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- Donovan Edwards – Michigan
The stock of Donovan Edwards really fell in the last two years. He didn’t necessarily live up to the College Football 25 front cover hype, but he is still a good running back in a loaded class. Edwards has burst and straight-line speed when a hole is found. He is also effective in the passing game, yet has he size to break tackles. The patience, vision, little bit of shake, high IQ and strength in pass pro could result in him being an excellent addition to a roster. Edwards lacked consistency at Michigan however, consistently missing open rushing lanes and seeing his production drop off. He needs to improve his contact balance, durability and confidence to not hesitate so much this offseason. Edwards lacks elite traits, but I don’t question if he can add some value somewhere.
Player Comparisons: Zonovan Knight / Ty Johnson
Projection: 6th Round – UDFA
Best Fits: Chargers, Raiders, Steelers (Wild Card – Ravens)
- DJ Giddens – Kansas State
Giddens is an intriguing running back. He is shifty laterally with lots of jump cuts and shakes. He also finds gaps naturally with a nose for the end zone and the ability to make defenders miss. For a versatile running back with great receiving ability, Giddens is actually pretty durable as well. He only possesses average size and speed, while his route running is a work in progress. Giddens only has a small amount of lead back experience which may hinder his ability to be fully ready for NFL carries.
Player Comparisons: Pierre Strong Jr. / Trayveon Williams
Projection: 5th – 6th Round
Best Fits: Colts, Chiefs, Texans (Wild Card – Falcons)
- Marcus Yarns – Delaware
Yarns is a smooth runner with long strides and a slippery aspect to his game. At Delaware, he appeared calm and ran like the game was moving slow around him. He offers good hands out of the backfield, plays patient and gets north and south without hesitation. Yarns only has average speed and needs to be more consistent when it comes to his contact balance. He does need to add a little more functional strength which leads to the question of if he can dominate moving up several competition levels.
Player Comparisons: Kenny McIntosh / Rasheen Ali
Projection: 6th Round – UDFA
Best Fits: Patriots, Jets, Broncos (Wild Card – Browns)
- Ja’Quinden Jackson – Arkansas
Jackson is a former quarterback who makes for a taller and heavy running back. He is a bulldozer with contact balancea and a powerful lower body but can also get skinny in tight gaps. Jackson displays natural field vision and is a willing blocker in pass protection. His speed is only average as an upright runner and his receiving experience is limited as a raw prospect. His versatility is intriguing, but Jackson is certainly a project as he works on developing his tools.
Player Comparisons: Roschon Johnson / Trey Sermon
Projection: 6th Round – UDFA
Best Fits: Commanders, Dolphins, Jaguars (Wild Card – Titans)
- Jarquez Hunter – Auburn
Hunter is a true workhorse with great instincts and a second gear in open field. He can string several cuts together, which combined with his solid contact balance leads to yards after contact. Hunter can fit in multiple schemes as a high IQ player who often gains five or more yards per touch. Despite being a nice checkdown options, Hunter still has a long way to go as a third down back. Not only is he developing his receiving ability, but he is also improving his ball security. Hunter shouldered a heavy workload in college which may really hurt his shelf life in the league.
Player Comparisons: J.K. Dobbins / Jase McClellan
Projection: 5th – 7th Round
Best Fits: Saints, Cardinals, 49ers (Wild Card – Cowboys)
- Phil Mafah – Clemson
Mafah is a balanced running back with size, speed and bruising power downhill. He hits open rushing lanes hard and is also nimble which helps in short yardage situations. Despite lacking elite speed, Mafah does possess three-down potential. He needs to refine his pass protection skills and can struggle to create as a runner when blocking is not perfect in front of him. Mafah might not be an elusive running back, but his power helps make up for that weakness.
Player Comparisons: Jeff Wilson Jr. / James Conner
Projection: 5th Round – 7th Round
Best Fits: Falcons, Titans, Panthers (Wild Card – Dolphins)
- Brashard Smith – SMU
Smith is an elite third down back with wide receiver like receiving ability. In open space, he kicks it in turbo and flashes burner speed. The former receiver has incredible hands, vision in space and his kick return ability will be coveted due to the new kickoff rules. With his quick-twitch movements and lean frame, the team that selects Smith will need to consider lining him up outside and make sure they use him for screens, reverses and jet sweeps. His frame severely limits his NFL workload and he offers no value in pass protection. Smith is raw as a running back and his vision is still developing. The final concern for Smith is his lack of ball security. Smith needs to be used like less of a running back to have any success.
