"Exploring the 2025 NFL Draft: A Focus on Running Backs"
Count on Boise State\'s Ashton Jeanty contributing to the growing evidence of a resurgence in the NFL for running backs.
Jeanty is one of three top-30 graded running backs in a promising class of prospects, making him a likely pick in the top 12.
The last two running backs selected that early have proven to be worth the investment. In 2023, Alabama\'s Jahmyr Gibbs was taken 12th by the Lions, following Texas\' Bijan Robinson who went eighth to the Falcons.
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Jeanty is a potential target for the Patriots at No. 4, as well as other teams in the top 10 such as the Raiders, Panthers, and Bears.
However, if a team misses out on the top running backs, there is no need to panic this year.
FIELD LEVEL MEDIA 2025 Draft RB rankings:
1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Jeanty is a one-man army, with a combination of explosive lower-body strength and determination that eliminates concerns about his timed speed. Although he did not run a public 40-yard dash during the pre-draft process, any team that hosted him for a private visit likely conducted a workout to validate what they see on film. His production and eye test are enough proof of his abilities.
Some scouts may criticize Jeanty for not meeting the prototype standards due to his arm length and height, which could be a disadvantage in blitz pickup or pass-blocking against long-limbed edge rushers, as well as securing the ball against tight pass coverage as a receiver. However, a similar story was told about a player named Emmitt Smith.
Jeanty has quick lateral movement and lightning-fast feet, allowing him to navigate through traffic and make cuts or change gears to get downfield. He averaged 7.0 yards per carry in 2024 and had a 50-plus-yard run in nine out of 14 games in his final season at Boise State.
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Marshawn Lynch, who was 5-11 and 215 pounds, ran a 4.46 40-yard dash at the 2007 NFL Scouting Combine and did 20 reps of 225. Jeanty did 27 reps of 225 and has a similar history to Lynch's at Cal, including breakaway runs.
Could Jeanty be the next Saquon Barkley? That may be a stretch, but he is a dynamic playmaker with the potential to reach All-Pro status. Only time will tell if the comparison is accurate.
2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Hampton's 40-yard dash time (and 18 reps of 225) at 6-foot and 221 pounds in February was almost identical to Lynch's, and he has a highlight reel of runs similar to Beast Mode. It takes more than one defender to bring him down when he is determined, fighting for every yard on every carry.
He may not have the best lateral movement, but he is a powerful downhill runner. Hampton may not have the speed to outrun defenders on tosses or sweeps, but he has all the qualities a team could want for between-the-tackles running.
Henderson has proven to be a different player when he decides to go all out. He is quick, with a 10-yard split of 1.52 seconds, better than Barkley's 1.54 in 2018. He also has soft hands and is a focused blocker in pass protection, making him a potential three-down back.
4. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Johnson may not be the fastest or most elusive, but his old-school style is appealing to teams that run a zone-based offense. He is a one-cut runner who can finish plays with power and determination. In 2024, he gained over 1,000 yards after contact.
He may not be the biggest back, but he bounces off defenders and can overpower smaller defensive backs. He also has a long wingspan, making him a valuable asset in pass protection. Johnson has experience in both pro-style and more advanced offenses, and brings a team-first mentality to the running back room. He did not fumble in 240 carries last season.
If used correctly, Johnson could become a starter or part of a two-headed monster, similar to David Montgomery's role in Detroit. He ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, but
