Best player comps for Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton, and the rest of the 2025 NFL Draft RB class
In the 2025 NFL Draft class, the running back class is arguably the deepest in the entire group. In fact, this could be the deepest running back class we have seen in a very, very long time. It is an embarrassment of riches with a lot of future starters to be found throughout the three […]
In the 2025 NFL Draft class, the running back class is arguably the deepest in the entire group. In fact, this could be the deepest running back class we have seen in a very, very long time. It is an embarrassment of riches with a lot of future starters to be found throughout the three days of the draft.
Everyone loves player comparisons, unless you either aren't good at them, or aren't a big fan of fun. Here are some of the best player comps for the 2025 running back class. There are admittedly, some daunting ones.
Ashton Jeanty (Boise State) – If Alvin Kamara and Mark Ingram did the Fusion Dance
Jeanty is such a difficult player to find a comparison for considering he just doesn’t have a ton of weaknesses. As a runner, there are some parallels to Ingram. He runs with tremendous contact balance, physicality, and low center of gravity. As a pass game weapon, Jeanty is a lot closer to Kamara than Ingram. Jeanty is an all around weapon who does most things very well.
Omarion Hampton (UNC) – Corey Dillon
Hampton is a good overall athlete but make no mistake about it, he wants to get downhill and run through people. He excels through contact, like Dillon did. There is a lack of patience at times with Hampton, but he is a joy to watch run the football.
TreVeyon Henderson (Ohio State) – More physical Raheem Mostert
You are drafting Henderson to create some big plays, but you are staying for his ability as a pass blocker. That is such a unique profile that makes Henderson very valuable. Henderson brings a lot of value.
Kaleb Johnson (Iowa) – Jordan Howard
For a bigger running back, Johnson does possess some nice patience and vision. There isn't anything about him dynamic athletically, but Johnson does so much well. That should allow him to project to a lead ball carrier in the right situation.
DJ Giddens (Kansas State) – Todd Gurley
This comparison isn’t necessarily a predictor of success. Giddens’ play style is just so similar to Gurley’s. He runs with great pace, tremendous vision, and possesses outstanding explosiveness and short area quickness despite a leggy running style.
Damien Martinez (Miami) – Najee Harris
You look at Martinez and would expect him to be a physical runner without much nuance. The patience he runs with is pretty unique. That all around running style could allow Martinez to fit into a gap or zone scheme.
Quinshon Judkins (Ohio State) – Jamaal Williams
Judkins does his best work getting downhill, where his combination of power and explosiveness fits nicely. His vision, however, is pretty troubling. Judkins also is a bit tight as a runner, which limits his overall upside.
Dylan Sampson (Tennessee) – Matt Breida
Breida brought some big time speed to the table, and the same can be said for Sampson. Both players had a propensity to create big plays. Each also
Trevor Etienne (Georgia) – Marlon Mack
Etienne didn’t have a perfect 2024 season with Georgia while dealing with an injury. The former Florida transfer does check a lot of boxes to be excited about. If not for a rash of injuries, Mack’s NFL career could have played out much differently.
Devin Neal (Kansas) – Sony Michel
There isn’t anything flashy about Neal, but he is very efficient. Explosiveness isn’t the name of Neal’s game. He, instead, excels in making people miss and possesses tremendous vision.
Jaydon Blue (Texas) – Phillip Lindsay
Small, compact, and explosive, Blue created a ton of big plays for the Longhorns this past season. The situation will matter a lot, just like it did for Lindsay. There are some limitations based on size, but Blue should at least be a strong part of a committee.
Ollie Gordon (Oklahoma State) – Carlos Hyde
Stiff and powerful, there isn’t much wiggle to Gordon’s game. He is a one cut and go type of runner. That’s how Hyde made his impact early in his NFL career.
RJ Harvey (UCF) – Devonta Freeman
Like Freeman, Harvey runs very low to the ground and possesses nice contact balance. His short area explosiveness is also notable, looking like a human pinball at times. The situation is going to matter a lot for Harvey.
Kyle Monangai (Rutgers) – Bucky Irving
An undersized running back with below average athleticism that does nothing but produce? Does that sound familiar to anyone? Monangai is a patient and decisive runner who does the little things well.
Cameron Skattebo (Arizona State) – Toby Gerhart
Everyone loves Skattebo for the physicality he brings to the table. There isn’t a more determined runner in the 2025 class. Skattebo also possesses good short area explosiveness, but is a below average NFL athlete athletically. Like Gerhart, Skattebo is an outstanding college running back with absurd production, but just how well will his style translate?
