Time and time again throughout this last draft cycle analysts, scouts, and talking heads alike almost unanimously came to the conclusion that the 2025 running back class was some of the most talented, and deepest we have seen in years. Over the past few weeks, I wanted to dive further into that exact claim. Through different statistical analysis methods, I was able to compare this class of rookies to past years dating back to 2016. To make these comparisons, I broke it down into 2 different categories:
- What is their physical comparison?
- Based on Height and Weight measurements
- What is their gameplay style comparison?
- How efficient were they at rushing through contact (Classified by Yards After Contact per Attempt) + their percentage of touches that involved the run-game
- How efficient were they at receiving (Classified by Yards per Route Run) + their percentage of touches that involved the receiving-game
Through these methods, my analysis was able to calculate how similar the rookies were to previous running backs based on only their college production efficiency percentiles of their 2 most previous seasons.
Below you’ll find comparisons of all drafted RB’s and what the data said their most comparable college players were, along with a general player summary based on their NFL team outlook and film breakdowns:
Ashton Jeanty – Boise State – Round 1, Pick 6 – Las Vegas Raiders
Physical Comparison: Javonte Williams 5’9” 211lbs
98th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Darrell Henderson
78th Percentile Receiving Comparison: Javonte Williams
with shades of Tyrone Tracy
Overall Summary: While these comparisons may seem a bit low-end, I think they do show great upside for Jeanty. While we all know he’s a competent rusher, being comparable to Tyrone Tracy and Javonte Williams highlights that he’s just as good in the pass game, and will be able to contribute in all aspects of the offense for the Raiders. We haven’t seen someone put up Jeanty-like numbers in quite some time, so it can be hard to find apt comparisons, but we know stats like his often have a very great record of translating to the next level. In a Pete Carroll offense with a lacking receiving room, I expect plenty of carries straight off the bat.
Omarion Hampton – North Carolina – Round 1, Pick 22 – Los Angeles Chargers
Physical Comparison: Isaac Guerendo 6’0” 221lbs
95th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Trey Benson
53rd Percentile Receiving Comparison: Damien Harris
with shades of Travis Homer
Overall Summary: Hampton is a powerful runner in a bigger build. Behind an O-Line anchored by Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater, I’d expect a lot of efficient carries in the Harbaugh-Greg Roman offense. With comparisons of Zack Moss and Damien Harris, I’d also expect him to hold his own in the receiving game. Hampton can make cuts at top speed, and bulldoze defenders over at will. As likely the day 1 starter, I see no reason for him not to be successful in the NFL.
Quinshon Judkins – Ole Miss – Round 2, Pick 36 – Cleveland Browns
Physical Comparison: Keaontay Ingram 6’0” 221lbs
36th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Pierre Strong Jr.
26th Percentile Receiving Comparison: Braelon Allen
with shades of Chase Brown
Overall Summary: Quite frankly, the data didn’t love Judkins as much as many scouts did, likely due to him splitting time with TreVeyon Henderson. Yet it’s evident that Judkins still possesses plenty of raw athletic talent, arguably the best in the class. With the Brown’s current QB and WR situations being uncertain, I’d expect the team to utilize a strong run-game, but maybe with Judkins not being an every-down back right away, contrary to what many expect.
TreVeyon Henderson – Ohio State – Round 2, Pick 38 – New England Patriots
Physical Comparison: Elijah Mitchell 5’10” 202lbs
73rd Percentile Rushing Comparison: D’Andre Swift
70th Percentile Receiving Comparison: Bijan Robinson
with shades of Roschon Johnson
Overall Summary: Onto the other Ohio State back, I’d expect TreVeyon to contribute heavily in the pass-game. His breakaway speed will make him hard to catch in the open field, much like his comparison of D’Andre Swift. He may weigh a bit on the lighter side considering his height, but in an explosive Pats offense with Drake Maye and Stefon Diggs, I’d expect Henderson to see a good portion of playing time, especially after what many would consider a lackluster year for Rhamondre Stevenson.
