Top 10 NFL Running Backs for 2025
1. Saquon Barkley (Philadelphia Eagles) College: Penn State – Was considered a transcendent talent who lived up to massive expectations. Scouts always believed he would be elite despite some questioning the Giants’ decision to draft a running back 2nd overall in 2018. NFL Path: Drafted by Giants in 2018, moved to Eagles in 2024 where he flourished in a better offensive system. Expert Opinion: Nearly unanimous #1 choice, getting all but one first-place vote. His 2,504 rush yards (regular season and playoffs) and seven scrimmage touchdowns of 60+ yards set NFL records. Executives praised his return to expected form after being “in a bad offense” in New York.
2. Derrick Henry (Baltimore Ravens) College: Alabama – Dominated as the ultimate power back with elite size and work ethic. NFL Path: Drafted by Tennessee, joined Ravens in 2024 where he transformed their offense. Expert Opinion: At 31, defying the typical “running back cliff” with 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns. His 830 rushing yards after contact led the league by 191 yards. Executives noted his “elite body composition and elite work ethic” and efficiency that improves with age.
3. Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions) College: Georgia Tech/Alabama – Transferred to Alabama where he showcased elite speed and versatility. NFL Path: Drafted by Lions in 2023, quickly became a dual-threat weapon. Expert Opinion: Led NFL with 20 touchdowns, earning “Sonic” nickname for game-changing speed. Scouts compare him to Reggie Bush “with a little bit more power” and praise his 6.4 yards per touch – highest by any player with 250+ touches in a decade.
4. Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons) College: Texas – Consensus elite prospect with complete skill set. NFL Path: Drafted 8th overall by Falcons in 2023, became primary back in 2024. Expert Opinion: Joined elite company with 2,400 rushing yards and 100 receptions in first two seasons (only Edgerrin James and LaDainian Tomlinson achieved this). Coordinators call him “a nightmare to prepare for” with his complete skill set.
5. Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers) College: Stanford – Elite dual-threat back with concerns about durability dating to college. NFL Path: Drafted by Panthers in 2017, traded to 49ers where he reached MVP-level play. Expert Opinion: Fell from #1 due to durability concerns, missing 10+ games in three of past five seasons. When healthy, he’s “still the prototype” with four seasons of 1,800+ scrimmage yards and 10+ touchdowns – only Hall of Famers have more.
6. Josh Jacobs (Green Bay Packers) College: Alabama – Reliable workhorse with excellent vision and balance. NFL Path: Drafted by Raiders, signed with Packers in 2024 free agency. Expert Opinion: Rewarded Packers’ $48 million investment with 1,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. Executives praise his “elite balance, strength, vision” and reliability – only NFL player to eclipse 1,000 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns each year since 2019.
7. Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts) College: Wisconsin – Prolific rusher in college with elite speed. NFL Path: Drafted by Colts in 2020, dealt with contract dispute in 2023. Expert Opinion: Despite dropping two spots, produced 1,432 yards and 11 touchdowns with inconsistent QB play. First back since Adrian Peterson to reach 6,000 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns in first five NFL seasons. Executives call him “underrated.”
8. James Cook (Buffalo Bills) College: Georgia – Explosive back with excellent receiving skills. NFL Path: Drafted by Bills in 2022, emerged as primary back in 2024. Expert Opinion: Vaulted from honorable mention to #8 after 16-touchdown season, tying Bills record. His 3.1 yards per rush before contact ranked 5th among qualifying backs. Executives call him “dangerous and explosive” and “perfect for that offense.”
9. Joe Mixon (Houston Texans) College: Oklahoma – Talented but faced off-field issues that affected draft stock. NFL Path: Drafted by Bengals, traded to Texans in 2024 where he was rejuvenated. Expert Opinion: Not a home run hitter but has “everything else” with excellent vision and contact balance. Only NFL player with 1,300+ scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns in each of past four seasons. Evaluators noted he “looked worn down at the end of the season.”
10. Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints) College: Tennessee – Versatile back who excelled as receiver out of backfield. NFL Path: Drafted by Saints in 2017, has been cornerstone of their offense. Expert Opinion: Fought back to top 10 after falling to honorable mention last year. Despite team struggles, produced 1,503 scrimmage yards. Has eclipsed 600 rushing and 400 receiving yards in all eight seasons – tied for most such seasons in NFL history.
Executive/Coach/Scout Summary
The voting panel of 70+ NFL insiders emphasized several key themes: the return of heavy rushing offenses (seven teams averaged 140+ rushing yards per game in 2024), the importance of durability and availability, and the value of dual-threat capabilities. A veteran NFC scout noted: “The best play in football is still the ability to simply hand it off to your best athlete on the field and make everyone else look foolish trying to tackle him.”
Voters consistently valued complete skill sets, with emphasis on vision, contact balance, pass-catching ability, and the capacity to change games with explosive plays. Age and durability were major factors in rankings, with several evaluators noting concerns about backs entering their 30s.
One of Many Missing Pieces: De’Von Achane (Miami Dolphins)
One of the most glaring omission from the top 10 is De’Von Achane, who received honorable mention recognition. An AFC executive described him as having “elite speed and explosion” while noting he “could wear down because he’s small” but “runs very hard for how small he is.” Achane’s electric 2024 season, where he averaged 5.1 yards per carry and showcased game-breaking speed, arguably deserved top-10 recognition, making this list “almost” complete without him.
The title “NFL’s Top 10 Running Backs for 2025 – Well, Almost?” perfectly captures how close several honorable mention candidates came to cracking the elite tier, with Achane leading that group of near-misses.
