2025 NFL Draft: The Running Back class

[Ragnarok]

Henderson I put so high because he has true RB ability up the middle, can hit the homerun with any touch, has some sneaky route running ability as a RB, and might be the best pass blocking RB in this draft. I don't think there is another like him.

Sampson it comes down to that vision side of things for me. That is one of the biggest assets that translates well to the NFL. His size wouldn't indicate a RB good in goal line/short yardage situations but he might be the best RB in the class in those situations.

And like I said I really do like Hampton. I just worry about his vision a bit when it comes to the next level. Some of the bad reps I do think you can pin on him not having a great OL and having to get out in a hurry if he stood a chance of a big play. My issue will be has he developed the bad habits to the point he cannot show the patience you see with a lot of the great runners in the NFL?

Maybe I am underrating him, but I view Henderson and Sampson more like DeVon Achane. Great RBs, excellent on the edge, excellent receivers, and better than you would expect running inside. But a bit smaller than you'd prefer, won't move the pile as much, and need a bigger back to complement them.

If I was a GM with the picks, a Kaleb/Sampson backfield would be my dream pairing this draft.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Don't like Jeanty or Skattebo at the NFL level.

Both guys gain lots of yards after contact in college. While Jeanty is quick and supposedly nimble, Skattebo brings on the contact.

Like Judkins the most. He can fit in any system and is at least a great 3rd down RB.

Henderson is a wild card for me. Explosive player but doesn't have much swivel. He could be great, or he is a complete bust.

Kaleb Johnson is Derrick Henry but not as big, fast, or physical. Hard pass.

Jeanty is going to be a beast. Did you see his pro day? He's built like a brick shithouse. Compare his stats to the recent to RBs taken.

If NE can't get Jeanty, I'm all in for them getting Hampton.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

I just don’t think a 5’8 220 pound guys is going to thrive as a power back in the NFL. He’s small and slow but he has a history of proving people wrong.

220-230 is what I feel a power back has to weigh regardless of height. Those 5'8" 220 guys are compact and hard to take down. Likely more longevity than a guy 6'+ at the same weight.

 

[shopson67]

220-230 is what I feel a power back has to weigh regardless of height. Those 5'8" 220 guys are compact and hard to take down. Likely more longevity than a guy 6'+ at the same weight.

The so-called bowling ball build.

Taller RBs in general have a tendency to run upright, lose leverage and can't change direction as well as someone with a lower center of gravity.

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

Man some mocks now have Jeanty going to Dallas.

 

[Clayton]

One of the RB rankings people mentioned this game when talking about Dylan Sampson. Both his starting left tackle and right tackle are injured in this game so its basically a huge issue for the Tennessee offense and Sampson still plays well.

 

[Clayton]

Well worth the hour if you really like running backs or just the 3 minutes if you want to look at one guy. Im not fully on board with the rankings but then again what do I know? tl;dr


Rd1
Jeanty

Rd2
Hampton
Henderson

Rd3
K Johnson
Martinez
Sampson
Etienne
Skattebo
Blue
Tutten

Rd4
Judkins
LeQ Allen
Croskey-Merritt
Kiner
Neal
Giddens
B Smith
O Gordon

Rd5
Monangai
Marks
Brooks
James
Harvey
Hunter

 

[PDay8810]

Well worth the hour if you really like running backs or just the 3 minutes if you want to look at one guy. Im not fully on board with the rankings but then again what do I know? tl;dr


Rd1
Jeanty

Rd2
Hampton
Henderson

Rd3
K Johnson
Martinez
Sampson
Etienne
Skattebo
Blue
Tutten

Rd4
Judkins
LeQ Allen
Croskey-Merritt
Kiner
Neal
Giddens
B Smith
O Gordon

Rd5
Monangai
Marks
Brooks
James
Harvey
Hunter

well...it's an opinion.
Let us know how you did

 

[Clayton]

well...it's an opinion.
Let us know how you did

Uh...give me three years on that and I might be able to tell you

 

[shopson67]

Well worth the hour if you really like running backs or just the 3 minutes if you want to look at one guy. Im not fully on board with the rankings but then again what do I know? tl;dr


Rd1
Jeanty

Rd2
Hampton
Henderson

Rd3
K Johnson
Martinez
Sampson
Etienne
Skattebo
Blue
Tutten

Rd4
Judkins
LeQ Allen
Croskey-Merritt
Kiner
Neal
Giddens
B Smith
O Gordon

Rd5
Monangai
Marks
Brooks
James
Harvey
Hunter

There are some guys that seem elevated and/or too low, but it's all in the eye of the beholder.