Player Comparisons: Tyrone Tracy Jr. / Jerick McKinnon
Projection: 2nd – 4th Round
Best Fits: Eagles, Ravens, Packers (Wild Card – Bears)
- Jaydon Blue – Texas
Blue regularly displayed his talent with the Longhorns. In open space, he is an explosive runner and his hands out of the backfield make him a dangerous receiving back. At the next level, Blue offers plenty of third down ability. His speed, vision and quick-cut ability all make him a dynamic running back. His power is lacking which limits his ability as an every down back unless Blue adds more functional strength to his frame. He could offer more in pass protection and his contact balance is a work in progress.
Player Comparisons: Blake Watson / MarShawn Lloyd
Projection: 4th – 5th Round
Best Fits: Texans, Colts, Saints (Wild Card – Browns)
- Damien Martinez – Miami FL
Martinez is a true workhorse back with a strong frame, impact potential on every down and a bruiser mentality. He is a patient runner who wiggles through tight spaces and runs low. His soft hands are an added bonus, while durability, excellent ball security and strong blitz pickup skills round out his positive traits. Martinez lacks top-end speed, lateral quickness and his indecisiveness can lead to limited gains when he could just plow his way to positive yardage. His ceiling is lower than many other running backs in this class, but he should be a nice rotational player.
Player Comparisons: Gus Edwards / Chris Rodriguez Jr.
Projection: 3rd – 5th round
Best Fits: Steelers, Chargers, Raiders (Wild Card – Giants)
- R.J. Harvey Jr. – UCF
Harvey is another workhorse back, but his great speed and elite lateral quickness add a different dimension to his game. He knows how to make defenders miss and his low pad level, plus contact balance, turns him into a home run threat every time he touches the ball. Harvey is a master at exploiting cutback lanes and is a versatile producer with excellent ball security history. He is a bit undersized, which hurts his pass protection ability and adds questions about his ability to be a feature back. Sometimes he dances too much in the backfield, when he just needs to use the power he does have in his repertoire.
Player Comparisons: Bucky Irving / Israel Abanikanda
Projection: 5th – 7th Round
Best Fits: Colts, Texans, Broncos (Wild Card – Commanders)
- Trevor Etienne – Georgia
Trevor, the younger brother of Travis, probably should have stayed in college one more year because this class is ridiculously good. He is smaller than his older brother and runs with a slightly different style. He has some quickness and twitch, but his lower frame allows for a little more power. As a receiver, he does offer some value, but is not nearly the receiver that Travis has been in the NFL so far. He is good at identifying cutback lanes and can change his speed with ease. He is missing that third gear to be a true home run threat and also struggles versus stacked boxes. After not establishing himself as a clear number one in college, it will be difficult to do so in the NFL. Etienne does offer plenty of value in a committee.
Player Comparisons: Michael Carter / Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Projection: 4th – 5th Round
Best Fits: Ravens, Packers, Cowboys (Wild Card – Jaguars)
- Raheim Sanders – South Carolina
Sanders is the perfect blend of size and excellent open field speed. “Rocket” is an explosive running back with surprising agility, great contact balance and an intelligence that shows when he remains patient but still makes quick decisions to hit a hole. His vision and burst along with ability off short passes should translate well to the NFL. At times he likes to initiate contact and is never afraid to fight for extra yardage. Sanders is not one to string multiple moves together, can’t really deploy out wide and has had some ball security issues. If he sticks to open running lanes, then he should be able to sustain a longer career.
Player Comparisons: AJ Dillon / Audric Estime
Projection: 3rd – 5th Round
Best Fits: Giants, Raiders, Steelers (Wild Card – Browns)
- Tahj Brooks – Texas Tech
Brooks is a heavy back with a tough build and excels in short yardage scenarios. Combined with his power is natural vision, surprisingly quick initial lateral movements and a willingness to get aggressive in pass protection. Brooks is one of the more durable runners in this class which adds to his value as a workhorse running back. His low center of gravity made him a nightmare to tackle in college, leading to elite productivity. Brooks lacks speed and is by no means an elusive back. He is also limited as a receiver and won’t create separation when running routes. At times, he does dance too much behind the line of scrimmage when he should naturally pick up three or more yards every touch.
