2025 NFL Draft running backs debate remains hotly contested among experts beyond the obvious top talents like Ashton Jeanty
The 2025 NFL Draft class is stacked with premier running back talent this year. In a class with such great depth, how do NFL teams or fans tell any of them apart? And outside of the top few options which one(s) should teams hope fall to them on draft day?Not every team can draft an […]
The 2025 NFL Draft class is stacked with premier running back talent this year. In a class with such great depth, how do NFL teams or fans tell any of them apart? And outside of the top few options which one(s) should teams hope fall to them on draft day?
Not every team can draft an Ashton Jeanty of Boise State or an Omarion Hampton of North Carolina (both considered Top 35 players). So who are the underrated running backs in this class who could be a bit overlooked and should be considered somewhere near the top options this year?
Our A to Z Sports team of NFL analysts took a dive into some of their favorite running backs they have rated higher than consensus to help fans familiarize themselves with some of the best talents in tier two, three, and beyond this spring. Enjoy!
DJ Giddens, RB Kansas State
In the modern space game that the NFL has turned into, finding running backs that effectively navigate tight quarters and create hidden yardage is becoming more and more important. That’s exactly where Kansas State star DJ Giddens thrives most in his game. There are some cuts he makes on film that not only rely on general athleticism (which he has a lot of), but also need incredible spatial awareness. The pace Giddens runs with, and changing of direction, is something to behold. He has left more than a linebacker or two grasping air as he breaks to the third level.
In the passing game, there is an interesting conversation that also needs to happen surrounding Giddens. He struggled as a receiver in 2024 with drops, but was impressive the year prior. The ability is clearly there for Giddens as a receiver but figuring out the step back in 2024 will be important. If you can, his three down upside is there. If not, you are still getting a potent early down runner with explosiveness, patience, and outstanding vision. – Ryan Roberts
Kansas State’s DJ Giddens was always a part of a tandem. Last year, it was Treshaun Ward and this year he took over the 1a spot with Colorado transfer Dylan Edwards being his running mate. The Wildcats ran a diverse rushing attack that used a variety of rushing concepts and Giddens thrived with all of them, but especially on zone runs.
Against UCF in 2023, Giddens had an all-time game (which was especially great if you play college fantasy football). Without Ward, Giddens proved he could be a workhorse with 30 rushes for 207 yards, along with eight catches for 86 yards. He can catch well out of the backfield, has great vision in the open field, bursts well through holes, and has ability as a pass protector. He doesn’t play as fast as his 4.43 40-yard dash, but the tools he does have make him an easy projection as a starting running back in the National Football League. – Tyler Forness
Dylan Sampson, RB Tennessee
Dylan Sampson. The former Tennessee Vol was the safety valve, a “get a bucket player,” and big play threat all in one for the Orange and White in 2024. Do I wish he were a little taller? Yes. Do I think he's a three-down workhorse? Probably not. But you know what he is? He’s Jaylen Warren from the Pittsburgh Steelers. A compact, springy back that can get vertical with the requisite burst and speed to eliminate pursuit angles. Oh, and he doesn't turn 21 until the season starts. – Rob Gregson
Dylan Sampson was a leader on the Tennessee Volunteers dating back to his sophomore season when he joined the leadership council on the team. He was explosive, consistent, strong, and extremely productive when given opportunities. Sampson racked up nearly 1,600 yards from scrimmage in his final season, averaging over 3.6 yards after contact per carry. Somehow all of this is true and yet he's barely considered a day two or early day three pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He should easily be ranked RB6 at worst with high upside implied as a strong round two or three running back. – Travis May
Devin Neal, RB Kansas
Kansas running back Devin Neal is one of my absolute favorites in this class. I love slasher backs who can make one cut and weave their way through crowded boxes, emerging on the other side of traffic with space in front of them. It surprised me that Neal didn't declare last year, but his return revealed even more about someone who projects to be a solid NFL starter.
Spending time in balanced offenses that exposed him almost equally to zone and gap-scheme runs, Neal carves defenses before the point of attack with high efficiency. He's smooth and svelte, showing the nuanced footwork and explosive little steps that torture and embarrass defenders squared up to him.
His power and deconstruction of tackling angles also improved over the last two years. He increased his average yards after contact from 2.88 to 3.73 in 2024. Add in his receiving ability, and there's a good chance Neal can produce like James Cook has in Buffalo. – Ian Valentino
Damien Martinez, RB Miami (FL)
Miami’s Damien Martinez seems to be everyone's favorite day three RB prospect in this class, and it's probably because he shouldn't be considered a day three prospect at all. Martinez has a great balance of burst and strength out of the backfield, and I think he will be able to make an immediate impact at the next level.
He will get on the field early because he is one of the most trustworthy blockers in this years RB class but also has the potential to become a three-down starter in the NFL. He's the type of player I believe teams will look back on wondering how they passed on him, as they watch him become a 1,000 yard rusher for someone else in the league. – Destin Adams
Brashard Smith, RB SMU
One guy that I think doesn’t get enough lovein the 2025 NFL Draft is SMU RB Brashard Smith. A former WR turned RB, Smith brings the explosiveness and receiving ability you would expect, but as a runner, he’s a tremendous playmaker.
Unlike what you would expect, SMU ran him in between the tackles, featuring him going downhill in gap schemes, which was a perfect fit for his still-developing vision. We saw how good Tyrone Tracy was last season, and Smith is a nearly identical profile overall. Add to that his ability on special teams, and Smith is one of the most complete dynamic playmakers in this class. – AJ Schulte
We'll be back with more NFL Draft coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
If you want to check out some of the plays that make Dylan Sampson a special NFL Draft talent just watch some of his highlights below!
