2025 NFL Draft: RB Rankings:
1
Ashton Jeanty
School: Boise State
Ht/Wt: 5’9”, 211 lbs
Strengths:
Jeanty is truly a special player. Regardless of what specific area you are looking at, the word elite flies all around when describing his game. Jeanty’s speed is high end. I can’t count how many times he was able to draw off from defenders in the open field. But even more impressive was how he got there. Jeanty is so slippery as a runner, it seems like guys consistently have trouble tackling him. His elusiveness is second to none. He has an elite jump cut that he uses to navigate traffic in the middle, before then bouncing it outside. Jeanty’s contact balance allows him to be an asset on inside runs, and in short yardage situations. He also is crazy good when it comes to running the ball outside. He routinely can beat defenders to the corner. This also makes him a weapon in the passing game, where he can make big plays after the catch. Jeanty is a willing pass protector and had some good reps on tape.
Weaknesses:
There isn’t very much not to like about Jeanty’s game. Perhaps you could say he is a tad on the small side. However, his frame is compact enough, and his contact balance is good enough that it shouldn’t be an issue. Jeanty can make plays as a pass catcher, but he did have a few bobbled passes in my exposures. As a blocker, he has done some solid work, but can improve from a technical standpoint. He also had a handful of fumbles, but with such a big workload, I think you can give some leeway there.
Summary:
Jeanty is as elite a prospect as you’ll see. Looks like a can’t miss superstar in the league. He has the agility and contact balance to make people miss and to break tackles. On a routine basis, he gets loose for a big run, and his speed is good enough to not be tracked down too often. Really, the main thing comes down to positional value. RB holds lower value than the other positions, and this could impact his draft stock. Teams will have to weigh the difference between taking someone with more positional value, vs someone with an elite skill set like Jeanty. He is the top player in the class on my board, and likely others as well. All it takes is one team to fall in love with the talent enough to overlook the position. I’d expect him to go in the top 15, and it would be pretty surprising to see him drop into the 20’s.
| Grade: 94.0 | Round Grade: 1st |
2
TreVeyon Henderson
School: Ohio State
Ht/Wt: 5’10”, 202 lbs
Strengths:
Henderson is an athletic RB with the traits to go for a big play at any given time. He makes sharp cuts that can get him out of trouble in a phone booth. Once he gets into the open field, he can be tough to catch. Henderson is solid on runs to the inside, but really excels booting it to the outside. His speed allows him to beat the nearest defender to the sideline and turn the corner before he can be brought down. He wasn’t used extensively as a downfield pass catcher, but his hands look natural, even if most of his work was on shorter stuff. His athleticism makes him a weapon after the catch, and his skill set suggests his work in the passing game can be expanded, going forward. Speaking of the passing game, Henderson is also an asset in pass protection, using good technique to do what is required of him.
Weaknesses:
Henderson is a big play threat, but can sometimes get in his own way through poor decision making. There were instances where he had a lane that could have gotten him the 1st down, but he tried to bounce it outside, instead getting stopped short. I wouldn’t even say it is a matter of wanting to bounce it outside too often. That is just what happened in those specific instances. Decision making in general can just use some improvement. He will sometimes lead himself into traffic and get stonewalled for little to no gain, and needs to show more patience as a runner. Henderson is a bit on the small side, so it is fair to question how effective he’ll be running through the trenches at the next level. He was pretty good in college, but his success here could depend more on his decision making. Injuries were a bit of an issue in college. Will be sometime to keep an eye on.
Summary:
Henderson is a dynamic athlete at the RB position, combining high end speed with high end quickness. He is a big play threat every time he touches the ball, and can excel running the ball to the outside, and making plays in the passing game. Henderson is quick enough to navigate traffic up the middle, but his decision making will need to improve. He left his fair share of yards on the table by running himself into tacklers. His work in pass protection will be appreciated, and ultimately, his skill set should allow him to see the field on all 3 downs. He is a bit undersized, but can still manage the rougher parts of the role. Though he does have an injury history, which may impact his draft stock, and usage, should it continue to linger at the pro level.
| Grade: 84.5 | Round Grade: 2nd |
3
Dylan Sampson
School: Tennessee
Ht/Wt: 5’8”, 200 lbs
Strengths:
Sampson is a speedy player with big play ability. He plays with good vision close to the line, and follows his blocks nicely, while showing enough patience to let things open up. And when it does open up, he is decisive. Sampson’s jump cut has worked wonders for him. His quick feet make it tough for tacklers to zero in on him, and he can elude their tackle attempts and continue his way upfield without losing momentum. His speed is home run quality. Once he gets into space, he will win most footraces. Sampson isn’t the biggest back, but was pretty solid between the tackles.
Weaknesses:
Sampson was alright between the tackles in college, but is still undersized, and may face some issues at the pro level. Ball security was an issue, as he fumbled the ball several times just this past season. As well, his hands in the passing game are very questionable. Drops were an issue, and many of them were just little dumpoffs that he couldn’t hang onto. He doesn’t look like a natural catcher of the football. Sampson was used often in pass protection. However, more often than not, he just looked lost. As blitzers made their attack, he seemed confused about who to take, and there was no decisiveness. He had a few good reps, but others where his lack of size was a problem.