 

[Lake Shore Drive]

Jeanty is going to be a beast. Did you see his pro day? He's built like a brick shithouse. Compare his stats to the recent to RBs taken.

If NE can't get Jeanty, I'm all in for them getting Hampton.

That's how I feel with the Bears. If Jeanty is gone by the 10th pick and we're hellbent on taking a RB early in the draft, I see no reason why the Bears shouldn't snap up Hampton with the 10th pick. One thing's for certain, he'll never make it out of Round 1, so this would be their only opportunity to take him.

Man some mocks now have Jeanty going to Dallas.

The only way I see Dallas taking Jeanty is if they trade up to get him. I still believe he's the target for the 6th picking Raiders, but if he somehow slides to the Bears, I think our boys will grab him.

 

[Xeliou66]

That's how I feel with the Bears. If Jeanty is gone by the 10th pick and we're hellbent on taking a RB early in the draft, I see no reason why the Bears shouldn't snap up Hampton with the 10th pick. One thing's for certain, he'll never make it out of Round 1, so this would be their only opportunity to take him.


The only way I see Dallas taking Jeanty is if they trade up to get him. I still believe he's the target for the 6th picking Raiders, but if he somehow slides to the Bears, I think our boys will grab him.

Agreed with both, the Cowboys will have to trade up to get Jeanty, no way he makes it past the Raiders and Bears to 12 where the Cowboys pick. And yeah if the Bears really want Hampton they should take him at 10 if Jeanty’s gone, but this is a pretty deep RB class so the Bears could still get a good RB with their next pick but Hampton won’t be there.

 

[Sharkonabicycle]

That's how I feel with the Bears. If Jeanty is gone by the 10th pick and we're hellbent on taking a RB early in the draft, I see no reason why the Bears shouldn't snap up Hampton with the 10th pick. One thing's for certain, he'll never make it out of Round 1, so this would be their only opportunity to take him.


The only way I see Dallas taking Jeanty is if they trade up to get him. I still believe he's the target for the 6th picking Raiders, but if he somehow slides to the Bears, I think our boys will grab him.

Yah I think that's fair. And I also believe the Raiders snag Jeanty. Pete may be an alien robotic thing, but he still has a shelf life.. he needs to win now and running the ball is prob. his only out.

 

[HaroldSeattle]

Well worth the hour if you really like running backs or just the 3 minutes if you want to look at one guy. Im not fully on board with the rankings but then again what do I know? tl;dr


Rd1
Jeanty

Rd2
Hampton
Henderson

Rd3
K Johnson
Martinez
Sampson
Etienne
Skattebo
Blue
Tutten

Rd4
Judkins
LeQ Allen
Croskey-Merritt
Kiner
Neal
Giddens
B Smith
O Gordon

Rd5
Monangai
Marks
Brooks
James
Harvey
Hunter

Good listen. Does a comprehensive list, very detailed and like how he breaks down strengths and weaknesses.

 

[shopson67]

That's how I feel with the Bears. If Jeanty is gone by the 10th pick and we're hellbent on taking a RB early in the draft, I see no reason why the Bears shouldn't snap up Hampton with the 10th pick. One thing's for certain, he'll never make it out of Round 1, so this would be their only opportunity to take him.

It's a very deep RB class. Is there good reason to go Hampton early when there are guys close enough to his level that will go in round 3 or even day 3?

I think Edge and OT are much shallower and a better target if you're going to reach a bit.

 

[PDay8810]

It's a very deep RB class. Is there good reason to go Hampton early when there are guys close enough to his level that will go in round 3 or even day 3?

Player personal guys will say yes. Draft blog sites not so much.

 

[shopson67]

Player personal guys will say yes. Draft blog sites not so much.

Opportunity cost is definitely a factor, comes down to each team's board. I would be surprised to see him go that high, but not shocked if that makes sense.

 

[cdumler7]

Opportunity cost is definitely a factor, comes down to each team's board. I would be surprised to see him go that high, but not shocked if that makes sense.

I'm with you. I like Hampton a lot but to me there is a decent gap between Jeanty and the next tier of RB's. And I would probably lean into the depth of that 2nd tier hoping I can get one of those guys in the 2nd or 3rd round and taking another position earlier that I don't think I can find a starter in day 2 of the draft.