2025 Senior Bowl week proves that forgotten-about position will force teams to make a lot of tough decisions come April

The RB position had taken a turn for the worse in the past decade.  But recently, we saw a revival, with the 2023 NFL Draft producing two backs in the top 12 picks.  And while this year may not have that quality, the quantity is through the roof and the Senior Bowl proved that with […]

Rob Gregson NFL News Writer
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Jan 28, 2025; Mobile, AL, USA; American team running back Trevor Etienne of Georgia (3) runs the ball during Senior Bowl practice for the American team at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images
Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

The RB position had taken a turn for the worse in the past decade. 

But recently, we saw a revival, with the 2023 NFL Draft producing two backs in the top 12 picks. 

And while this year may not have that quality, the quantity is through the roof and the Senior Bowl proved that with three of their top performers…


Top RBs at 2025 Senior Bowl

3. Brashard Smith, SMU

Smith transferred from Miami to SMU and turned himself from a WR to RB and you can see it in his game. He plays with speed and excellent pass-catching ability, but he's a route savant who can carve up LBs trying to defend him. 

In a crowded class with a lot of pure runners, Smith stands out thanks to his impressive display of versatility and a wide variety of routes, but his build is reminiscent of what could be a three-down back in the league. 

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2. Damien Martinez, Miami

Martinez is a vertical runner that can split the seams and get vertical for six in an instant. But where he won people over in Mobile was by showcasing one of the most important traits a back can have: Pass protection

Martinez was a breath of fresh air as a home runner hitter in Mobile. When we talk about big play threats from the backfield, they look, run, and play like Damien Martinez. 


1. Trevor Etienne, Georgia

The former Flordia Gator turned Georgia Bulldog was the talk of the town through his three days in Mobile. He was fast, and physical and won just about every one-on-one that he repped during the week. 

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One of the consistencys from the first two days of practice is that it seems no one in Mobile can cover Georgia running back Trevor Etienne. He continues to shine as a pass catcher and has proved to be one of the best in this class in that regard. Today, he also made plays between the tackles and showed that he deserves more people's attention when discussing this strong RB class.

Destin Adams, A to Z Sports NFL Draft 

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