Summary:
Sampson’s speed and proven track record as a big play threat will have teams considering him. His speed is top class, and his cuts are sharp enough to help elude tacklers while not losing any of his momentum. Sampson can be dangerous with the ball in his hand, so ideally, you’d be able to get him involved in the passing game. However, he looks uncomfortable catching the ball. As well, his pass protection is a long way from where it needs to be. Sampson’s dynamic ability will earn him a role, and it makes you want to play him as a 3 down back. However, his struggles in the passing game, both as a pass catcher and blocker, will make it tough to project. His skill set might earn him opportunities on passing downs, but his mistakes might cause them to think otherwise. Ultimately, Sampson has a chance to be a starter, or at least find a large amount of usage while still in a committee backfield. But he’ll have to make significant strides in both areas of the passing game in order to reach his ceiling. If coaches can’t trust him on passing downs, he might be a 2 down back. But his athleticism should buy him some chances to show otherwise.
| Grade: 77.8 | Round Grade: 3rd |
4
Quinshon Judkins
School: Ohio State
Ht/Wt: 6’0”, 221 lbs
Strengths:
Judkins is a hard runner with a pretty good combination of power, strength, and athleticism. He is a well built player who you’d expect could handle a bigger workload in the NFL. On every touch, you can see he is running with a purpose. He isn’t afraid to lower the shoulder and absorb some contact at the end of runs, either. Judkins can break tackles and gain some extra yards after contact. Short yardage situations fit his style. But for all the talk of power, that isn’t the only thing his game revolves around. Judkins has an abundance of speed, which combines really well with his size and his hard running style. His acceleration is outstanding. When he’s decided what to do, he can get to top speed real quick. Judkins is also a skilled pass catcher, which is another box on the checklist when looking for a 3 down back. His hands are natural and he can make the catch without losing any momentum. He has shown that he can be effective on things like swing routes and other stuff a bit further down the field. In the passing game, he isn’t just a check down guy. Judkins can make some technical improvements, but he has the frame and the strength to hold up in pass protection.
Weaknesses:
When he is decisive, Judkins can be a dangerous player. However, there are times where things take a little too long to process. At other times, he’ll make the wrong decision, running his way into traffic. The mental part of his game is still a work in progress. Athletically, he has good speed, but not as much twitch. I think it would be harsh to say he is stiff. However, he is definitely more of a one cut runner, as opposed to someone with more ability to make people miss and change directions more fluidly. He can certainly draw off in the open field, but will probably have a tougher time creating for himself in a phone booth.
Summary:
Judkins has the makings of a 3 down back in the NFL. He doesn’t quite have the twitchiness and creativity of some of the top backs in the league, but he combines enough quality traits to still have considerable upside. He has good speed, which is necessary for his style as a one cut runner. If he gets that hole that takes him into the secondary, his acceleration is tremendous, and he can hit that extra gear to make him tough to run down. As well, Judkins has a power element that can allow him to wear down defences and have success in short yardage situations. His ability to make plays in the passing game further displays the 3 down potential. His floor should already be high enough for him to be a solid starter, but whether or not he reaches his ceiling will likely depend on how far along his decision making and mental processing can come along. He left some yards on the table due to some mistakes of this nature, and improving in this area will maximize his chances of success.
| Grade: 77.7 | Round Grade: 3rd |
5
Trevor Etienne
School: Georgia
Ht/Wt: 5’9”, 198 lbs
Strengths:
Etienne is a solid all around back with good speed and good quickness. While he might not quite be a true home run threat, he has the speed to get to the second level and pick up some chunk yards. His agility really stands out. Etienne can make people miss at the line and in crowded areas. As well, he is good when he has the ball in space. He is solid enough between the tackles, but looks even better on outside runs. Vision in both areas is a strength. Etienne is a natural when it comes to the passing game. His hands are sticky and secure, with bobbles or drops rarely ever seen. He is able to make the catch without having to kill his momentum, and he is able to get it turned upfield fast.
Weaknesses:
Etienne is an undersized back. Although he was alright between the tackles at the college level, it might be a bit tougher for him in the pros. He might also have a tougher time picking up yards after contact. As far as athletic traits go, he is quite good, but not in the elite tier, like some of the other RB’s in this class. He doesn’t quite have that second gear to shift into when needing to outrun defenders in space. Etienne got some work in pass protection, but his size may be a hindrance when he gets to the next level and is tasked with the same duties.
Summary:
Etienne isn’t an all world athlete, but has enough speed to threaten at the second level, and the quickness and smooth movement skills to elude tackle attempts. His combination of speed and vision on outside runs has led to some big plays, and he shows enough in the trenches to have a chance there. But due to his smaller frame, inside runs may be tougher for him, and he could have issues in protection. By far, I like Etienne the most as a pass catcher. He is such a natural, catching passes cleanly, before turning it upfield without losing momentum. His ability as a pass catcher should earn him a role early on, and his athleticism is good enough for him to get some early carries, as well. Due to his frame, I have reservations about his potential as a 3 down back. That being said, I also like his floor. Etienne should be, at the very least, a good RB as part of a one-two punch with another player. His good performance at the Senior Bowl should give a positive boost to his draft stock.
| Grade: 74.2 | Round Grade: 4th |
6
Omarion Hampton
School: North Carolina
Ht/Wt: 6’0”, 221 lbs
Strengths:
Hampton is a well built bruiser who brings a boatload of power as a runner. He is one of the better tackle breakers I’ve seen in a while. His straight line speed is pretty solid when he gets a chance to get going, and there are so many times where he was able to shake defenders right off of him. Even if caught, he was often able to fall forward for an extra few. Hampton is an ideal back for short yardage situations, given the physical traits that he possesses. For having a style that invites contact, he did a very good job of protecting the ball throughout his college career. Though there are some technical refinements he can make, Hampton looked solid as a pass protector. His size and strength naturally give him a decent floor in this area, and he should be really good once the finer details are worked on more.
