Perhaps no position group in the NFL is more divisive than running backs. Especially when it comes to determining their value – although the 2024 offseason and the subsequent results undoubtedly changed some hearts and minds – and, along those lines, the ideal time to select one during the draft.
The deepest skill position in the 2025 draft class is running back. ESPN draft expert Jordan Reid has 32 draft grades on running backs, while The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has 30. That itself is somewhat historic. Particularly if NFL front offices and personnel departments agree, and 30 running back prospects indeed hear their name over the course of seven rounds of the draft, which begins April 24.
“That just goes to show you how deep this running back class is,” Reid said.
That class begins with Ashton Jeanty from Boise State. But it doesn’t end there. Not even close.
Depth everywhere
Jeanty is the elite prospect of the current running back class. After him, however, it’s mostly a series of tiers teams will be choosing from on the second and third days of the draft.
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“The interesting part is – and a lot of this comes from talking to people around the league – is because of the depth of the class, and it’s really good that, man, if you have multiple needs, maybe you could see a scenario where teams are going to punt on running backs early,” NFL Media draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said, “and then just know that I still got some options there on day two.”