Player Comparisons: Dameon Pierce / Miyan Williams
Projection: 3rd – 4th Round
Best Fits: Browns, Bears, Cowboys (Wild Card – Lions)
- Bhayshul Tuten – Virginia Tech
Tuten is one of the fastest running backs in this year’s class. His change of pace style makes him an excellent third down back. Not only is he explosive with great hands, but he also has some patience as a runner before accelerating and turning on the jets. He is a master of finding cutback lanes and is actually a tougher runner than most would expect. Not only will Tuten be effective of sweeps and screens, but he will also be an asset as a returner. Tuten is a bit raw in pass protection and might not be an every down back. Despite being too eager to bounce runs to the outside, Tuten does not actually have elite lateral agility. He will need to protect the ball better at the next level, yet could be a valuable piece in a committee.
Player Comparisons: Keaton Mitchell / Zach Evans
Projection: 3rd – 5th Round
Best Fits: Patriots, Texans, Broncos (Wild Card – Colts)
- Kalel Mullings – Michigan
Mullings is a true short yardage power back. He is a hard-nosed runner and always fights to get a few extra yards. Not only is he big, but his natural instincts are to get north and south. His former linebacker experience does add additional value as a special teamer and his durability is another major pro. As for the cons, Mullings lacks top end speed, offers no receiving value and only has minimal lateral agility. Don’t expect him to be on the field for many third downs.
Player Comparisons: Hassan Haskins / D’Onta Foreman
Projection: 5th – 7th Round
Best Fits: Raiders, Steelers, Giants (Wild Card – Chargers)
- Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks – USC
Marks is a shifty, speed running back with true third down value, lightning quickness and excellent hands as a receiver. He can get north and south in a hurry, displays a high IQ and happens to be durable for a smaller running back. Marks is fairly advanced in pass protection already and can split out wide in passing situations. His special teams potential should interest numerous teams. Marks only has inconsistent contact balance, can get caught on really long runs and may be just a one-trick runner. He is not a bell cow but should be a great rotational piece.
Player Comparisons: Kenneth Gainwell / Darren Sproles
Projection: 5th – 7th Round
Best Fits: Colts, Eagles, Broncos (Wild Card – Cowboys)
- Kyle Monangai – Rutgers
Monangai is perhaps the most underrate running back in this class. Not only is he shifty, tough and compact, but his powerful brand of running also leads to fighting for extra yardage all the time. Monangai usually keeps the football secure, which is important for a bell cow back. He is a willing blocker in pass protection, flashes some high IQ and his worth ethic might be elite. Monangai’s initial burst makes up for his lack of elite speed. He has a smaller build and won’t be a super dangerous receiver out of the backfield. Although he might need some time to adjust to NFL speed, Monangai has the potential to turn some heads once he gets some carries.
Player Comparisons: Isiah Pacheco / Devin Singletary
Projection: 5th – 7th Round
Best Fits: Jaguars, Texans, Ravens (Wild Card – Chiefs)
- Devin Neal – Kansas
Neal might only boast average to below average size, but his change of direction ability, short choppy steps and patience as a runner leads to productivity. He is also a respectable receiver out of the backfield with natural hands and a knack for the screen game. In open field, Neal becomes very dangerous. He is not a dominant power runner and would benefit from adding more strength. At the moment, he is weak in pass protection and his route tree as a receiver is limited. Even without elite burst, Neal has the makings of an effective running back in a committee.
Player Comparisons: Tank Bigsby / Cam Akers
Projection: 3rd – 4th Round
Best Fits: Packers, Colts, Chargers (Wild Card – 49ers)
- Omarion Hampton – North Carolina
Hampton is widely regarded as the number two running back in this class. His size, ability to hit another gear in open field, versatility to run out of traditional or gun sets and excellent vision certainly add to the alure. Hampton often finishes runs with solid pad level, which showcases his workhorse ability. However, the hype around Hampton is identical to his comps, who have not reached the production level in the NFL expected of them as prospects. When Hampton runs very upright, he loses his acceleration ability and lacks elusiveness. On the receiving side, his route tree is limited and his hands are very inconsistent. Hampton has a high ceiling, but don’t be surprised if he follows an Isaiah Spiller trajectory either.