RJ Harvey – UCF – Round 2, Pick 60 – Denver Broncos
Physical Comparison: Blake Corum 5’8” 205lbs
72nd Percentile Rushing Comparison: Isaiah Davis
51st Percentile Receiving Comparison: Cam Akers
with shades of Zach Charbonnet
Overall Summary: For a smaller back like Harvey, it sometimes can be a struggle to hold up physically at the next level. Yet at UCF, he led the Big 12 in Yards per Attempt and Rushing TDs, beating out multiple other excellent backs in this class. He’s incredibly explosive, but struggles to break contact consistently, something that likely won’t improve at the next level given his small frame. While comparisons may look weaker than you’d like out of a 2nd round back, there isn’t much competition he’ll have to beat out in Denver to win the starting job.
Kaleb Johnson – Iowa – Round 3, Pick 83 – Pittsburgh Steelers
Physical Comparison: Bo Scarbrough 6’1” 224lbs
79th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Miles Sanders
30th Percentile Receiving Comparison: Gary Brightwell
with shades of Royce Freeman
Overall Summary: One of the tallest backs in the class, Johnson is a physical back in a big frame who is patient behind the LOS with decent vision in finding the gaps and in open space. He possesses good speed, but nothing that’ll excel at the NFL level. In a RB room with Jaylen Warren as his only real competition, I’d expect a decent workload, but not an immediate 4-down back right away.
Bhayshul Tuten – Virginia Tech – Round 4, Pick 104 – Jacksonville Jaguars
Physical Comparison: Eno Benjamin 5’9” 206lbs
74th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Isaiah Davis
42nd Percentile Receiving Comparison: Nyheim Hines
with shades of DeeJay Dallas
Overall Summary: Posting the fastest 40-yard dash time of any back in the class (4.32), Tuten is a small, yet incredibly efficient rusher RB. His size and speed make him incredibly hard to tackle, even after heavy contact. In contrast to someone like RJ Harvey, Tuten on tape I would describe as more ‘bouncy’. While he lacks in the receiving and pass-blocking game, the other Jags RB’s in Travis Etienne and Lequint Allen (7th round pick) should more than cover him in those roles. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tuten becomes the lead rushing back in Jacksonville very quickly.
Cam Skattebo – Arizona State – Round 4, Pick 105 – New York Giants
Physical Comparison: Josh Jacobs 5’10” 219lbs
44th Percentile Rushing Comparison: De’Von Achane
81st Percentile Receiving Comparison: Kyren Williams
with shades of John Kelly Jr.
Overall Summary: Leading his team to nearly upsetting Texas in the Peach Bowl, Skattebo welcomes contact, and is willing to try and run over anyone in his path. However, his measurables are somewhat mediocre, and his speed leaves a bit to be desired. He’s a well-polished back with plenty of experience. In my opinion, Skattebo has a high floor, but a lower ceiling than many others would expect. I see him splitting carries with Tyrone Tracy, not necessarily a do-it all back right away.
Trevor Etienne – Georgia – Round 4, Pick 114 – Carolina Panthers
Physical Comparison: Jahmyr Gibbs 5’9” 198lbs
61st Percentile Rushing Comparison: D’Andre Swift
69th Percentile Receiving Comparison: De’Von Achane
with shades of Marlon Mack
Overall Summary: spending 2 years first at Florida and last season at Georgia, Etienne never saw a true full-time workload, but contributed well in the snaps he saw. He possesses great vision in finding gaps and great footwork, but his small frame and lackluster strength will likely limit him in roles where he would need to embrace contact, such as getting past a loaded box, or being a reliable blocker. Still, he has receiving upside and is very quick, and I could easily see him becoming the feature receiving back in the Panthers offense.
Woody Marks – USC – Round 4, Pick 116 – Houston Texans
Physical Comparison: Paul Perkins 5’10” 207lbs
6th Percentile Rushing Comparison: C.J. Prosise
81st Percentile Receiving Comparison: Elijah McGuire
with shades of Ito Smith
Overall Summary: Marks will be coming into the league after 5 years in college between Mississippi State and USC. The high percentile in receiving brings hope to his outlook, and it speaks well to his ability to contribute in the pass game, but I think that’s about where the hopefulness ends. Marks seemingly plays like a jack of all trades, but a master of none. His average-at-best measurables and average speed don’t help either. In a RB room with Joe Mixon and Dameon Pierce ahead of him, I can’t imagine the outlook is real bright.
