NFL teams have moved from traditional bell-cow running backs to more of an RB-by-committee approach. That development has played a major role in the degradation of the position over much of the past two decades.
I already know there will be many fans who are upset with their team’s position in these rankings. That’s simply par for the course when nearly every team has assembled a backfield with multiple players who have played or have the potential to play at a high level.
While an elite player at the position is weighed into these rankings, I focused more on the overall talent of each team’s room. Knowing that going in will (hopefully) relieve some frustration regarding the standings.
32. Dallas Cowboys
This might be the worst running back room the Cowboys have ever had. Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are in line to get the bulk of the workload out of the backfield. You’d feel pretty good about that three years ago. However, in the big 2025.. not so much.
Rarely does a fifth-round rookie have a chance to carve out a role on offense, but Jaydon Blue has an outside shot to pull it off. Blue providing the lightning to Williams’ thunder is their only hope to field a (somewhat) respectable unit.
31. Chicago Bears
The D’Andre Swift hate has gone too far. Does he have great vision? Definitely not. However, were there a few games where he was Chicago’s best offensive skill player? Against the Commanders and Rams.. it’s hard to argue against it. He can be explosive with good blocking and easy running lanes.
I understand ranking the Bears at 31 can be a bit confusing considering that standpoint, but their position has more to do with the lack of depth behind him than Swift himself. Roschon Johnson (who I admittedly haven’t completely given up on yet) and seventh-round selection Kyle Monangai don’t instill much confidence. They have room to move up the rankings with (much) better coaching and a more efficient offense though.
30. Washington Commanders
While Brian Robinson Jr. is coming off his best season as a runner (he was better as a receiver in 2023), he is missing a second gear that could move him into the next tier. He is a quality power back but is a relatively one-dimensional player who probably won’t get a second contract with Washington.
Austin Ekeler actually played pretty well with the limited opportunities he received last year, but it’s fair to wonder just how much gas he has left in the tank considering his size and age (30). Jeremy McNichols, who is only one year younger than Ekeler, rounds out a rather unimpressive depth chart. He showed flashes last year, but they can’t really count on him if Robinson were to go down.
29. Cincinnati Bengals
This should not be viewed as a demerit against Chase Brown. In fact, I could see him having an Austin Ekeler-like career. I am bullish on him as a dual-threat talent out of the backfield.
The players behind him, on the other hand.. woof. Zack Moss was a revelation with the Colts two years ago. I personally expected a lot more out of him last year. However, it’s safe to say he fell well short of even the most modest expectations. Samaje Perine is also making his LONG AWAITED return to Cincinnati. I’m sorry, call me a hater, but that doesn’t move the needle for me.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers
We’ve reached the first team that could skyrocket up this list if things go right for them this year. I think Kaleb Johnson will be very solid, and he landed in the perfect situation with the Steelers. However, I’ve been tricked by many RB prospects in the past. Teams who will be trotting out rookie RBs will have a (slightly) baked-in demerit over teams with backs who have shown their game can translate. The cost of writing an article in June. Sue me.
Jaylen Warren was another player I expected more from last season. He took a step back after showing promise two years ago. I’m not ready to completely write him off, especially with his pass-catching ability out of the backfield, but I also wouldn’t bet on him resigning with Pittsburgh as he enters a contract year. Oh, they also have Kenneth Gainwell and Trey Sermon. Meh.
27. New York Giants
No one expected Tyrone Tracy Jr. to have as good of a season as he did last year. Giants fans are still sick over losing Saquon Barkley to the Eagles, but imagine how much worse that heartbreak would be if he didn’t pop off. Think about how much worse it would be if they were trotting Devin Singletary out there every week.
Singletary had a great career, but it feels safe to say his best days are behind him. While his massive dead cap means he will surely be on the roster this year, Cam Skattebo will effectively take his job. He will be the thunder to Tracy’s lightning, and I think the duo could really make some noise if the offensive line can hold up (that’s a huge if).
26. Tennessee Titans
Tony Pollard quietly eclipsed the 1000-yard mark for the Titans last year. It might not have always been pretty, but he did enough to maintain lead-back duties heading into the ’25 season. In fact, you could make the case that he will be their most valuable offensive weapon as they hope to take the pressure off of Cam Ward.
It’s too early to count Tyjae Spears out, but it would be an understatement to say that he has been a disappointment (especially as a pass-catcher) through two seasons. Tennessee might give him more opportunities to live up to his third-round draft status this year, but they probably don’t feel great about it. Fifth-round selection Kalel Mullings and Julius Chestnut probably won’t provide more than depth at the back of the depth chart.
25. Kansas City Chiefs
Isiah Pacheco is another player who fell well below expectations last season. However, I’m banking on him returning to the level he was playing at over his first two years if he can stay healthy this year. He runs (or, more appropriately, gallops) like a razor-sharp bowling ball. That usually translates to solid production.