Weaknesses:
Hampton has decent enough speed for his size, but as far as overall athleticism goes, he does not excite. There is no twitch or lateral agility to speak of in his game, and he lacks elusiveness as a runner. While he breaks tackles well, he won’t make anyone miss, and gets chased down when he does get to the second level. Outside runs are not something he will likely be able to execute with much success. His linear running style will limit him, and raises a lot of questions about how effective he’ll be at the NFL level. It also doesn’t help that his vision is still a work in progress. There were times where he needlessly ran himself into traffic. Hampton can give you basic stuff as a pass catcher, but you can see the stiffness and heavy feet when he runs a route, as opposed to just setting up for a screen pass. It is another area where I find it hard to see a lot of upside.
Summary:
Hampton projects as a good, reliable power back that can handle a large workload and grind out tough yards. But he is, more or less, a “what you see is what you get” kind of player. Teams that still value the old school playing style will be more keen on him, and it wouldn’t surprise to see him in a starting role at some point soon. However, there is little upside in his game, given the landscape of things in today’s version of the league. His lack of twitch and elusiveness puts a cap on what he’ll ultimately be able to do, and will likely prevent him from becoming more than a middling player, when it is all said and done. He has 2 down ability, and perhaps his work in pass protection can earn him additional snaps on 3rd down.
| Grade: 70.7 | Round Grade: 4th |
7
Brashard Smith
School: SMU
Ht/Wt: 5’10”, 194 lbs
Strengths:
Smith is a dynamic athlete at the RB position, posing as a threat to take it the distance at any time. He is a twitched up player, showing off his elusiveness right off the snap. His ability to dodge early penetrators allows him to have some success as a between the tackles runner, even if it isn’t his calling card. Smith has the speed to excel on outside runs, and routinely wins the race to the sideline. Once he is there, he can easily get the ball turned up field. When he gets into the secondary, he has shown that he can win foot races and take it to the house. This skill set has also allowed him to have some success as a kick returner in the past. Smith is a weapon as a pass catcher. As a converted WR, his hands are very natural and he is a smooth route runner. He can catch check downs or run more complicated routes when split out wide. Smith creates separation and then can pick up chunk yardage after the catch.
Weaknesses:
Smith is a converted WR, so that naturally will have its pros and cons. The cons are that his vision for the position is still a work in progress. He can be a bit slow to process things in the middle, and some hesitations open up tackling opportunities for defenders. Smith is on the lean/light side for the position, and doesn’t play with any power at all. He can get some carries up the middle because he is elusive enough to create some space for himself. But that doesn’t mean he won’t also get blown up sometimes. If it is not a big hit, there are other times where he just gets engulfed, standing little chance to even get past the line of scrimmage. He won’t pick up many, if any, yards after contact when running up the gut. Smith was asked to pass protect, but was overmatched when faced head on with blitzers. This isn’t a role I’d expect him to take on at the next level. Coaches usually like their RB’s to have some ability in protection, but it is hard to see it ever getting there for Smith.
Summary:
Smith is an exciting player with a dynamic skill set. A home run threat every time he touches the ball. He excels on outside runs, and as a converted WR, is naturally good as a pass catcher. While his shiftiness allows him to be half capable between the tackles, he is really better off in a committee backfield where a bigger back gets those carries. Smith has no power in his game, and would be boom or bust as a runner up the gut on any given play. His vision is still developing, but that is understandable, given that he is newer to the position. Smith should be able to contribute as a returner–some versatility that should help his value. His lack of size and strength will turn some people off, but with the right offensive mind calling the shots, Smith can be an impact player, even if it is not in a full time role.
| Grade: 70.0 | Round Grade: 4th |
8
Jaydon Blue
School: Texas
Ht/Wt: 5’9”, 196 lbs
Strengths:
Blue has elite speed that has allowed him to pop off for several big plays, and should make him an offensive weapon at the next level. He is a quick one cut runner who then turns on the jets when he makes it into the running lane. Once he sees the field in front of him, he can get into high gear quickly. He does well on runs to the outside, where he is able to win races to the sideline, where he can turn the corner and get up field, beating defenders who don’t have the speed or the angle to catch him. Blue might be at his best when he is contributing in the passing game. With his athletic traits, he is obviously a threat with the ball in his hands. But his ability extends beyond dump offs and screens that are manufactured to get him in space. Blue can run routes down the field, beating LB’s and S’s in coverage, and complete the catch at the end of it.
