As the 2024 NFL season kicks into gear, it’s never too early to look ahead to the next wave of talent entering the league. The 2025 NFL Draft promises an exciting crop of running back prospects ready to make their mark on the professional stage. This article dives into the top-ranked running backs, analyzing their strengths, weaknesses, and draft projections.
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State: A Generational Talent?
At the top of our list is Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, a junior who has taken the college football world by storm. Standing at 5’9″ and weighing 215 lbs, Jeanty possesses a rare blend of vision, agility, and contact balance, drawing comparisons to some of the NFL’s elite running backs.
Strengths:
- Exceptional Vision: Jeanty possesses an uncanny ability to read defenses, anticipating holes and cutback lanes before they develop.
- Elite Contact Balance: He consistently breaks tackles and fights for extra yardage, making him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
- Versatility: Jeanty excels as both a runner and receiver, making him a valuable asset in today’s pass-happy NFL.
Weaknesses:
- Level of Competition: Playing in the Mountain West Conference, Jeanty hasn’t faced the same level of competition as some other top prospects.
- Pass Protection: While improving, Jeanty needs to refine his pass-blocking technique to become a true three-down back in the NFL.
Draft Projection: Top 10 Pick
Omarion Hampton, North Carolina: A Powerhouse in the Making
Omarion Hampton, a junior at North Carolina, is another highly touted running back prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’0″ and weighing 220 lbs, Hampton is a physical specimen with a downhill running style that punishes defenders.
Strengths:
- Physicality and Power: Hampton runs with incredible power, consistently breaking tackles and wearing down opposing defenses.
- Yards After Contact: He excels at gaining yards after initial contact, making him a valuable asset in short-yardage situations.
- Durability: Hampton has proven to be a workhorse back, capable of handling a heavy workload.
Weaknesses:
- Long Speed: While possessing good short-area burst, Hampton lacks the top-end speed to consistently break away for long runs.
- Receiving Ability: He needs to develop his receiving skills to become a more versatile weapon in the NFL.
Draft Projection: First Round Pick
Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State: A Well-Rounded Prospect
Ollie Gordon II, a junior at Oklahoma State, is a well-rounded running back prospect who excels in both zone and gap schemes. Standing at 6’2″ and weighing 225 lbs, Gordon possesses a combination of size, speed, and vision that makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Strengths:
- Size and Speed: Gordon’s combination of size and speed makes him a difficult matchup for opposing defenders.
- Vision and Patience: He demonstrates excellent vision and patience, allowing blocks to develop before hitting the hole.
- Versatility: Gordon is comfortable running between the tackles or bouncing runs outside, making him a versatile weapon in any offense.
Weaknesses:
- Pass Protection: Similar to other prospects, Gordon needs to improve his pass protection technique to become a complete back in the NFL.
- Ball Security: He has shown a tendency to fumble the ball, something he’ll need to address at the next level.
Draft Projection: First Round Pick
Conclusion: The Future is Bright for These Running Back Prospects
The 2025 NFL Draft features a deep and talented class of running backs. Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, and Ollie Gordon II are just a few of the many promising prospects vying for a chance to showcase their skills in the NFL. As the college football season unfolds, it will be exciting to track their progress and see how they perform against top competition. One thing is for sure: the future is bright for these talented running backs.