However, Kansas City will be in a precarious situation if he doesn’t return to form. Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell don’t really inspire much confidence at this stage of their career.
24. Cleveland Browns
I think Quinshon Judkins is going to be a great player. The only thing holding him back this year is how bad his team could be (it’s usually tough for a back to have great performances when his team is down by two TDs at halftime). However, their offensive line should be good, and their QB (or, more specifically QBs), should not be. He might be the engine.
Jerome Ford has shown flashes over the past two years, but he’s not the type of player you can lean on for lead-back duties. He and fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson (another great value at that point) provide quality depth though. They could climb these rankings if the rookies show early promise.
23. Miami Dolphins
De’Von Achane is quietly coming off another great season. While he might not have had as many big plays as he had in year one (when he averaged nearly eight yards per carry), he still put up almost 1500 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns. However, in a perfect world, they probably want to lower his touches to increase his efficiency. 281 touches is a lot for anyone, let alone someone who weighs only 188 pounds.
They have a few candidates to play the role of his sidekick in Jaylen Wright, Alexander Mattison, and Ollie Gordon II. Wright seemingly makes the most sense of the three, but he will have to make strides after an underwhelming year one.
22. New Orleans Saints
Alvin Kamara, who is coming off a near 1500-yard season despite playing only 14 games, is still one of the league’s best running backs. In fact, he had his best season, both as a runner and receiver, since 2020.
However, he turns 30 next month, and it’s fair to question how much he has left in the tank. Even more importantly for the sake of this list, there are nothing but question marks behind him. Kendre Miller has been a massive disappointment through two seasons and Devin Neal is an unknown (albeit talented) sixth-round selection.
21. Denver Broncos
It’s difficult to envision a running back landing in a better situation than a Sean Payton offense. RJ Harvey is a name that many Broncos fans might not have known on draft night, but I gander it won’t take them long before they remember it on Sundays. He definitely won’t have a full workload though, as Denver also has great depth behind him.
Recently signed J.K. Dobbins showed that he still can still play at a high level last year, and he will have a role for as long as he can stay healthy. Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin complete a versatile and talented room. There is a lot of untapped potential with this running back room, but their lack of experience is holding them back a bit here.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars
When they are at their best, the Jaguars have a talented enough RB room to warrant a spot near the top 10 in the rankings. However, Travis Etienne Jr. hasn’t been at his best since his rookie season (I know he had more total yards and touchdowns in ’23, but he looked significantly less explosive). He bottomed out and was playing at a backup level last season. What version of Etienne is Jacksonville getting in ’25?
Tank Bigsby, meanwhile, had a breakout season on the ground last season. While he became increasingly volatile down the stretch, he was the main reason Jacksonville achieved their two most impressive victories (he reached the endzone four times in a three-game stretch in October). Bhayshul Tuten has some serious juice out of the backfield in his own right. I think they will eventually give him a chance to run with Etienne’s role since he is probably entering his final year in Duval.
19. Houston Texans
Some Texans fans might not be happy with their spot here, but we’ve reached the “teams with a very good starter” tier. Mixon, who eclipsed 1300 total yards in only 14 games last year, definitely fits that billing. However, their spot on the rankings has much more to do with the lack of confidence in the players behind him.
Nick Chubb may have been one of the best running backs of his generation, but it would be an understatement to say he lost a step after returning from a torn ACL, MLC, and meniscus. He looked like he lost every ounce of explosiveness. Fourth-round pick Woody Marks has a chance to move the needle for the offense, but I always have questions about players who have only one year of high-level play, especially when it took them five years to have their outlier season.
18. Minnesota Vikings
Aaron Jones Sr. showed that he’s still got some gas left in the tank last season. However, at the age of 30, it’s fair to wonder just how close his tank is to empty, even if the Vikings just signed him to a new deal that will keep him in Minnesota through the 2026 season.
To their credit, they also hedged their bets by trading for Jordan Mason earlier this offseason. Mason looked like a revelation early last season, which was the first where he was given extended opportunities, before injuries took their toll late in the year. It will be interesting to see how they divvy up the touches as Mason enters a contract year.
17. Los Angeles Rams
Kyren Williams is an absolute unit. Few players have a better nose for the end zone than him and he is deserving of a contract that pays him like one of the premier players at the position after this season. Unfortunately for him, I’m not sure Les Snead will be willing to give it to him. Between the third-round selection of Blake Corum last year and the fourth-round selection of Jarquez Hunter this year, the Rams have assembled a high-potential backfield trio.
Corum didn’t really provide much on offense last year, but I bet they’re banking on his talent and expect him to take more of the workload off of Williams’ shoulders. Hunter might have flown well under the radar in a loaded RB class, but he is extremely well-rounded and should be a great fit for McVay’s potent offense.