Jarquez Hunter – Auburn – Round 4, Pick 117 – Los Angeles Rams
Physical Comparison: Chase Edmonds 5’9” 204lbs
83rd Percentile Rushing Comparison: Miles Sanders
30th Percentile Receiving Comparison: Kendre Miller
with shades of Audric Estime
Overall Summary: Hunter possesses good speed with even better acceleration and burst. He carries his momentum well, and once he gets going, his strong contact balance and slight lateral cuts are all that he needs to gain YAC. Pass-protection is shaky, especially for a back of his size. Receiving ability is also questionable, as Hunter is more of a standard rushing RB. In a position room with Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, I don’t expect him to win the starting job, but coming after Corum’s RB2 role seems extremely likely.
Dylan Sampson – Tennessee – Round 4, Pick 126 – Cleveland Browns
Physical Comparison: Kenneth Gainwell 5’8” 200lbs
50th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Ty Chandler
54th Percentile Receiving Comparison: Qadree Ollison
with shades of Isaiah Spiller
Overall Summary: Sampson is one of the youngest backs in the class, and incredibly quick. He runs very north-to-south, with a running style that doesn’t possess a lot of lateral cuts. He also isn’t amazing at breaking contact, instead preferring to outspeed anyone trying to tackle him. Still, with immense speed and being an incredibly young starter on a deep Tennessee team, there is clear potential that may be developed given time. I don’t expect him to be much competition for Judkins at the moment, but in certain motion-heavy roles I could see him being of great use.
Jordan James – Oregon – Round 5, Pick 147 – San Francisco 49ers
Physical Comparison: Darrynton Evans 5’10” 205lbs
57th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Tank Bigsby
44th Percentile Receiving Comparison: David Montgomery
with shades of Cam Akers
Overall Summary: despite his small frame, James possesses power in the run game, and excels at falling forward after contact, which the Oregon offense routinely rewarded him for with extensive goal line carries. He’s great at fitting through the narrowest of holes at the LOS, but can often become a very straight line runner after getting downfield. His blocking leaves a lot to be desired, and shouldn’t be relied on, as well as his pass-catching, which is mediocre at best. He slots in as a solid RB3 behind CMC and Guerendo, with a RB2 role very easily obtainable.
Jaydon Blue – Texas – Round 5, Pick 149 – Dallas Cowboys
Physical Comparison: Kyren Williams 5’10” 196lbs
22nd Percentile Rushing Comparison: Saquon Barkley
92nd Percentile Receiving Comparison: James Cook
with shades of Rachaad White
Overall Summary: Blue has a lot of upside as a young prospect with blazing speed and acceleration. While he never became the primary back at Texas, he separated himself as the feature pass-catcher out of the backfield. With great hands, I could see him immediately becoming Dallas’ pass-catcher by day 1. However, in the rushing game he often struggled to get past the LOS on inside runs, and I see stacked-boxes and good interior DL as potentially a major obstacle for him at the NFL level. He’s more of a raw prospect who’ll need some development, but he has the build and speed of an elite NFL back.
DJ Giddens – Kansas State – Round 5, Pick 151 – Indianapolis Colts
Physical Comparison: Jamaal Williams 6’0” 212lbs
58th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Marlon Mack
62nd Percentile Receiving Comparison: D’Andre Swift
with shades of De’Von Achane
Overall Summary: Giddens is a gifted, natural rusher. He possesses great lateral movement and vision, allowing him to create opportunities in broken situations. Along with good speed and burst, I see Giddens as an immediate contributor to any run-game, even as he competes with Jonathan Taylor for snaps. He only started playing football during his Sophomore year of high school, making him extremely raw as a prospect, but he tested well at the combine, and under the right development, his explosiveness could translate extremely well at the next level.
[Insert Picture of Player]
Ollie Gordon II – Oklahoma State – Round 6, Pick 179 – Miami Dolphins
Physical Comparison: Kalen Ballage 6’1” 226lbs
43rd Percentile Rushing Comparison: Brian Robinson Jr.
