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The 2025 running back class was considered one of the deepest in recent memory. 12 were taken in the first four rounds, with six coming off the board in the fourth. Late-round or undrafted ball carriers can find their way to the field through hard work and a bit of luck (ask Jaleel McLaughlin in Denver), and this year should be no different. Let’s look at some running back sleepers from this years class.
The Giants struck gold in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with Tyrone Tracy. He rushed for 839 yards and five touchdowns while adding 38 catches, 284 yards, and a receiving score. They’re hoping to duplicate that magic with Skattebo. The Arizona State product is arguably the toughest running back in this year’s class and can be a three-down contributor in Brian Daboll’s offense.
He totaled 338 touches, 2,316 scrimmage yards, and 24 touchdowns last season, and has a play style that will be hard to keep off the field. Skattebo may not hop Devin Singletary on the depth chart right away, but he’ll get there in time.
The Browns essentially locked up their top three running backs when they restructured Jerome Ford’s contract to be fully guaranteed. It’s a relatively small price tag, but at least pencils in Quinshon Judkins, Ford, and Sampson as the team’s RB stable.
Sampson’s play style complements Judkins’ well, and the pair should form a formidable RB duo over the next few years. Sampson’s vision and wiggle are as good or better than just about any ball carrier in this year’s class, and Cleveland’s offensive line is still highly effective when healthy. He won’t be the lead back, but Sampson’s proven he can carry the load when he led the SEC with 258 carries, 1,491 yards, and 22 touchdowns last season. Keep him in mind.
Giddens quietly put together two solid seasons at Kansas State, totaling 1,200+ rushing yards and 250+ receiving yards each year. His versatility and physical running style fit well with the Colts’ offense. Jonathan Taylor is the unquestioned alpha and will see the lion’s share of touches in Indianapolis, but Giddens should work his way into the rotation.
Like Skattebo, Giddens will likely need some time before he sees the field given Indy’s RB situation, but he has the mindset to contribute in Shane Steichen’s offense.
Neal was highly productive and highly consistent in his four years at Kansas. He rushed for over 1,250 yards and 16 touchdowns and added over 200 receiving yards each of his final two seasons. He walks into a running back room dominated by Alvin Kamara, but he should have a path to the field in a rotational role.
Kendre Miller is Neal’s biggest obstacle to getting touches, but Kellen Moore should find a role for his sixth-round pick. Derek Carr’s retirement shakes up everything for New Orleans’ offense, but Neal’s toughness, vision, and consistency will help him work his way onto the field.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Top RB rookie sleepers from the 2025 Draft class
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Cam Skattebo, New York Giants No. 105
The Giants struck gold in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft with Tyrone Tracy. He rushed for 839 yards and five touchdowns while adding 38 catches, 284 yards, and a receiving score. They’re hoping to duplicate that magic with Skattebo. The Arizona State product is arguably the toughest running back in this year’s class and can be a three-down contributor in Brian Daboll’s offense.
He totaled 338 touches, 2,316 scrimmage yards, and 24 touchdowns last season, and has a play style that will be hard to keep off the field. Skattebo may not hop Devin Singletary on the depth chart right away, but he’ll get there in time.
Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns No. 126
The Browns essentially locked up their top three running backs when they restructured Jerome Ford’s contract to be fully guaranteed. It’s a relatively small price tag, but at least pencils in Quinshon Judkins, Ford, and Sampson as the team’s RB stable.
Sampson’s play style complements Judkins’ well, and the pair should form a formidable RB duo over the next few years. Sampson’s vision and wiggle are as good or better than just about any ball carrier in this year’s class, and Cleveland’s offensive line is still highly effective when healthy. He won’t be the lead back, but Sampson’s proven he can carry the load when he led the SEC with 258 carries, 1,491 yards, and 22 touchdowns last season. Keep him in mind.
DJ Giddens, Indianapolis Colts No. 151
Giddens quietly put together two solid seasons at Kansas State, totaling 1,200+ rushing yards and 250+ receiving yards each year. His versatility and physical running style fit well with the Colts’ offense. Jonathan Taylor is the unquestioned alpha and will see the lion’s share of touches in Indianapolis, but Giddens should work his way into the rotation.
Like Skattebo, Giddens will likely need some time before he sees the field given Indy’s RB situation, but he has the mindset to contribute in Shane Steichen’s offense.
Devin Neal, New Orleans Saints, No. 184
Neal was highly productive and highly consistent in his four years at Kansas. He rushed for over 1,250 yards and 16 touchdowns and added over 200 receiving yards each of his final two seasons. He walks into a running back room dominated by Alvin Kamara, but he should have a path to the field in a rotational role.
Kendre Miller is Neal’s biggest obstacle to getting touches, but Kellen Moore should find a role for his sixth-round pick. Derek Carr’s retirement shakes up everything for New Orleans’ offense, but Neal’s toughness, vision, and consistency will help him work his way onto the field.
This article originally appeared on Draft Wire: Top RB rookie sleepers from the 2025 Draft class
Continue reading...
