2025 NFL Draft Running Back Landscape

The 2025 NFL Draft features one of the deepest running back classes in recent memory, with nine prospects boasting BackCAST scores above 40% - a significant improvement from just one such prospect in 2024. This year's group stands out not only for its depth but also for its versatility, with many top prospects offering valuable receiving skills.

BackCAST Evaluation System Breakdown

Developed by Nathan Forster, BackCAST projects NFL success for running backs based on:

• Size-speed combination (weight + 40-yard dash time)
• Adjusted yards per attempt (career production)
• AOEPS metric (volume of team's rushing workload)
• Receiving production (yards per game)

A positive percentage indicates how much better a prospect is projected to perform than the average drafted RB over their first five NFL seasons.

Top Prospect Deep Dive

1. Ashton Jeanty (Boise State)

• BackCAST: +114.9% (Elite tier)
• Strengths: Elite tackle-breaking (84 in 2024), dual-threat capability (led FBS RBs in receiving yards in 2023)
• Comparison: Bijan Robinson/Reggie Bush hybrid
• Draft Range: Likely Day 1 selection

2. Omarion Hampton (North Carolina)

• BackCAST: +84.4%
• Combine Standout: 4.46 40 at 221 lbs
• Complete Skillset: Power/speed blend, plus receiver, strong pass blocker
• Scheme Fit: Any NFL system

3. Cam Skattebo (Arizona State)

• BackCAST: +70.4%
• Unique Profile: Receiving specialist at 219 lbs (36 yds/game)
• Tackle-Breaking: 2nd in FBS behind Jeanty
• Draft Value: Potential mid-round steal

Sleeper Alert: Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State)

• 2023 Dominance: Nation-leading 1,732 yards, 21 TDs
• Size-Receiving Combo: 226 lbs with soft hands
• Buy-Low Opportunity: 2024 dip creates value

Draft Strategy Considerations

• Depth: Quality backs available through all 7 rounds
• Value Plays: Multiple prospects with BackCAST >50% projected in middle rounds
• Team Needs: 12 teams have RB among top 3 draft priorities according to ESPN analysts

Complete BackCAST Rankings

Scouting Takeaways

1. The Complete Back: Jeanty's rare combination of power, elusiveness, and receiving skills makes him the class gold standard
2. Speed Kills: 6 of top 10 prospects ran sub-4.5 40s at combine
3. Late-Round Values: Multiple BackCAST-approved prospects projected in Rounds 4-7
4. Ohio State Duo: Judkins/Henderson offer different but complementary skillsets
5. Age Factor: UCF's RJ Harvey (24) the only top prospect over 22