Weaknesses:
Blue is an undersized back, and is very much lacking a power element in his game. As a runner up the middle, he does alright when the blocking is good. But he won’t make anything happen on his own. He doesn’t have the power to grind out tough yards up the middle. As well, Blue seems to rarely break tackles, with first tackle attempts usually being enough to bring him down. Not only does this limit him when it comes to inside runs and short yardage situations, but also as a playmaker after the catch. While he can make people miss, he rarely can escape when he is actually caught. As a pass catcher, this makes it more important that the QB get him the ball in a position that allows him to keep his momentum going, otherwise yards after the catch will be limited. On the same note, Blue likely won’t be contributing much in pass protection. As an inside runner, his decision making could use some improvement. Getting better there could help compensate a little bit for his lack of power. Blue also will need to eliminate some fumbling issues that hung around in college.
Summary:
Blue’s elite athleticism will be attractive to teams looking to inject a spark into their offence. He can pop a big run off at any time, and especially does well on outside runs. But as good as he is there, his work in the passing game was most impressive to me. He runs a variety of routes, beyond just simple check downs. However, his lack of size and power will limit his role at the next level. He doesn’t grind out tough yards on inside runs, and often goes down at first contact. Blue, at the end of the day, projects as a change of pace back who can come in and give you a dynamic skill set when you need it. In the right system and in the right tandem, Blue could be a highly effective player. But his lack of 3 down upside likely will hurt his stock, a little bit.
| Grade: 67.4 | Round Grade: 5th |
9
Cam Skattebo
School: Arizona State
Ht/Wt: 5’10”, 219 lbs
Strengths:
Skattebo is a bowling ball of a RB, playing at a low centre of gravity while simultaneously possessing a heavy, compact frame. He has good vision and IQ as a runner. Skattebo is quick to process things as all the blocks are developing, and he is decisive when the lane opens up. He’ll burst through and not look back. With the power that he brings, there will naturally be some broken tackles. But his contact balance is what is really impressive. Many of his broken tackles aren’t so much ones that he had to fight through (though he has plenty of those as well), but instead instances of the defender just bouncing right off him. Skattebo is an effective receiver, whether out of the backfield or when split out. His quickness can be a bit deceptive as he creates some separation on his routes, and he is one of the more natural pass catchers I’ve seen in this RB class.
Weaknesses:
Skattebo brings a lot of power, but is lacking when it comes to speed. His quickness isn’t horrible, but probably closer to average. As far as speed goes, it leaves him prone to being chased down when he gets into the open field. And while he is still able to make an impact as a receiver, it does hurt his ability to separate as a route runner, and pick up yards after the catch. Skattebo is a strong player, but he has had some whiffs in pass protection. Better technique is needed. It wasn’t a huge persisting issue, but he did have a small handful of fumbles over the last couple of seasons.
Summary:
Skattebo brings a lot of power to the table, and his contact balance has really allowed him to embarrass some tackles. He is such a natural pass catcher–drops or bobbles are no issue, from what I saw in my exposures. The biggest issue with his game is athleticism. His speed is below average and he isn’t tough to catch in the open field. There are some glimpses of quickness in his game, but probably not enough for speed not to be an issue. His blue collar paying style and ability to catch passes should allow him to be a solid pro. He sort of reminds me of a more powerful Rex Burkhead. But while solid, he will have his work cut out for him to become a mainstay in a team’s starting lineup. He has enough talent that I wouldn’t completely put it past him, but his most likely projection is a depth player that can give you some rotational production.
| Grade: 67.1 | Round Grade: 5th |
10
Ollie Gordon
School: Oklahoma State
Ht/Wt: 6’1”, 226 lbs
Strengths:
Gordon is a big, bruising downhill back who also possesses deceptive athleticism. Power runs up the gut will likely be his calling card at the next level. Gordon has a big frame, and should be able to handle a hefty workload that involves a lot of contact. He is a pain to tackle, and is regularly able to shrug off defenders and carry guys with him as they attempt to make a tackle. When Gordon gets the chance to build up his speed, it isn’t too bad. As well, he was more capable with the ball in space than I was expecting. That is not to say that he will regularly make people miss. However, he can follow his blocks and is able to weave his way through traffic decently well. This also showed up in the passing game. He isn’t a home run hitter by any means, but he can go get some yards for himself. As a pass catcher, he also displays soft and reliable hands. His pass protection isn’t perfect yet, but there is more to like than dislike. He’s got the size and demeanor to do well, and he generally did well in college. Cleaning up some technical aspects should solidify things.
Weaknesses:
While Gordon is quietly a pretty good athlete for his size, he is still hovering in the average to below average range in a more general sense. His top speed is decent when it has a good chunk of time and space to build up, but it takes a while to get there. And while he might be more fluid than other downhill backs, he is still more of a linear player, who won’t create very much for himself. He isn’t a home run hitter and won’t threaten defences when it comes to big plays. Gordon will lose most footraces, and likely won’t have much of an impact on runs to the outside. Idea is similar in the passing game. I think he can give you a bit more than just a check down and get tackled sort of player. But the ceiling is still limited.
