The running back position saw a resurgence last season, and the running backs in the 2025 NFL Draft class are ready to take it to another level. Greg Cosell joined Ross Tucker on the Ross Tucker Podcast to break down the top running back prospects in this year’s NFL Draft and the elite traits that will shape their pro futures.
Cosell says he has two running backs out of this class that are NFL-caliber runners. One is former Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, with Cosell describing his contact balance as RIDICULOUS. He can pinball and absorb contact without any balance disruption. Also, Cosell observed that last season in the NFL, there were roughly six running backs with 300 or more carries. Although it is not a large enough sample size to identify that as a trend, since it is just one year, Cosell explained that number of carries had not been the norm for players at that position for some time. To his point, teams emphasized the ground game last season with a mission of running the ball efficiently and with volume. Cosell used the example of the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles and how they fed Saquon Barkley, who almost eclipsed the single-season rushing record.
Another running back whose ability JUMPS off the tape is former North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton. When he watches Hampton’s film, Cosell says his size, burst, speed and physicality are what makes Hampton project to be an NFL running back. He added that what stands out when you watch Hampton is that he has a physical presence as a runner. If you are looking for a running back who can control the pace and tempo of a game, look no further than Hampton. Cosell really likes Hampton and it would not surprise him if teams see Hampton in the same category as Jeanty.
Moving on to Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, although Cosell does not see Henderson as a foundational back, he still thinks he is EXPLOSIVE. Cosell had two comparisons for Henderson’s running style — former Eagles great Brian Westbrook and Aaron Jones of the Minnesota Vikings. Cosell acknowledges that Henderson may have some stiffness that could raise some concerns for some teams, but he is big, physical, explosive and has home-run play ability. On the other hand, Judkins is more of a typical downhill, decisive velocity runner with enough lateral quickness to slide into the open gaps. Cosell points out that Judkins is not stiff, with natural contact balance and the ability to run through tackles.
Miami’s Damian Martinez is a running back with tremendous potential people may not be paying attention to. Cosell describes him as a physical runner with quick feet. To better understand his versatility, when he was with Oregon State before his tenure at Miami, he was more of an I-formation style running back, whereas, at Miami, he was more of a shotgun running back. Cosell added that Martinez possesses quickness, decisiveness and natural POWER. Cosell believes that Martinez’s power will be a differentiating factor for him in the NFL because you cannot just do your best Ricky Bobby impersonation and shake and bake; one has to be able to get downhill. To be a feature back at the next level, Cosell says that when the play is blocked for three yards, you want your running back to be able to go and get six. The guy that Cosell says Martinez reminds him of is Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs. He may not have the explosiveness he had two to three years ago. However, his POWER remains the same.
Shifting back to the Big Ten, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson is a running back who, even though he is big, runs the ball smoothly, fluidly and with finesse. Cosell describes Johnson as a paint-by-numbers running back, meaning he knows how to gain yards in a zone-blocking scheme. Cosell added that Johnson is a sustainable runner and would be very efficient in an offense like that of the San Francisco 49ers. That said, Cosell did not see any unique traits that stood out while watching Johnson’s film.
Of course, you can’t talk running back without discussing former Arizona State running back Cam Skattebo, a fan favorite who took the college football world by storm last year. Given the plays he had last season, Tucker finds it surprising that Skattebo is not high on the running back rankings. Cosell admits that Skattebo is a REALLY FUN watch and that you want this type of player in your running back room solely based on how he plays. Cosell explained that he finds Skattebo’s evaluation interesting because he does have stiffness, tight hips and not a lot of over-the-top athleticism. However, make no mistake about it: Skattebo is a tempo-setting running back who FIGHTS to get tough yards. Skattebo is physically very compact, which allows him to run with excellent contact balance as he finishes runs. Can he be a primary running back in a system with a good offensive line? Cosell said maybe. He is not comparing Skattebo to this player, but who knew that Kyren Williams coming out of Notre Dame would have the impact he had with the Los Angeles Rams last season? Cosell explained that it ultimately comes down to what scheme Skattebo is in and noted that Skattebo remains one of the most PHYSICAL runners in this draft class.
“He's got some stiffness to him. He doesn't have higher level athletic traits.”@GregCosell breaks down fan favorite RB Cam Skattebo: pic.twitter.com/jM3PmtqxLJ
— Ross Tucker Podcast (@RossTuckerPod) March 20, 2025
Check out Ross’ full conversation with Cosell in the full video or podcast below. And make sure to tune into the Ross Tucker Podcast on DraftKings Network! See more about how to watch DraftKings Network here.
SHOW BREAKDOWN
Greg Cosell: Top 5 Running Back Prospects in the NFL Draft
VIDEO:
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