48th Percentile Receiving Comparison: Isaiah Spiller
with shades of Keaontay Ingram
Overall Summary: Oklahoma State fell off hard in almost all aspects this past season, and Gordon was not immune to that. Previously considered a top back in the class, a step back in his team’s offense helped expose some of his more glaring flaws. Gordon often can get stuck waiting behind the LOS, often giving way to TFLs. His ability to break tackles (or lack thereof) also sticks out, as he often sees far more success on outside runs and out speeding his opponent rather than running through them on inside runs. While this does fit decently well for a Dolphins RB, I realistically don’t see him becoming a everyday back, given the current dolphins OL, as well as competing against De’Von Achane and Jaylen Wright.
Devin Neal – Kansas – Round 6, Pick 184 – New Orleans Saints
Physical Comparison: Kerryon Johnson 5’11” 213lbs
67th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Zach Charbonnet
62nd Percentile Receiving Comparison: Roschon Johnson
with shades of D’Andre Swift
Overall Summary: Neal is one of the most explosive runners in the class. He reaches top speed quickly yet is patient in letting his blocks develop before he explodes past defenders. He’s a natural runner with great balance and fights for extra yards at every opportunity. Unfortunately, outside of his explosiveness drills (Vertical and Broad Jump), he tested fairly poorly at the combine. Despite this, I think his film backs him up enough to slot him in as an immediate effective backup RB on the saints, and given Kamara’s age, a potential replacement.
Kalel Mullings – Michigan – Round 6, Pick 188 – Tennessee Titans
Physical Comparison: Hassan Haskins 6’2” 226lbs
75th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Derrick Henry
1st Percentile Receiving Comparison: Nick Chubb
with shades of D’Onta Foreman
Overall Summary: One of the biggest RBs in the draft, Mullings plays as such, not being afraid to try and bulldoze any defender in his path. He also displays good vision, being willing to make multiple cuts if he sees an open hole. However his speed can limit him somewhat, as defenders often catch up to him after he makes lateral moves. He also saw little receiving work, and likely would only be used as a rusher/blocker. While he shows potential, as he does have the size and game-sense for an NFL back, I don’t think he has the raw talent to beat out Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears in Tennessee for snaps, despite the impressive comparisons.
Tahj Brooks – Texas Tech – Round 6, Pick 193 – Cincinnati Bengals
Physical Comparison: Jeremy McNichols 5’9” 214lbs
35th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Brian Hill
14th Percentile Receiving Comparison: Wayne Gallman
with shades of Blake Corum
Overall Summary: Brooks was a major workhorse RB for Texas Tech over the last two years. The upside of this being he displays great vision and lets plays develop before exploding through his blockers. The downside being runningbacks aren’t invincible, and Brooks will come into the league with more milage than most, which we’ve seen be an issue for other backs once they near their second contract. However, I think he’ll be immediate competition for Zack Moss and Chase Brown in Cincinnati. Brooks brings power in a small frame, and plays well in the pass-game in screens. While I question his longevity, I think he can make an immediate impact.
Damien Martinez – Miami – Round 7, Pick 223 – Seattle Seahawks
Physical Comparison: Isaiah Spiller 6’0” 217lbs
76th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Gary Brightwell
28th Percentile Receiving Comparison: Royce Freeman
with shades of Miles Sanders
Overall Summary: Very similar comparisons to Kalel Mullings picked above him, Martinez I actually think is a slightly better prospect. He makes smart cuts behind the LOS, displaying good vision, and is strong enough to knock down weaker defenders when at top speed. He also displays good contact balance, often taking multiple players to bring him to the ground. His frame offers potential for him to develop in areas such as blocking, and his pass-catching could also be refined, but Martinez is a very well-rounded player, especially for a 7th round pick. I see him being a competent RB2 on most teams, and on the Seahawks I’d project him to share snaps with Zach Charbonnet in that role.
