The Best 3 RB Prospects – And a Hidden Gem to Watch
- Duke Doyle
- Feb 11
- 5 min read
Every year, the NFL Draft brings in a fresh crop of running backs, each hoping to be the next game-changer at the position. This year’s class has its standouts guys who check all the boxes in terms of production, athleticism, and scheme versatility. In this breakdown, I’ll highlight my top three RB prospects who are primed to make an impact at the next level. But beyond the obvious names, there’s one under-the-radar back you should start paying attention to because he might just surprise everyone.
1. Ahston Jeanty (RB) Boise State, 5’9”, 215lbs
Strengths
Tough, Physical Runner: Jeanty runs low and with purpose, making him a nightmare to bring down. He’s built for contact, keeps his legs churning, and consistently picks up tough yards after contact.
Dynamic Playmaker: He’s not just a runner he’s a legit weapon in the passing game. Boise State has used him in multiple ways, and he’s shown strong hands and natural instincts as a receiver.
Great Vision & Patience: Jeanty doesn’t rush into bad decisions. He lets his blocks develop, reads the defense well, and has a knack for finding the right running lanes. His ability to process and react quickly makes him efficient with his touches.
Weaknesses
Good, Not Great Speed: He’s got solid burst and quickness, but he’s not a guy who’s going to outrun everyone in the open field. More of a chain-mover than a home-run hitter.
Pass Protection Needs Work: He’s willing to block, but his technique needs polishing. To be a true three-down back in the NFL, he’ll need to get stronger and more consistent in picking up blitzes.
Heavy Workload at Boise State: He’s been the guy for Boise State, which is great, but it also means a lot of wear and tear. NFL teams will want to monitor how he holds up with continued heavy usage.
Jeanty has the skill set to be more than just a complementary piece he has true feature back potential. His ability to break tackles, find lanes, and contribute as a receiver makes him an every down back at the next level. While he may not be a true home-run hitter, his balance, vision, and versatility allow him to impact the game in multiple ways. Whether leading a backfield or operating as the focal point of a committee, Jeanty has the tools to be a key offensive weapon for a team that values tough, dynamic playmakers.
2. TreVeyon Henderson (RB) Ohio State, 5’10”, 208lbs
Strengths
Elite Burst & Acceleration: Henderson hits the hole with explosiveness and can reach top speed in a hurry. His quick first step makes him a threat to break off big plays anytime he touches the ball.
Home-Run Speed: One of the fastest backs in the class. Once he finds daylight, he’s gone. His breakaway ability forces defenses to respect every carry.
Natural Pass-Catcher: He’s more than just a runner he’s a legitimate weapon in the passing game. Soft hands, fluid route-running, and the ability to create after the catch make him a true three-down back.
Weaknesses
Runs Upright at Times: Can leave himself vulnerable to big hits when he doesn’t lower his pad level. Running with more balance and control will help him finish runs better.
Vision & Patience Can Improve: At times, he’s too eager to bounce plays outside instead of letting blocks develop. Refining his decision-making will make him even more dangerous.
Durability Concerns: Has dealt with some injuries in college. While he’s not injury-prone, teams will want to see if he can hold up with a full workload at the next level.
Henderson is a dynamic playmaker with the speed, explosiveness, and receiving skills to be a true game changer at the next level. His ability to score from anywhere on the field makes him an ideal fit for modern NFL offenses that emphasize versatility and big-play potential. If he refines his vision and runs with more control, he has the upside to be a high-end RB1 who can carry an offense. Regardless, his big-play ability and three-down versatility make him one of the most exciting running back prospects in this class.
3. Omarion Hampton (RB) North Carolina, 6’0”, 220lbs
Strengths
Powerful, Physical Runner: Hampton is a downhill back who thrives on contact. He runs with authority, keeps his pad level low, and consistently falls forward for extra yards. Defenders have a tough time bringing him down on first contact.
Explosive Burst: For a bigger back, he has impressive acceleration. He hits the hole with urgency and can quickly get to the second level, making him dangerous in gap-heavy run schemes.
Workhorse Potential: Has shown the ability to carry a heavy workload without losing effectiveness. He’s built to handle 20+ carries per game and wears down defenses as the game progresses.
Weaknesses
Limited Top-End Speed: While he has great burst, he’s not a true breakaway runner. He’ll pick up chunk plays but isn’t the type of back to consistently take it 60+ yards to the house.
Receiving Game Needs Development: He’s shown flashes as a pass-catcher, but he’s not a natural receiving threat yet. Expanding his route tree and improving his hands will make him a more complete back.
Pass Protection Consistency: Willing to block but needs to refine his technique. With his size, he should be more dominant in blitz pickup, but he’ll need to clean up his footwork and awareness to be a true three-down back.
Hampton is a physical, high volume back who thrives between the tackles and wears down defenses over four quarters. His power, vision, and ability to fight through contact make him an ideal fit for teams that value a strong rushing attack. While he’s not the most dynamic pass-catcher or home-run threat, he has the tools to be a feature back at the next level. If he refines his receiving skills and pass protection, he could develop into a true three-down workhorse. Regardless, his toughness and ability to grind out tough yards will make him an asset in any offense.
Somone To Be on The Watch For…Raheim Sanders (RB) South Carolina, 6’0”, 230lbs
Strengths
Powerful, North-South Runner: Sanders is a physical back who thrives between the tackles. He runs with authority, absorbs contact well, and consistently falls forward for extra yards, making him a reliable option in short-yardage situations.
Deceptive Speed for His Size: At 230 lbs, Sanders moves with surprising burst. Once he builds up momentum, he can pull away from defenders in the open field, adding an explosive element to his power running style.
Workhorse Potential: Durable and tough, he has shown the ability to handle a high-volume workload. His physicality allows him to wear down defenses over the course of a game.
Weaknesses
Limited Lateral Agility: More of a downhill bruiser than a shifty back, he can struggle to change direction efficiently in tight spaces. Needs to improve his footwork to become more elusive.
Unpolished Receiving Skills: Hasn’t been heavily utilized as a pass-catcher. While he has flashed potential, refining his hands and route-running will make him a more complete three-down back.
Pad Level & Leverage: At times, he runs too upright, making him an easier target for defenders to square up. Lowering his pad level will help him maximize his power and improve his ability to run through tackles.
Sanders brings a physical, downhill running style that translates well to the next level. His ability to absorb contact, push the pile, and finish runs makes him an ideal fit for a power-running scheme. While he’s not the most elusive back, his combination of strength, speed, and durability gives him the potential to be a lead back in an NFL offense. If he can refine his receiving skills and improve his pad level, he has all the tools to develop into a high-volume, every-down back who sets the tone for an offense.