16. Arizona Cardinals
James Conner is one of the league’s most underrated running backs. He has quietly put up 1000 rushing yards in back-to-back seasons and had over 1500 total yards last year despite missing one game. He may be 30 years old but has shown no signs of slowing down thus far.
Trey Benson didn’t have the season many expected from him last year. However, he still showed flashes of what he can be. He’s a rare physical specimen who could take some of Conner’s workload in year two. Emari Demercado is also a rock-solid change-of-pace option. This is a very well-rounded backfield.
15. New England Patriots
Do you think the Patriots regret giving Rhamondre Stevenson a massive contract extension last offseason? He is coming off his worst season in which he seemingly never had a firm grasp of the offense.. or the football. He led all running backs with seven fumbles and was benched multiple times throughout the season. Antonio Gibson showed flashes with the limited opportunities, but he probably won’t be more than a change-of-pace option for the offense.
TreVeyon Henderson, on the other hand, could take Stevenson’s job relatively quickly if he doesn’t return to his 2022 form. He is a talented and well-rounded back who could provide a high impact relatively quickly.
14. Las Vegas Raiders
Speaking of extremely talented rookie running backs, the Raiders could jump 10 spots in this list if Ashton Jeanty matches the expectations many have laid out for him this year. He was lauded as a generational running back prospect throughout the pre-draft process and I don’t think it will take him long to live up to the billing. A truly elite talent.
If Jeanty gets hurt or struggles to find footing early, they also have quality options behind him in Raheem Mostert and Sincere McCormick. While the former is more likely to receive the brunt of the work in those scenarios, I would be excited to see what the latter could do with more opportunities. He showed real flashes when he finally got a chance to run last season.
13. Los Angeles Chargers
Jim Harbaugh did the most Jim Harbaugh thing imaginable this offseason. He double-dipped at the running back position. Najee Harris and Omarion Hampton have the potential to be one of the league’s most effective (and absolutely yoked) running back duos.
Harris might not have the flashiest playing style, but he is a hard-nosed back who is effective at grinding out tough yards. That kind of effort will definitely play under Harbaugh. Hampton, on the other hand, DOES have the potential to be one of the league’s flashiest backs. He is like a supercharged (see what I did there) Joe Mixon and, for true ball knowers, is a carbon copy of Demarco Murray.
12. Indianapolis Colts
Despite being one of the league’s most talented running backs, Jonathan Taylor has somehow become underrated. He put up over 1400 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in only 14 games last season. While injuries have taken their toll over the past few years, Taylor is incredible whenever he’s on the field.
The only thing holding the Colts back from being at the top of this list is the sub-par depth behind him. Khalil Herbert, DJ Giddens, and Tyler Goodson don’t instill much confidence. However, I’m somewhat intrigued to see if Giddens can provide an impact as a change-of-pace option, but I don’t view the fifth-round pick as a bankable option out of the backfield.
11. Buffalo Bills
Will James Cook still play for Buffalo come September? I think so, but the fact that it is a question probably strikes fear into the hearts of Bills fans. He is unhappy about the lack of movement in contract negotiations, and the two sides appear to be far apart. However, there is little doubt that he has earned a deal that pays him among the ten best players at the position.
Ray Davis might not be ready to be a leadback, but he showed plenty of promise in his own right last season. There is room for the 2024 fourth-round pick’s role on offense to grow going into 2025, especially with Cook’s pending contract situation. Ty Johnson is also coming off the best season of his career and has earned Josh Allen’s trust as a safety valve.
10. Seattle Seahawks
Kenneth Walker III might not have looked like himself last year, but he’s earned the benefit of the doubt. It’s safe to say injuries played a major role in his disappointing performance, and he is still one of the league’s biggest athletic freaks. This will be an important season for him as he enters a contract year, and I think he will return to form in a big way.
Zach Charbonnet is also a great player in his own right. In fact, he would probably start for many of the teams on the back end of this list. Between those two, there won’t be many opportunities for touches. However, I’m curious to see what Damien Martinez could do if one of them were to go down. He fell to the seventh round due to off-the-field concerns, but he is a hard-nosed and battle-ready battering ram.
9. New York Jets
In one of the funniest press conference moments of the offseason, new head coach Aaron Glenn said the Jets might have the most talented running back room in the league before immediately backtracking and saying he doesn’t know if his previous statement was true. I wholeheartedly agree with his follow-up response.. but I too think they have a very talented room.
Breece Hall is one of the most talented dual-threat backs in the league, Braelon Allen showed flashes of being an effective power back, and Isaiah Davis made the most of his limited opportunities last year. The entire room should also get a boost with the additions of Justin Fields and Armand Membou this offseason.
