Shocking shifts in Running Back Rankings at the 2025 Reese's Senior Bowl through the first two days of practice
The Senior Bowl is one of the most enlightening weeks of the entire NFL Draft process every single year. Some players who many thought would stand head and shoulders above the rest disappoint. Others shock the world with stellar performances.While it's important not to overreact to one week of Senior Bowl practices, seeing some of […]
The Senior Bowl is one of the most enlightening weeks of the entire NFL Draft process every single year. Some players who many thought would stand head and shoulders above the rest disappoint. Others shock the world with stellar performances.
While it's important not to overreact to one week of Senior Bowl practices, seeing some of the top running backs in the nation face off against some of the best competition in the 2025 NFL Draft can help answer some questions. Through the first two practices (the ones that mean the most), there have been some shocking shifts in running back rankings thanks to some surprising performances. Let's dive in to see how all these running backs stack up.
Senior Bowl Running Back Rankings
- Trevor Etienne, Georgia
- Devin Neal, Kansas
- Ollie Gordon, Oklahoma State
- Brashard Smith, SMU
- LeQuint Allen, Syracuse
- Jarquez Hunter, Auburn
- Damien Martinez, Miami
- Donovan Edwards, Michigan
- RJ Harvey, UCF
- Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
- Woody Marks, USC
- Marcus Yarns, Delaware
Trevor Etienne, RB Georgia
After battling injury for much of the 2024 season there were some who began to wonder just how good Trevor Etienne was going to be in the NFL. Not anymore. Etienne finally looked completely healthy and frankly embarrassed most any defender who attempted to slow him down.
He spent the first day annihilating the linebackers in one-on-ones, and then followed that up by making it even worse for all types of defenders on day two. Etienne flashed speed and agility to burn defenders around the edge on runs. His creativity in route running destroyed anyone covering him. Etienne soared back up 2025 NFL Draft boards this week.
Devin Neal, RB Kansas
Devin Neal started a little slow on the first day, just like many skill position players, but once he started facing off in one-on-ones Neal hit his stride. Then on day two Neal began showing off his vision, burst, and agility as you can see on the two runs in my post below.
Neal has fast feet, quick decision-making, balance, and is one of the most proven producers in the running back class with three straight seasons of 1200+ yards from scrimmage. He's a do-it-all back and he's just proven that even more this week at the Senior Bowl.
Ollie Gordon, RB Oklahoma State
Ollie Gordon is a massive running back with a phenomenal strength and speed combination. He hasn't completely dominated like many thought he could coming into the week, but he's been largely consistent throughout every drill and rep.
Gordon is just one year removed from finishing seventh in the Heisman voting for putting up nearly 2100 yards from scrimmage and 22 touchdowns. He took a big step back in 2024 as the whole Oklahoma State offense struggled, but he helped alleviate some of the questions with his drop off in production at the Senior Bowl. He's still the same player.
Brashard Smith, RB SMU
Brashard Smith has to be one of the fastest rising prospects among every single player at the Senior Bowl this year. He might be a little lean, but he is a fun athlete who can do everything NFL teams will want him to at running back in the NFL. He posted one of the best couple of receptions and the run of the day on Tuesday. Then he got even better from there.
Yes, he's a bit of a strange projection given that he just converted from wide receiver to running back this past year, but Brashard Smith has been too good to ignore at the Senior Bowl this week. He's proven his nearly 1700 yards from scrimmage for SMU this year was no fluke.
LeQuint Allen, RB Syracuse
LeQuint Allen had to be the most underrated 1500+ yard running back in the nation this past season. He has the size, the strength, and receiving chops to be a potential feature back if given the opportunity. It's hard to tell just how athletic he is, but he showed plenty of wiggle and technique to work his way open on day two of Senior Bowl practice.
Allen did get jammed up once in one-on-ones and got lost in a couple messy running plays early, but overall he definitely took a step up in the eyes of many attending the Senior Bowl this week. Allen should rise into mid-round discussions after this week.
Best of the Rest at Running Back
There really aren't any bad running backs at the Senior Bowl this year. It's truly possible that all 12 of them get drafted.
Jarquez Hunter flashed his versatility bringing in a couple passes with one hand and bouncing a couple runs around the edge to the second level.
Damien Martinez moved extremely well for a back who plays around 230 pounds. He got to show off his tantalizing top speed a couple times too.
Donovan Edwards and RJ Harvey showcased their receiving chops in impressive fashion both days while adding a couple explosive run plays where they burst past or between second level defenders.
The one takeaway from this week should be that the 2025 NFL Draft is just absolutely stacked with running back talent. They come in all shapes, sizes, and skill sets too.
We'll be back with more NFL Draft coverage here at A to Z Sports all year long! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