Summary:
Gordon’s size and power will attract teams looking for a bruiser who can play downhill. And his demeanour fits the style. Like most downhill RB’s, he is lacking when it comes to athleticism and creativity, and is more on the linear side. That being said, I don’t think it is to the same extent as many other players with this style. He does show subtle signs of life when running in space. He isn’t exactly all twitched up, but he can navigate through some traffic with enough wiggle, while also building up power as he goes. His soft hands will allow him to make some contributions in the passing game, too. Given that he can also pass protect, Gordon could see a 3 down role in the right system. He is not a home run hitter, and the ceiling is capped, but I don’t mind the floor here. Opinions on him likely vary depending on stylistic preferences, but he should be a solid player, even if he doesn’t end up as a starter.
| Grade: 66.8 | Round Grade: 5th |
11
Kaleb Johnson
School: Iowa
Ht/Wt: 6’1”, 224 lbs
Strengths:
Johnson is someone who brings tremendous size and power to the table, as well as a determined running style. He lowers the shoulder at the end of his runs, and when he lets some speed and power build up, he can really be a pain to tackle. Johnson has great vision when running up the middle. He can navigate through the traffic and process all the moving parts quickly. His good decision making maximizes the yards that he is able to pick up on a play to play basis. Johnson has soft hands and is a reliable check down option for the QB. In some instances, he was able to bail the QB out of a bad throw.
Weaknesses:
Johnson is a linear runner with average overall athleticism. His speed is decent, though more in the build up nature. He isn’t super twitchy, and lacks creativity with the ball in his hands. Johnson won’t be making people miss too often, and he is on the stiff side, which makes changing directions tough. Outside runs likely won’t be an area of focus when he is given opportunities at the next level. Johnson has the size and potential to be an asset in pass protection, but is still a work in progress, at this point.
Summary:
Johnson projects as a solid power back that can be in a committee with a more athletic change of pace back. He has the size and power to wear defences down and handle a big workload. His straight line speed is solid, and he can build up some power as he gets to the next level. These traits give him a floor that should allow him to have a role at the NFL level. However, he lacks agility, and is strictly a straight line guy. He won’t create too many yards for himself, and overall, has a limited ceiling. Same goes for his work in the passing game. He has soft enough hands to be a check down option, but isn’t a consistent big play threat. Johnson will likely fit best as a 2 down back at the next level. But he could earn additional 3rd down/passing down opportunities if he is able to improve and reach his full potential as a pass protector.
| Grade: 65.9 | Round Grade: 5th |
12
Woody Marks
School: USC
Ht/Wt: 5’10”, 207 lbs
Strengths:
Marks is a shifty back who is at his best when being used as a pass catcher. He has quick feet and is able to create separation as a route runner, where he can take advantage of LB’s or S’s that might be more sluggish athletically. Marks has soft hands, and he is able to look the ball in and make the catch away from his frame without any bobbles. With the ball in his hands, he can make quick cuts, and also use jukes and head fakes to make people miss in the open field. Same can be said for when he takes a hand off. There is some shake and bake to his game, and he can evade tackle attempts from early penetrators. Marks has good vision as a runner. He is patient enough to let his blocks develop, and his acceleration is deceptively good. When he gets the lane he wants, he’ll burst through.
Weaknesses:
Strength and power are not really present in his game. Marks has some elusiveness, but when a tackler gets his arms on him, the tackle is unlikely to be broken. He was only moderately successful on inside runs, with those issues showing up especially in these instances. Fighting his way through the trenches isn’t really his thing. For a guy who’s game relies a lot on what he can do in space, his speed was underwhelming. He’s got the burst to get going, but when it comes down to a footrace with no other tricks involved, he loses that race more than I would have liked. Marks won’t give you a lot in pass protection. From what I saw, willingness was never an issue. However, he does get overpowered. Additionally, poor technique led to him getting beat, and in one case, led him to take a holding penalty. Marks will be entering the NFL as an overager, at a position that typically sees a drop off closer to the age of 30.
Summary:
Marks projects as a change of pace or passing back at the next level, who can have some success in a committee. He lacks the pure speed and the strength/power to be a bell cow or effective starter. However, he has natural hands as a pass catcher, and can be used as a receiver either out of the backfield or split out. His shiftiness will allow him to make some people miss in the open field, and he’ll give you some chunk plays, even if he doesn’t have the speed to be a true home run hitter. Marks is a role player at the next level. That, plus his age, will likely cause a slip on draft day. But in the mid-late rounds, he can provide solid value.
| Grade: 64.8 | Round Grade: 6th |
13
Jordan James
School: Oregon
Ht/Wt: 5’10”, 205 lbs
Strengths:
James has a pretty decent combination of size, strength, and twitch, that together allow him to contribute in a few different ways. He is a hard runner and can earn you some honest yards between the tackles. At the end of some of his runs, he’ll deliver a pop, and manage to tumble forward for some extra yards. This was especially useful when near the 1st down line. I wouldn’t say he has a high level of twitch, but it is solid enough. James can wiggle his way through traffic in the middle. As well, it allows him to make some contributions as a pass catcher. He can run some solid routes out of the backfield, and generally, his hands are reliable. His no nonsense running style gets him some more yards after the catch than you might expect. James shows willingness in pass protection to take on blitzers who have a size advantage on him. He could be at a lower centre of gravity in some instances when he is blocking, but the tools are all there for him to have success in this area.
