March 7, 2025

Scouting the 2025 NFL Draft: Top Running Back Prospects and Their Fantasy Potential

Scouting the 2025 NFL Draft: Top Running Back Prospects and Their Fantasy Potential

Scouting the 2025 NFL Draft: Top Running Back Prospects and Their Fantasy Potential

​The 2025 NFL Draft features a rich array of running back talent, each bringing unique skills and potential to the professional stage. Here's an analysis of the top prospects, highlighting their strengths, weaknesses, projected landing spots, and fantasy football implications.​


1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State


  • Strengths: Jeanty possesses a dense, compact frame that provides excellent balance. He's a natural receiver with soft hands, becoming a playmaker after the catch. His one-cut vision is particularly effective in zone-blocking schemes.

  • Weaknesses: His size presents challenges in pass protection, and his vision can be less decisive in man/gap schemes. Occasionally, he overuses moves in open space.

  • Projected Landing Spots: Teams like the Dallas Cowboys have shown interest, with plans to host Jeanty for a Top 30 visit. ​

  • Fantasy Implications: If Jeanty secures a starting role, his dual-threat capability positions him as a potential RB1 in fantasy leagues, especially in point-per-reception (PPR) formats.​


2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina


  • Strengths: Hampton is built like a prototypical NFL back, combining ideal measurables with athleticism. He thrives on physicality, showcasing elite lower-body power that drives through contact and explodes in open space. 

  • Weaknesses: His approach behind the line of scrimmage can be inconsistent, blending patience with hesitancy. At times, he's over-eager to advance upfield, needing improved patience for blockers at the second level. ​

  • Projected Landing Spots: Teams seeking a power runner, such as the Pittsburgh Steelers or Atlanta Falcons, might target Hampton in the late first or early second round.​

  • Fantasy Implications: Hampton's physical running style and potential goal-line usage could make him a valuable RB2 in standard scoring leagues.​


3. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State


  • Strengths: Judkins is a big, fast, and explosive back with commendable instincts. His physicality and ability to gain yards after contact make him a formidable presence in the backfield. ​

  • Weaknesses: Some scouts note athletic tightness, which might limit his agility in certain situations. ​

  • Projected Landing Spots: The Cleveland Browns have shown interest, potentially targeting Judkins in the third round. ​

  • Fantasy Implications: Judkins' potential as a three-down back could translate to significant fantasy value, positioning him as a high-upside RB2.​


4. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa


  • Strengths: Johnson boasts a strong build with speed, power, and natural running instincts. His ability to break tackles and gain yards after contact stands out. 

  • Weaknesses: Maturity issues have been cited by team sources, which could impact his draft stock. 

  • Projected Landing Spots: Teams like the Chicago Bears or Detroit Lions, seeking a physical runner, might consider Johnson in the second or third round.​

  • Fantasy Implications: Johnson's role as a potential workhorse back could make him a valuable asset, with RB2 potential depending on team fit.​


5. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State


  • Strengths: Henderson offers excellent speed and pass-catching ability, making him a versatile offensive weapon. His agility and vision allow him to exploit defensive gaps effectively. ​

  • Weaknesses: Injuries have limited his college production, raising concerns about his durability at the professional level. ​

  • Projected Landing Spots: Teams like the New York Giants or San Francisco 49ers, seeking a complementary back with receiving skills, could consider Henderson in the mid-rounds.​

  • Fantasy Implications: Henderson's dual-threat ability could make him a valuable PPR asset, with flex appeal and the potential to ascend to RB2 status if he secures a significant role.​


6. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State


  • Strengths: Skattebo is a versatile back known for his impressive production, including 1,711 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, along with 45 receptions for 605 yards and three touchdowns in his final college season. ​

  • Weaknesses: Concerns about his pass protection skills and adaptability to complex NFL offenses may affect his draft stock.​

  • Projected Landing Spots: Teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, who struggled in the running game in 2024, may target Skattebo to revitalize their backfield. ​

  • Fantasy Implications: If Skattebo secures a starting role, his dual-threat capability makes him an attractive RB2 with upside in PPR formats.​


7. Woody Marks, USC


  • Strengths: Marks is a dual-threat back with excellent vision, short-area quickness, and reliable hands. In his final college season, he amassed over 1,100 rushing yards and nearly 1,500 scrimmage yards. ​

  • Weaknesses: Concerns about his breakaway speed and power may limit his effectiveness as an every-down back.​

  • Projected Landing Spots: The Washington Commanders have shown interest, potentially viewing Marks as a complementary piece in their backfield.

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