8. Green Bay Packers
Josh Jacobs is the obvious headliner of the Packers backfield, as he has established himself as one of the league’s best backs. He was the engine that made Green Bay’s offense go last season, but Emanuel Wilson was also surprisingly effective whenever Jacobs needed a breather. The two backs combined for over 1800 rushing yards and 19 scores on the ground.
It would be an understatement to say that Marshawn Lloyd’s rookie season didn’t go as planned, as he got hurt six carries into their home opener against Indianapolis. However, the fact that they gave him that many attempts in his first career game indicates they felt strongly about him. The 2024 third-round pick won’t have an easy path to playing time (especially with Chris Brooks also showing promise last year), but he could carve out a role as a change-of-pace option if he makes the most of his opportunities.
7. San Francisco 49ers
Are Christian McCaffrey’s best days behind him? Probably. However, he can afford to lose a few steps and still be one of the league’s best dual-threat backs. The 29-year-old is a weapon whenever he is in the lineup… the issue throughout his entire career has been staying there.
Isaac Guerendo not only proved that he could hold his own with lead-back duties, but he actually flashed real promise down the stretch last year. The same can be said for Patrick Taylor Jr., and I bet fifth-round selection Jordan James would do the same if given the opportunity this year. Quality running backs don’t grow on trees… unless it is planted in the lot of a Mike Shanahan coaching tree.
6. Philadelphia Eagles
Saquon Barkley is the best running back in the NFL. He is also more valuable to the Eagles offense than any other player mentioned in this article is to their respective offense. However, if they didn’t have any depth behind him, I wouldn’t be able to rank them this high. They added some much-needed insurance this offseason through the signing of AJ Dillon.
The bruising back might not move the needle for many people, but he has made the most from every opportunity throughout his career. He might not be flashy (at all), but they don’t need flash when Barkley is in the lineup. They need a power back who can beat up on defenses after they are already reeling. He was the perfect candidate to fill that role.
5. Carolina Panthers
Some might be surprised to see the Panthers this high on the list, but they deserve the praise. I don’t think anyone (including the Panthers front office) expected Chuba Hubbard to establish himself as one of the best running backs in the NFL last year. I mean, they drafted Jonathan Brooks in the second round for a reason. Hubbard made them look silly for not believing in him though, as he was one of the biggest breakout stars, even if he flew under the radar, of the season.
They probably aren’t ready to give up on Brooks just yet, but they also don’t necessarily need him to live up to his second-round billing. The Panthers also signed Rico Dowdle, who eclipsed the 1000-yard mark last year, and drafted Trevor Etienne in the fourth round. Ridiculous depth and talent from top to bottom.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Bucky Irving playing at a Pro Bowl level right out of the gate wasn’t on my bingo card for the 2024 NFL season. In fact, his eclipsing the 1400 total yard mark was one of the most surprising developments of the year.
The only thing holding him back from an All-Pro finish is the fact that he is sharing a backfield with Rachaad White, who also eclipsed 1000 yards and reached the end zone nine times. As if those two weren’t impressive enough, Sean Tucker also showed flashes last year. He averaged over six yards per carry and had nearly 200 yards in last year’s Week Six win against New Orleans.
3. Atlanta Falcons
Under normal circumstances, Bijan Robinson would receive a standing ovation for having nearly 1900 total yards. However, in a year where Saquon Barkley eclipsed the 2000-yard mark and Derrick Henry being within striking distance of the honor, his incredible performance flew under the radar. Robinson has arrived though, and I think the best is still yet to come for the elite dual threat.
All hope would not be lost if Robinson were ever to miss time though, as Tyler Allgeier is also more than capable of holding his own with lead-back duties. He has eclipsed the 600-yard mark for the first three years of his career and would start for many of the teams on the back end of this list.
2. Detroit Lions
There is little doubt that the Lions have the league’s premier backfield duo. Jahmyr Gibbs, who is coming off a 1900-yard, 20-TD season, is just as talented as any player on this list. His combination of speed and acceleration make him the league’s most explosive running back since Jamaal Charles.
Meanwhile, few players have a better nose for the end zone than David Montgomery. He had 12 rushing scores despite only having 185 carries last year. He also eclipsed 1000-total yards for the sixth-straight year to begin his career despite missing three games. Sonic and Knuckles can truly go toe-to-toe with any RB duo in NFL history.
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens might not have the league’s premier running back duo, but they arguably have the best running back room. Everyone knows how good Derrick Henry is, and how impressive it is that he is as good as he is at this stage of his career. However, I think people forget how good Keaton Mitchell looked before he got hurt two years ago. He was on pace for nearly 900 rushing yards before suffering an ACL tear midway through his rookie season.
Justice Hill is also one of the league’s best pass-catching options at the running back position. They are deep from top to bottom and it’s hard to argue against them being the most talented room in the NFL.
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