Weaknesses:
Athletically, James is average at best. He has some twitch, but it is not like it is in the upper tier. It gets him by, which is fine, but he isn’t an ankle breaker. As well, his speed is very underwhelming. James doesn’t threaten as a home run hitter. His running style can get him some extra yards on plays, but that only gets you so far before you are eventually brought down. His vision and IQ as a runner will show off positively in flashes, but his consistency is lacking in this area. As a runner between the tackles, James will lower the shoulder and battle for extra yards. But I wouldn’t say he is a true tackle breaker. He has some, but for his size and style, it would be nice to see more.
Summary:
James seems like one of those players who can do multiple different things, but is, at best, average at all of them. He plays with power and can fight for extra yards, but isn’t a true tackle breaker. Also, he can create some yards for himself with a bit of agility, but he doesn’t have that high end elusiveness, nor does he have the speed to really threaten as a big play guy. Ultimately, James projects as a depth guy who brings a little versatility to fill in for different kinds of players, should be needed. He can run between the tackles, but his ability to catch passes out of the backfield adds another element to his game. He won’t wow you in any area, but should be able to stick on a roster because he is solid in enough areas.
| Grade: 64.7 | Round Grade: 6th |
14
Bhayshul Tuten
School: Virginia Tech
Ht/Wt: 5’9”, 206 lbs
Strengths:
Tuten brings great straight line speed and is an effective runner to the outside. He is able to beat defenders to the sideline and round the corner, allowing him to get upfield along the sideline. Tuten isn’t necessarily a big guy, but he has a strong build, which allows him to play with some power. He isn’t at all afraid to lower the shoulder and initiate contact. In fact, he welcomes it. If Tuten gets an open running lane and finds himself in the secondary, he can make a single sharp cut to make an oncoming tackler miss, before turning on the jets to draw off from the rest of them. As far as pass protection goes, he looks like one of the better ones in this class. He plays at a lower centre of gravity, and his compact frame allows him to pretty effectively stand up blitzers. Tuten has experience and past success returning kicks.
Weaknesses:
Tuten has good straight line speed, but is definitely more on the linear side as a runner. He can make that one cut, but not much beyond that when it comes to anything lateral. In the passing game, he was able to make some contributions, but his lack of twitch does make some of the movements a little awkward. He can do some stuff, but I’m not sure he can become this dynamic threat out of the backfield. Tuten has enough power to be useful on inside runs, but lacks the vision, currently. He is very quick to bounce his runs to the outside instead of taking what is in front of him. Tuten welcomes contact, but perhaps this mentality was part of the reason why he had such a high number of fumbles. It is good that he can take on contact, but he has to be smart about it, too. The fumbles will have to decrease significantly at the next level.
Summary:
Tuten is a good one cut runner with the speed to pop off for some big plays. His strength and compact frame give him upside to become a bigger asset in the inside game, and his ability in pass protection gives him a chance to see work on passing downs. That being said, he is raw, and more of a developmental prospect at this point. Tuten has a ways to go when it comes to vision. His processing on inside runs isn’t great, and he has a tendency to bounce it outside unnecessarily. He is limited when it comes to lateral mobility and twitch, so his upside as a pass catcher might be capped. Still, in the right system, he has the chance to be a starter. The biggest issue was how often he fumbled. If he can’t earn the trust of his coaches, he’ll be hard pressed to see the field at all, so this is something he’ll definitely have to fix.
| Grade: 64.0 | Round Grade: 6th |
15
RJ Harvey
School: UCF
Ht/Wt: 5’8”, 205 lbs
Strengths:
Harvey is a small but shifty back that can make people miss and create some space for himself. His shiftiness is the foundation of his game. He is able to make early penetrators miss, and bounce things outside if he needs to. In the open field, he’ll use jukes and head fakes to make people miss, a method that worked well for him. His quick movements are tough for most defenders to match. Harvey has decent speed and burst, which help him get into the secondary for some chunk yardage. As a pass catcher, his hands are generally reliable, and he is someone you want to get into space.
Weaknesses:
Size is the biggest weakness of his game. Despite a pretty solid build, he doesn’t play with a ton of power, and will get engulfed by big interior linemen on many of his runs between the tackles. There might be some pop to his game, but that doesn’t always ensure additional yardage after contact. Harvey has good speed, but for being a shorter guy, it ideally would be at or near an elite level. He actually did test quite well at the combine, but on the field, there were some foot races that were lost when he was trying to break away. He won some too, and again, his speed in a vacuum isn’t bad, but for being a smaller guy, it would be a bit better in a perfect world. Harvey is solid as a pass catcher, but his smaller catch radius can make it easier for defenders to get on him and disrupt passes. As well, he is prone to getting overmatched when in pass protection.