Player Comparisons: Zach Charbonnet / Isaiah Spiller
Projection: Late 1st – Early 3rd Round
Best Fits: Raiders, Bears, Giants (Wild Card – Steelers)
- Cam Skattebo – Arizona State
Skattebo burst into the national spotlight in 2024 and shined during the College Football Playoff matchup versus the Texas Longhorns. He has a compact, bowling ball build, yet is surprisingly shifty and quick. Skattebo displays great balance through traffic, hits open running lanes with authority and acceleration and makes big plays regularly. He is a decent pass catcher, but where he really excels is in short yardage situations thanks to his energy and competitive spirit. Skattebo does have some ball security concerns, just average long speed and is inconsistent in pass protection at the moment. His heavy workload in college will perhaps scare some teams, but there is potential for at least several years of solid production on a rookie contract.
Player Comparisons: Damien Harris / Chase Brown
Projection: 4th – 6th Round
Best Fits: Chiefs, Ravens, Raiders (Wild Card – Browns)
- Jordan James – Oregon
James is a smaller workhorse back with good open field speed and decent vision. His patience with an ability to hit the hole with authority is promising. The way he gets low with great pad level makes him a red zone touchdown threat consistently. In addition to having a little twitch and a history of protecting the football, James might have a little three-down potential in the NFL. Due to the smaller frame, he is not a true bell cow and happens to be a bit raw in pass protection. His route tree needs some work and his lack of experience as a primary running back in college might leave some reservations. James will likely never be a true starter, but I would expect a lot of touches as a productive second-string back.
Player Comparisons: Tyjae Spears / Jerome Ford
Projection: 3rd – 4th Round
Best Fits: Cowboys, Patriots, Packers (Wild Card – Eagles)
- Ollie Gordon II – Oklahoma State
Gordon is the big running back in this class. His contact balance is incredible, thanks to a ton of lower body power and upper body strength. Even though he is a bruising back, Gordon showcases some speed in open field. His vision and patience leads to finding open rushing lanes. Gordon also manages to often make defenders miss in tight spaces. His soft hands as a receiver is just an added bonus. Gordon is at times overly patient, which doesn’t help with a naturally slow initial startup. He only has limited exposure to pro-style sets, which could lead to a learning curve. Becoming more consistent versus stacked boxes will be important for his success at the next level.
Player Comparisons: Brian Robinson Jr. / Braelon Allen
Projection: 4th – 5th Round
Best Fits: Browns, Steelers, Giants (Wild Card – Bears)
- Dylan Sampson – Tennessee
Sampson cracks an impressive top five in a generationally good running back class because his compact build, combining with elite speed after touching the football is an asset. He is always a big play threat with some sneaky power and lateral quickness and agility. His natural route running ability and great hands make him a versatile running back. The way Sampson bounces off of tackles often leads to extended big plays out of nothing. Where he has some room for growth is better protection of the football, developing in pass protection and not bouncing quite as often. Against strong front he can get overpowered, but he sometimes just needs to use his burst and frame to get north and south. Sampson is not a true workhorse back, but his third down value is excellent, making him a great prospect.
Player Comparisons: De’Von Achane / Ty Chandler
Projection: 2nd – 3rd Round
Best Fits: Jaguars, Broncos, Vikings (Wild Card – Packers)
- TreVeyon Henderson – Ohio State
Henderson is the ultimate home run threat running back in this class. His fast acceleration gets him to top speed in a hurry, resulting in him being nearly impossible to stop at the second level and beyond. Henderson can make some sharp cuts in open field but when contacted, he actually has some additional leg drive. As a receiver, Henderson offers some exceptional value to an offense. One of the most underrated qualities about Henderson is his refined pass protection skills. Not only can he play every down, but his blocking value makes him a must-have on the field on third downs. The big concern with Henderson is his durability. Despite the prior injury history, splitting carries in 2024 with Quinshon Judkins helped preserve him for the national title run. Henderson does need to become a little more consistent at breaking tackles and would benefit from being in a one-two punch.
Player Comparisons: Breece Hall / Tony Pollard
Projection: 2nd Round
Best Fits: Cowboys, Ravens, Texans (Wild Card – Colts)
Watch as Cole unveils the top 3 – highlights included!
