π The Rising Stars of the 2025 NFL Draft: Running Backs to Watch
With the NFL offseason in full swing, anticipation for the 2025 NFL Draft is reaching a fever pitch. Fantasy football enthusiasts are eagerly crafting their rookie draft boards for dynasty leagues, aiming to secure some of the brightest talents from this year's collegiate ranks. In a world filled with talent, Ashton Jeanty stands out as the shining star of the running back class, outshining his peers and making his mark in the football community. π
πββοΈ Whoβs Who in the Running Back Class
- Ashton Jeanty: The Boise State standout is expected to dominate discussions regarding this yearβs running backs. With an impressive history of performance, he has established himself as a key player to keep an eye on during the upcoming draft.
- Kaleb Johnson: Representing Iowa, Johnson's journey has been shaped by his single season as a starter. While his metrics may not have been eye-catching, his 2024 season was a marked improvement, showcasing his growth and potential.
- Mock Draft Season Has Arrived! π With the 2025 NFL Draft season beginning, fantasy managers can explore a host of prospects using tools like mock draft simulators, allowing fans to play out various scenarios practically.
Estimated Reading Time: 13 minutes
The 2025 NFL Draft season isn't just about players; it's a time for dreams and aspirations, as teams and fans alike gear up for the thrilling future of football. As fantasy football general managers analyze how players stack up, diving into analytics provides a competitive edge. This series focuses on stable metrics that typically transition well from college to the NFL, equipping fantasy managers with valuable insights into this yearβs rookie class.
π Insights on the Evaluation Process
This series brings important insights into how players are ranked:
- Rankings derive from player performances based on stable metrics over the last two seasons. π
- This analysis does not factor in athletic ability or physical attributes; it's purely about performance. πͺ
- The list comprises 27 running backs from the big board, plus two extras, providing extensive information without referencing projected draft stock, competition levels, or overall rankings. π
π Top-10 Running Backs by Rushing Grade Since 2023
| Running Back | Rushing Grade | Rush Attempts |
| Ashton Jeanty, Boise State | 99.6 | 592 |
| Jordan James, Oregon | 95.7 | 341 |
| Cam Skattebo, Arizona State | 95.1 | 458 |
| Damien Martinez, Miami | 95.0 | 355 |
| TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State | 94.3 | 301 |
| RJ Harvey, UCF | 94.2 | 456 |
| Omarion Hampton, North Carolina | 94.0 | 535 |
| Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Arizona | 93.7 | 201 |
| Devin Neal, Kansas | 93.3 | 421 |
| Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech | 93.3 | 579 |
Leading the charge in this draft class is none other than Ashton Jeanty. His remarkable rushing grade of 99.6 over the last two seasons sets a standard that others in this year's class will strive to reach. Jeantyβs outstanding contributions include a remarkable tally of 3,939 rushing yards and 43 rushing touchdowns, making him a force to be reckoned with in the 2025 NFL Draft. π
π§ What to Look For
As the draft approaches, a multitude of factors will come into play. Each teamβs needs, a player's adaptability, and their potential for development are just some of the variables that can make or break a career in the NFL. Understanding player stats alone won't paint the full picture. Evaluating how they reacted under pressure, their ability to seize opportunities, and even their off-field behavior can also hold immense weight when teams make their choices.
As we analyze the 2025 draft class, every player brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. As the excitement builds, donβt forget to keep an eye on emerging talents and how they could fit into the future of their respective teams. πβ¨