Summary:
Harvey is definitely on the small side, but his agility and elusiveness on the field should allow him to make some plays at the next level. Because of his size, he lacks a true power element, and doesn’t offer much in pass protection. Despite his lack of height, he can give you solid work as a pass catcher, as long as errant passes aren’t going his way. Ultimately, he projects as a change of pace back that will need to be in a committee. He can come in and shake things up, whether that be on the ground or through the air. He is unlikely to be a bell cow, but in the right fit, can contribute on offence.
| Grade: 61.9 | Round Grade: 6th |
16
DJ Giddens
School: Kansas State
Ht/Wt: 6’0”, 212 lbs
Strengths:
Giddens is a bigger back with surprisingly decent fluidity. When he runs between the tackles, he’ll emerge from the other side of the traffic to then throw some jukes the way of the next oncoming defender. His ability to make people miss is better than what I was expecting. He also is able to weave his way through traffic, making himself skinnier at certain points to squeeze through gaps, or bending around attempted tackles. Overall, his vision is pretty good for him to make all this happen. There were times where his offensive line didn’t help him out, at least in my exposures, but he made the most of the situation. Giddens also seems to have pretty good ball security, limiting his fumbles despite a solid workload.
Weaknesses:
His fluidity for his size was a positive surprise, but the lack of power in his game was a negative one. Giddens has a well built frame–I’m not sure why he couldn’t be more physically imposing when running downhill. He has good fluidity for his size, but there were also moments where some stiffness showed up. Seemed like a Jekyll and Hyde kind of thing. There was more good than bad, but I don’t want to give the impression like he has elite elusiveness. The impressiveness is more so relative to his size. His speed is alright–good enough to get him into the secondary on some occasions–but not quite home run quality. Giddens will need to make improvements in the passing game. He looks a bit awkward as a pass catcher, and wasn’t used a lot in this area in his games that I watched. As well, his pass protection will need work, which was another disappointment, given his size.
Summary:
Giddens has a frame that is on the bigger side, and a good amount of shiftiness to buy himself some extra space on the field and, in turn, some extra yards. However, he also plays smaller than his size. If he can add more of a physical element to his game, I like the upside that it can create along with his solid athletic traits. But I’m not sure his athleticism alone will be enough for him to cut it as a starter. His lack of ability in the passing game is also a concern. Improving his pass protection needs to happen, as it would be a waste to have a bigger back that can’t protect. As well, it would be nice to see him improve as a pass catcher. Overall, Giddens is a flashy, yet somewhat unspectacular player. His combination of size and fluidity gives him some upside, but right now, he looks more like a developmental prospect who will fill a depth spot early on. If he can add some power to his game and improve his ability to contribute in the passing attack, he might be able to work his way up from there.
| Grade: 59.5 | Round Grade: 7th |
17
Damien Martinez
School: Miami
Ht/Wt: 6’0”, 217 lbs
Strengths:
Martinez is a big, powerful back who can excel in short yardage situations. Even when defenders meet him at the line, the play doesn’t end there. He routinely carries defenders with him as he tacks extra yards onto the play. Martinez shows nimble feet as he is navigating traffic between the tackles. His vision is good on those inside runs which, along with his strength/power, allows him to maximize the output on these plays. He won’t be a big play threat in the passing game, but Martinez can be a reliable check down option. His hands are soft and natural, and he can give you those short gains on what might otherwise be a completion or a loss. As a pass protector, he can still refine his technique, but the size and willingness are both there.
Weaknesses:
Martinez is very underwhelming as an athlete. Speed looks below average on tape, and I don’t see him being able to rip off many chunk plays, barring a few that might be derived from some broken tackles. As well, he lacks twitch and lateral mobility. As a result, he isn’t very impactful on outside runs, and his ability as a pass catcher is unlikely to extend beyond check downs. He can find passing down work as a protector, but he’ll need to improve his technique.
Summary:
Martinez projects as a depth RB who can be effective situationally in short yardage situations. His power, size, and strength allow him to plough on forward through tackles, picking up extra yards. As well, he has good vision and surprisingly nimble feet in these tight spaces. That being said, he is lacking when it comes to speed and overall quickness. Martinez isn’t a threat on outside runs, and will not be a home run threat. He can give you some production as a check down guy out of the backfield, and if he improves his technique in pass protection, he might be able to buy himself some reps on passing downs. But overall, the ceiling is pretty low, and his skill set suggests that he will be a niche player at the next level.
| Grade: 57.5 | Round Grade: 7th |
18
Jarquez Hunter
School: Auburn
Ht/Wt: 5’9”, 204 lbs
Strengths:
Hunter is a small, but well built RB who brings a decent amount of power as a runner. He doesn’t necessarily drag guys forward too often, but he bounces off tackle attempts and, in general, absorbs contact well. As an inside runner, he has good vision, with the ability to process quickly and shoot through the gap as it opens. His burst is a bit underrated. Hunter can give you some work as a pass catcher. He has reliable hands and can catch away from his frame. Hunter has experience catching passes out of the backfield and also made some catches when split out.
Weaknesses:
Hunter has good burst/acceleration, but otherwise is a middling athlete. There is very little twitch in his game, which results in little production on runs to the outside. As well, he can only give you so much as a pass catcher due to these restrictions. His speed is also nothing to write home about. There were instances where he got into the open field, but he was chased down pretty easily. Not what you would call a home run threat. Hunter brings some power, but still might be undersized to be considered a power back. Even in pass protection, there were a lot of times where he looked a bit overmatched. His willingness to take on the contact usually was enough to get the job done, but it wasn’t always pretty, and the challenges will be tougher at the next level. Fumbling was an issue at various points. Will have to clean it up going forward.
