draft order. This will give you a good idea of which players will be available to you and what kind of strategy you need to employ.

2. Research and Rankings

Do your research on the top prospects and their rankings. This will help you identify the players who have the most potential and are most likely to be drafted early.

3. Identify Positions of Need

Take a look at your roster and identify the positions that you need to fill. This will help you prioritize which players you target in the draft.

4. Draft Day Strategy

Develop a draft day strategy that outlines how you want to approach the draft. This could include targeting certain positions, drafting for upside, or trading picks to acquire specific players.

5. Be Patient and Flexible

The draft is a marathon, not a sprint. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get the players you wanted at first. Be patient and wait for the right opportunities to make your moves.

6. Be Prepared to Trade

Trading is a great way to acquire the players you want. Be prepared to trade picks or players to get the players you need.

7. Don’t Draft for Need

Don’t draft players just because you need to fill a position. Draft players who have the most potential and who will help you win games.

8. Don’t Overreach

Don’t reach for players who aren’t worth their draft position. Be patient and wait for the right players to come to you.

9. Don’t Chase Rankings

Don’t take draft rankings too seriously. They are just one tool to help you make informed decisions. Don’t be afraid to draft players who are ranked lower if you believe they have more potential.

10. Trust Your Gut

Ultimately, the best way to draft is to trust your gut. Don’t be afraid to make your own decisions and draft the players you believe in. The best way to succeed in fantasy football is to have a plan and stick to it. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of having a successful draft and winning your league.

Top RB Prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft is still a couple of years away, but there are already several running back prospects who are generating a lot of buzz. Here’s a look at some of the top running back prospects who could be available in the 2025 NFL Draft:

Richard Young (Alabama)
Justice Haynes (Georgia)
Daylen Everette (Michigan)
Cedric Baxter Jr. (Texas)
Rueben Owens (Texas A&M)

These are just a few of the top running back prospects who could be available in the 2025 NFL Draft. It’s still early in the process, but these players are all talented and have the potential to be impact players at the NFL level.