In this series I went through the top 20 running backs headed into the 2025 NFL Draft based on DLF’s mock draft ADP. Draft capital and landing spots are always important, especially for running backs. Now that the NFL Draft has completed, I am re-evaluating the running backs in this draft class with new grades and new ADP for the final edition of this series.
Here is the grading system for this series. I have noted below my pre-draft grade and ranking and my post-draft grade and ranking for each running back as well as a bit about what I like or don’t like about where each player eventually got drafted and where they are going in rookie drafts.
Grading System:
- A = Elite – Early to late first-round NFL pick
- B = NFL starter – Day two selection, second or third-round pick
- C = RBBC, needs an opportunity – Day three selection, fourth or fifth-round pick
- D = Backup or Specialty back – Day three selection, sixth or seventh-round pick
- F = Longshot – Late pick or undrafted free agent
Pre-Draft RB Rank/GRADE: RB1, A+
Post-Draft RB Rank/GRADE: RB1, A+
Jeanty came into the draft as the crown jewel of this outstanding draft class. He solidified that after being the number six overall selection by the Las Vegas Raiders. He became the highest drafted running back since Saquon Barkley went second overall to the New York Giants in 2018.
New head coach Pete Carroll has been known to lean on the running game throughout his NFL coaching days, and it is expected that the Raiders will do the same with Jeanty.
Jeanty is the clear-cut 1.01 rookie draft pick in 2025 in pretty much every fantasy format. He is also immediately in talks to be one of the top five overall RBs in dynasty.
Pre-Draft RB Rank/GRADE: RB2, A
Post-Draft RB Rank/GRADE: RB2, A
Hampton had a dominant career at North Carolina and then showed out during the NFL Combine. He is the complete package with ideal size, athleticism and speed for an NFL running back. Hampton is 6-0, 221 pounds and ran a 4.46-second 40-yard dash.
All of this convinced the Los Angeles Chargers to select Hampton with the 21st overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The landing spot and draft capital are fantastic. Head coach Jim Harbaugh wants to pound the rock. The Chargers were effective running the ball with the likes of JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards last season.
They added former Steelers running back Najee Harris in the off-season and now it looks as if he will be the second fiddle to Hampton.
Hampton is a classic three-down back who can be a high-volume workhorse in the NFL. He is a battering ram type of back, who has the size, balance, and speed to run through defenders and wear down a defense.
Hampton is often being selected at 1.02 in dynasty rookie fantasy drafts but is consistently being taken in the top five.
Pre-Draft RB Rank/GRADE: RB3, A-
Post-Draft RB Rank/GRADE: RB3, A-
Henderson has been on the NFL’s radar for years, ever since his breakout as a true freshman at Ohio State way back in 2021.
Henderson was selected at the top of the second round, 38th overall by the New England Patriots. Henderson now enters a backfield with Rhamondre Stevenson and Antonio Gibson. It seems hard to believe Henderson isn’t immediately going to be in a mix for playing time.
Henderson is capable of immediately taking over as the team’s third-down back. He is a fluid receiver out of the backfield and is one of the better pass blockers in the draft.
Stevenson has had fumbling problems in the past, and if that continues, Henderson could take over an even bigger share of the running back duties.
Henderson has typically been drafted between picks 1.03-1.07 in early rookie dynasty drafts. He is typically being drafted as RB3 or RB4.
The Patriots should continue to improve with Drake Maye at quarterback. If New England can figure out their offensive line woes, they could really start getting things going. In PPR leagues, especially, Henderson should be a sought-after commodity.
Pre-Draft RB Rank/GRADE: RB4, B+
Post-Draft RB Rank/GRADE: RB4, A-