Summary:
Hunter has enough tools to potentially make it as a multipurpose backup. He brings enough power to run downhill, and can make some contributions as a pass catcher. But while he does have some burst, his speed is underwhelming, and he has no twitch or true elusiveness. The ceiling is limited and I don’t think he has enough traits to become a starter. But if he can take what he does well and show it off in a preseason, Hunter could crack a roster and maybe get some opportunities down the road.
| Grade: 55.3 | Round Grade: 7th |
19
Raheim Sanders
School: South Carolina
Ht/Wt: 6’0”, 217 lbs
Strengths:
Sanders is a big back who can bring a lot of power to an offence. He imposes his will as a runner, lowering his shoulder and welcoming contact at the end of runs. Between the tackles is where he is at his best, and short yardage situations are especially when you want this kind of player on the field. Sanders has decent straight line speed and can pile on some yards if he’s got grass in front of him. He is reliable as a pass catcher on screens and check downs. Sanders can turn those kinds of plays upfield and give you some decent yardage, building up speed and power as he goes along.
Weaknesses:
Sanders is very linear as an athlete. His straight line speed is good, but looks clunky when attempting to move laterally. On some occasions, he had to take an extra couple of steps to slow down before he could make a cut. On outside runs, he has enough speed to sometimes win the race to the sideline, but he’ll lose ground when it comes time to round the corner. He doesn’t make people miss, and is forced into a north/south game because of his limitations. Sanders does well on inside runs, but still left plays on the field due to poor vision. There were too many times that he needlessly ran himself right into traffic. As well, fumbles were an issue. Another issue is his play in pass protection. His frame suits the role, but he looked lost in some of those reps, and displayed poor technique in others.
Summary:
Sanders is a big back, and it is easy to see the power that he brings to the table, along with size. He runs wll downhill, and will make some defenders regret tackling him. Sanders is an asset in short yardage situations, and also offers enough in the passing game to be considered on all downs. However, he is very limited when it comes to lateral mobility, and this puts a big cap on what he can do. Outside runs aren’t really his thing, and while he can contribute in the passing attack, he won’t be making many people miss in space. There are other guys out there who can be more effective in that area. Despite some of the limitations, Sanders has enough to be a solid 3 down backup, and perhaps even see a more regular role in a committee. That being said, the upside is limited, and he’ll have to eliminate the fumbles and improve his pass protection in order to gain trust. At this point, both of those issues are quite significant.
| Grade: 55.0 | Round Grade: 7th |
20
Devin Neal
School: Kansas
Ht/Wt: 5’11”, 213 lbs
Strengths:
Neal is a solid downhill runner with the ability to tough out some extra yards after contact. He’s got some one cut ability, and at times, has flashed some saviness when he plants his foot and sidesteps a tackle attempt, before then accelerating forward. His patience behind the line is good, and he allows the blocks to develop and lanes to open. Neal can give you basic stuff as a receiver. He has soft hands and can catch both check downs and swing passes out of the backfield.
Weaknesses:
Neal is a below average athlete with little upside for the next level. He lacks breakaway speed and is easily tracked down when he gets into space. There is some ability as a one cut runner, but there isn’t a lot of twitch to speak of. He can’t make much happen laterally or juke his way out of trouble. Not much of a big play threat. Neal has the frame to get some work in pass protection, but his technique isn’t there yet.
Summary:
Neal is a hard runner who gives you an honest effort on every play. There is an element of power in his game, and he is capable of picking up yards after the initial contact made by the defender. He lacks the speed and quickness to be a big play guy, and will be hard pressed to develop into a starter. But he is solid as a downhill runner, and is competent enough in the passing game to make it as a backup. Further development in protection may be needed for him to earn that initial trust. Overall, he isn’t a flashy player, but can be a reliable, if unspectacular injury replacement. His lack of fumbles, despite a heavy workload, will help his case in that regard.
| Grade: 54.8 | Round Grade: UDFA |
2025 RB Rankings:
- Ashton Jeanty (94.0, Rd 1)
- TreVeyon Henderson (84.5, Rd 2)
- Dylan Sampson (77.8, Rd 3)
- Quinshon Judkins (77.7, Rd 3)
- Trevor Etienne (74.2, Rd 4)
- Omarion Hampton (70.7, Rd 4)
- Brashard Smith (70.0, Rd 4)
- Jayden Blue (67.4, Rd 5)
- Cam Skattebo (67.1, Rd 5)
- Ollie Gordon (66.8, Rd 5)
- Kaleb Johnson (65.9, Rd 5)
- Woody Marks (64.8, Rd 6)
- Jordan James (64.7, Rd 6)
- Bhayshul Tuten (64.0, Rd 6)
- RJ Harvey (61.9, Rd 6)
- DJ Giddens (59.5, Rd 7)
- Damien Martinez (57.5, Rd 7)
- Jarquez Hunter (55.3, Rd 7)
- Raheim Sanders (55.0, Rd 7)
- Devin Neal (54.8, UDFA)
Notables Not Graded:
- Montrell Johnson
- Kalel Mullings
- Kyle Monangai
- Corey Kiner
- LeQuint Allen
- Ulysses Bentley
- Donovan Edwards
