2025 NFL Rookie Running Backs: Impact Players and Hidden Gems

The 2025 NFL draft class of running backs is one of the most promising in recent years, with 25 players selected, the highest number since 2019. This year's class features a mix of every-down backs, change-of-pace playmakers, and developmental backups who are poised to make significant contributions to their teams.

Clear Featured Backs

Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders

• 2025 Projection: 244 carries, 1,120 yards, 7 TDs; 54 receptions, 415 yards, 2 TDs Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick, is expected to be the Raiders' featured back. His dominant college career at Boise State, where he forced an FBS-high 126 missed tackles, sets him up for a heavy workload in Chip Kelly's run-heavy offense.

Lead Backs

Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers

• 2025 Projection: 215 carries, 961 yards, 9 TDs; 39 receptions, 282 yards, 2 TDs Hampton, selected 22nd overall, is a tough, downhill runner with a career 3.9 yards after contact per rush. He’s expected to share carries with Najee Harris but should still see enough volume to produce high-end numbers.

Committee Backs

Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers

• 2025 Projection: 222 carries, 947 yards, 7 TDs; 29 receptions, 216 yards, 1 TD Johnson, the Steelers' third-round pick, is set to replace Najee Harris in Pittsburgh's run-heavy scheme. While not the fastest back, his size (6-foot-1, 224 pounds) makes him a reliable option in short-yardage situations.

Wild Cards

Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys

• 2025 Projection: 107 carries, 446 yards, 3 TDs; 16 receptions, 111 yards, 0 TDs Blue, a fifth-round pick, has the speed (4.38 40-yard dash) and receiving ability to carve out a role in Dallas' backfield, especially with veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders struggling in recent years.

Situational Backs and Depth Players

Woody Marks, Houston Texans

• 2025 Projection: 105 carries, 457 yards, 3 TDs; 21 receptions, 157 yards, 1 TD Marks, a fourth-round pick, is a pass-catching specialist who could find a niche in Houston's offense behind Joe Mixon.

Developmental and Depth Players

Trevor Etienne, Carolina Panthers

• 2025 Projection: 50 carries, 220 yards, 1 TD; 10 receptions, 74 yards, 0 TDs Etienne, the brother of Travis Etienne Jr., is a versatile back who will spend his rookie year developing behind Chuba Hubbard and Rico Dowdle.

Conclusion

The 2025 NFL rookie running back class is loaded with talent, and many of these players are expected to make an immediate impact. Whether they are featured backs, committee players, or depth options, these rookies will be key to their teams' success in the upcoming season.