In more ways than one, the 2025 NFL Draft class is going to challenge the norms and status quo of what has been established regarding positional value and how high certain positions should be drafted. At The Draft Network, we have a record 13 running backs in our Top 100, signaling that it may be the most talented position group in this class. This position group not only includes top-tier talent but also offers mid-round prospects and late-draft players who have the potential to develop into standout NFL players.
With this being the case, one aspect to watch closely is how each team approaches this position group. Will they draft running backs with a passive approach or will some teams be aggressive and draft running backs at their proper overall value in this draft class? Players like Ashton Jeanty are known as valuable running back prospects in this 2025 NFL Draft class, but the depth and quality of this group make it one to watch closely.
Check out five RB prospects that could be great value pieces for NFL teams. Maybe teams should get aggressive in drafting these guys because they could be difference-makers for franchises needing running backs.
RJ Harvey, UCF
RJ Harvey is currently third in the FBS in rushing yards and only 300 yards behind the leading Heisman candidate Jeanty. For a UCF team that has been underwhelming thus far this season, Harvey has been the one bright spot as a consistent high-level performer, producing week in and week out.
Harvey is smaller in stature—listed at 5-foot-9 and 208 pounds—but he is one of the most naturally gifted runners in college football, showing lateral agility, explosiveness, and the ability to break tackles. Put Harvey on your radar if your team needs a running back.
Dylan Sampson, Tennessee
Traditionally, the SEC year in and year out has top-tier running backs. This year was different as traditional powerhouse SEC teams were trying to find out who their RB1 would be. Out of nowhere, Dylan Sampson has emerged as the best running back in the conference and the offensive focal point of a top-10 team.
Sampson has great vision and open-field explosiveness. He is a player who can run in between the tackles and on the edges. Look for Sampson to go to a team that needs big-time plays from their running back and is looking to get more explosive on the ground.
Kalel Mullings, Michigan
There may not be a prospect who has elevated his draft stock more than Kalel Mullings thus far in 2024. Starting the season as a backup of the more prominent name Donovan Edwards, Mullings emerged as a reliable answer for this Michigan offense that had so many questions.
Mullings, listed at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, is a big, powerful back that also has surprisingly good lateral movement. Mullings has the physical profile to serve as a three-down back in an NFL offense and could be an immediate plug-and-play player for teams.
Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Omarion Hampton was identified over the summer as a back who could elevate himself into the RB1 conversation. So far, Hampton has not disappointed. Hampton enters Week 10 ranked fourth in the FBS in rushing yardage and is clearly the engine for this North Carolina offense.
Hampton is one of those backs who checks the height, weight, and speed boxes and has the production to match. Don't be surprised if we get to February and the discussion becomes that Hampton may be the best RB in the country.
Nicholas Singleton, Penn State
Nicholas Singleton is on track to be an under-the-radar player due to the current setup at Penn State. Most of the attention offensively goes to quarterback Drew Allar as he is an intriguing prospect who could hear his name called early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Singleton also splits reps in the backfield with Kaytron Allen, another talented running back in this draft class. As for Singleton, when he gets his opportunities. he makes the most of them.
Showcasing to be an explosive open-field player at 6-foot and 225 pounds, Singleton has a nice blend of speed, elusiveness, and power that can put him in a top-tier category when it comes to grading his athletic profile. Singleton should be a name higher on people's boards as he could be much more productive in the NFL than he is in college.