Brashard Smith – SMU – Round 7, Pick 228 – Kansas City Chiefs
Physical Comparison: Justice Hill 5’10” 194lbs (Lightest in the class)
35th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Josh Jacobs
87th Percentile Receiving Comparison: Kyren Williams
with shades of Dameon Pierce
Overall Summary: Previously a WR at Miami before transferring to SMU, it’s very evident in his film. Smith is incredibly fast (4.39 40-yard dash) and is a natural pass-catcher, but offers little for traditional RB skills like breaking through contact, finding open lanes in zone-run schemes or blocking skills. He’s also the lightest RB in the class, and will likely need to gain significant weight to be effective at the next level. Smith also has experience as a kick returner, which could be another path for success for him. I’m not sure where he fits in on most teams, but Andy Reid and the Chiefs will definitely find a way to effectively and creatively use him, as I don’t see him beating out Pacheco or newly signed Elijah Mitchell for typical rushing snaps.
Kyle Monangai – Rutgers – Round 7, Pick 233 – Chicago Bears
Physical Comparison: D’Andre Swift 5’8” 211lbs
64th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Samaje Perine
7th Percentile Receiving Comparison: Hassan Haskins
with shades of Derrick Henry
Overall Summary: A workhorse RB in a compact frame, Monangai was a machine for Rutgers over his 4-year career, totaling 670 total rush attempts (never fumbling once in those attempts). This does raise questions about his long-term durability, as he’ll come into the league with more milage than most. He also is somewhat slow, and lacks explosiveness, often not creating long distance rushes. His small frame allows him to slip through small gaps in the OL, but he doesn’t demonstrate elite strength that would help at the NFL level. On a team with a shallow RB room such as the Bears, I see him becoming a depth piece, likely as a RB3.
LeQuint Allen – Syracuse – Round 7, Pick 236 – Jacksonville Jaguars
Physical Comparison: Kenny McIntosh 6’0” 204lbs
6th Percentile Rushing Comparison: C.J. Prosise
80th Percentile Receiving Comparison: Elijah McGuire
with shades of Ito Smith
Overall Summary: Arguably the best receiving back in the class, Allen was a staple of the team leading the nation in passing, totaling over 500 receiving yards himself. Syracuse’s abundance of passing attempts let him develop as a blocker, demonstrating great awareness and technique. Allen’s main drawbacks come in his slower speed and lackluster ability to break tackles. While his frame shows potential to develop the latter, his speed in many rushing attempts held him back from gaining significant yards in potentially explosive plays. Unfortunately his landing spot on a deep Jacksonville team (in terms of RBs) will be incredibly hard for him to see the field. However I could see him as a reliable RB2/RB3 on many teams with less depth at the position.
Phil Mafah – Clemson – Round 7, Pick 239 – Dallas Cowboys
Physical Comparison: Braelon Allen 6’1” 234lbs (heaviest in the class)
54th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Jordan Howard
15th Percentile Receiving Comparison: Benny Snell Jr.
with shades of Sony Michel
Overall Summary: Coming in as the heaviest RB in the class, Mafah is a traditional power-back. He offers little in the passing game, and his blocking technique can definitely use work, but he shines in using his size and physicality to knock down defenders. His vision could also be improved, as he’d sometimes miss open lanes that may have been farther away, instead choosing to take a more physical, direct approach to gain yards. With his size, he will be of great use in short-yardage situations, but I don’t see him being utilized in most standard yardage situations. Still, in a shallow RB room in Dallas, with the right refinement he has potential to gain decent playing time.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt – Arizona – Round 7, Pick 245 – Washington Commanders
Physical Comparison: Eric Gray 5’10” 206lbs
94th Percentile Rushing Comparison: Ty Johnson
10th Percentile Receiving Comparison: Devin Singletary
with shades of Kenneth Walker III
Overall Summary: Croskey-Merritt missed almost all of 2024 due to eligibility issues, leaving teams only his 2023 New Mexico film to base their evaluations off of. Despite this, what is clear is his balance and ability to bend around defenders while bursting through gaps. He is incredibly quick, and displays great burst once through open holes. His blocking technique is unrefined and often misses incoming blitzing players, and he didn’t display much receiving ability, but once the ball is in his hands, he’s hard to catch. Croskey-Merritt remains a bit of a mystery, but on the Commanders, I could see him gaining playing time, as Brian Robinson is his only true competition (and an aging Austin Ekeler). For the 245th pick, he possesses good potential for very little draft capital.
