2025 NFL Draft Power Rankings: Top 5 running backs in the nation

The 2025 NFL Draft class will be the re-emergence of the running back position.

If that hasn’t been already signified by the seasons Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry are having in the 2024 NFL season, there has been some impressive showings in college football this season. 

With the running back position as one of the deepest positions in the draft, the success of the running back in the NFL will make the draft prospects a hot commodity. 

2025 NFL Draft running back class deep and exciting

The question is how high a player like Ashton Jeanty will be drafted after the dominance he displayed that the college football level.  Another question is how many running backs can possibly go on Day 1 or Day 2 of the NFL Draft. 

Here are NFL Mock’s top 5 running back prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

No. 1: Ashton Jeanty, Boise State

2024 Stats: Carries 312 | Yards: 2,288 | Avg: 7.3| TD: 28

There is no hotter running back in the nation than Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty.  A nightmare for opposing defenses whenever he touches the ball, Jeanty continues to stake his claim for the Heisman Trophy by dominating in the run game with his vision, power, and speed.

In what has been classified as one of the best seasons ever by a running back, Jeanty rushed for over 2,288 yards and 28 touchdowns.  His impressive 7.3 yards per carry makes him a homerun threat every time he touches the ball.  His vision, power and breakaway speed makes him one of the top offensive playmakers entering the 2025 NFL Draft. 

Draft projection: First Round

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No. 2: Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

2024 Stats: Carries 240 | Yards: 1,537 | Avg: 6.4| TD: 21

In a deep running back class, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson has had an impressive season with the Hawkeyes.  In rushing for 1,537 yards with 21 touchdowns, Johnson has displayed the perfect combination of size and skillset at the position that will make him a workhorse in the NFL.  In wasting no time declaring for the NFL Draft, Johnson’s patience as a runner along with his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield makes him a three-down threat who might just be the second best back in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Draft projection: Early second round

No. 3: Omarion Hampton, North Carolina

2024 Stats: Carries 281 | Yards: 1,660 | Avg: 5.9| TD: 15

With high praise entering the season, North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton didn’t disappoint in 2024.  As the workhorse back for the Tarheels, Hampton was prolific, rushing for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns for this ACC squad.  His initial first step burst along with his open field vision makes him an intriguing option for NFL teams looking for a running back past Day 1 or Day 2. 

What will fascinate scouts is his effectiveness in picking up the blitz.  Not the most elusive back in the draft, Hampton is the type of back who can wear down defenses with his power and toughness.

Draft projection: Third round

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No. 4: Dylan Sampson, Tennessee

2024 Stats: Carries 256 | Yards: 1,485 | Avg: 5.8| TD: 22

This 5-foot-11, 190-pound ball of fire had an outstanding season at Tennessee.  In rushing for 1,485 yards and 22 touchdowns, Dylan Sampson is an elusive force in the backfield with the speed and vision to take it to the house from anywhere on the field.  His route running skills makes him probably the most versatile back in the draft and a prospect who could be successful in the right NFL offense on Day 1.  With a strong worth ethic and durability, Sampson could prove to be a Day 2 or early Day 3 steal.

Draft projection: Third round

No. 5: Jordan James, Oregon

2024 Stats: Carries 206 | Yards: 1,166 | Avg: 5.7| TD: 13

While Dillon Gabriel was lighting it up through the air, Jordan James was eating up yards on the ground.  Either of the Ohio State duo of TreVeyon Henderson or Quinshon Judkins can be slotted here, but James deserves to be recognized for his season as a running back on a top-tier team.  His combination of strength and vision made him an explosive back in an elite offense like Oregon. 

With a quick first step and the ability to be a three-down back in the NFL, this mid-round gem will be another steal in the draft despite being a little undersized and underrated at the position.

Draft projection: Fourth round