The Dynasty Superflex Big Board has massive updates this week at the running back position, and now it's time to take a deeper look at the 2025 draft class positionally. I'll show you the fresh big board as well as rank the current Top 20 running backs with scouting notes to give you a deeper understanding of one of Fantasy Football's most important positions with the shortest shelf life.

Now, we can take an overhead look at the running backs and preview their Film Scores, graded between 0 and 100. All film scores are based on All-22 film and a composite of 1-5 grades of 20 individual traits.

20. Donovan Edwards, Michigan (SR)

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 212 | Film Grade: 60.05

Strengths

• Burst and Long-Speed
• Elite Pass-Catcher

Weaknesses

• Pass Blocking Liability
• Poor Vision
• Sub-par Contact Balance

After a national title and video game cover, Donovan Edwards came into the 2024 season with lofty expectations. However, I doubt he's more than a Day 3 pick outside someone's CFB 25 Dynasty because he's all burst with no vision or power.

The Michigan Senior had every opportunity to take over the offense after the departure of J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum but has ceded early downs to Kalel Mullings. Much is due to his inability to read his blocks with patience and the tendency to bounce plays outside. Edwards is a quality receiver, but his inefficient running and pass-blocking liabilities make him a tweener I want to avoid.

19. Raheim Sanders, South Carolina (SR)

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 230 | Film Grade: 65.45

Strengths

• Size, Power, and Short Yardage
• Pass Blocking
• Downhill Gap Running

Weaknesses

• Poor Receiver
• Burst
• Tight Hips and Limited Lateral Movement

Raheim "Rocket" Sanders earned a role in the NFL after a transfer from Arkansas and trimming down his weight. I just don't expect it to be more than early-down work in a committee and never in a Shanahan scheme.

Sanders offers thump and downhill running but, unfortunately, fits into the Plodder archetype and will always likely be depth and/or replaceable talent. The NFL loves pass blockers who can move the chains, but don't expect him to be the undervalued hero that saves your Fantasy roster.

18. Kaytron Allen, Penn State (JR)

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 220 | Film Grade: 68.45

Strengths

• Natural Athlete
• Good in open space
• Size

Weaknesses

• Can't See Cutback lanes
• Below Average Contact Balance for Stature

You should never helmet scout, but you can always get a feel for the archetype of players they recruit and the traits they coach. Penn State recruits some of the best athletes in the country but rarely exports polished players into the NFL. Kaytron Allen fits that model.

I believe that Allen shouldn't, and likely won't, declare for the draft with more room to shine without his running mate. If he does leave, it's important to note that he might need time to reach his full potential. He's a solid pass blocker with good burst and breakaway speed but needs to learn patience and run behind his pads to utilize his size.

17. Phil Mafah, Clemson (SR)

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 229 | Film Grade: 69.25

Strengths

• Size, Power, and Short Yardage
• Reliable Dumpoff Target
• Downhill Gap Running
• Enough Burst to Hit Holes

Weaknesses

• Long-Speed
• Lateral Agility
• Downfield Receiving

Phil Mafah has been the best part of Clemson's dismal offense this season. The hulking senior has looked far more confident and explosive, translating into solid production and college tape. Mafah won't blow anyone away with any one trait beyond power, but he's a reliable runner who can handle a 15-touch workload that's a solid target in late rounds

16. R.J. Harvey, UCF (RS-SR)

Height: 5-9 | Weight: 208 | Film Grade: 71.2

Strengths

• Elite Receiver
• Modest Agility

Weaknesses

• Average Athlete
• Average Vision

R.J. Harvey has been great for UCF's standards and profiles as a 3rd Down or change of pace running back. His best asset isn't just his ability on dump-offs in space but reliable receiving downfield that stands out among other specialists. His average athleticism, coupled with his sub-210 size, will likely limit his draft stock to Day 3, but the right team could yield him high-leverage receiving touches in the NFL.

15. Dylan Sampson, Tennessee (JR)

Height: 5-9 | Weight: 201 | Film Grade: 71.35

Strengths

• Smart Runner
• Good Burst with Adequate Long-Speed

Weaknesses

• Poor Blocker
• Average Contact Balance
• Size and Power

I've consistently sounded like a Tennessee hater throughout my brief scouting career, but mind you, that has nothing to do with their success as a college program. However, the offensive scheme that has led to their recent success doesn't translate to the NFL. Jaylen Wright and Jaylin Hyatt should be examples of my concerns, but it's encouraging to see that Dylan Sampson has the most transferable skill set from the bunch. 

Whereas his predecessors were straight-line track stars, Sampson excels with his vision and adequate agility. He has a fair feel for rushing lanes and enough patience and burst to hit a home run. But emphasis on the word "enough" because his below-average size is a concern without elite athleticism. Moreover, he's a liability as a pass-blocker and a check-down target at best, and that limits his NFL upside. He needs the ideal landing place in an outside-zone scheme or a McVay coaching tree to realize his potential.

14. Trevor Etienne, Georgia (JR)

Height: 5-9 | Weight: 205 | Film Grade: 72.8

Strengths

• Smart Runner
• Good Contact Balance
• Always keeps his feet moving

Weaknesses

• Breakaway Speed
• Size
• Hands

Trevor Etienne hasn't been bad since transferring to Georgia, but he hasn't necessarily taken a step forward since leaving the dysfunction of Florida. The younger Etienne brother is a tougher runner than the elder and uses his low center of gravity to absorb contact while keeping his feet moving. However, the irony is that he's both smaller, less explosive, and a limited receiver. He's a reliable rusher who can earn snaps, but I wouldn't be surprised if he stayed another year or fell in the draft.

13. Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State (JR)

Height: 6-2 | Weight: 225 | Film Grade: 75.45

Strengths

• Size, Power, and Short Yardage
• Modest Lateral Agility

Weaknesses

• Vision
• Burst

I've chronicled the fall of Ollie Gordon since the beginning of the college season, and the rest of the nation seems to be catching on. Little separates Gordon from an "okay" player like Phill Mafah beyond more size and lateral agility, and much of this ranking lies in what we saw in 2023. I wouldn't be surprised if reports about an undisclosed injury or weight issues came out in the off-season because the biggest thing missing from his game is burst. Mark him down for another "might stay another year" candidate.

12. Jaydn Ott, Cal (JR)

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 209 | Film Grade: 75.8

Strengths

• Speed and Burst
• Patient yet decisive runner

Weaknesses

• Power
• Narrow Frame
• Willing, yet not the most effective blocker

Jaydn Ott is one of my favorite backs in the class because of how fast his play is on the field. You love to see a back who can anticipate his blocking, wait for his moment, and hit a home run exactly when the lane opens. What will limit him is the utter lack of power. His thin build makes him a speeding pebble on a stone wall against a square linebacker and a fish in a net with arm tackles. 

Ott's comfort catching away from his body, homerun speed, and effort in pass protection put him in "Elite Specialist" territory.

11. D.J. Giddens, Kansas State (JR)

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 212 | Film Grade: 78.25

Strengths

• Elite Open Field Ability
• Natural Feel Inside Rushing Lanes
• Good Long-Speed
• Good Bend To Absorb Contact

Weaknesses

• High Running Style Limits Contact Balance
• Strength

D.J. Giddens plays at Kendre Miller's ceiling, but that gives him some of his flaws along with his strengths. Few 6-1 and 210+ lbs running backs have the open field agility of a 5-9 change of pace player, but Giddens has a viscous jab step that has broken many Big12 ankles over the season. What will keep him out of Day 2 territory will be his high-running style, lack of strength, and subpar receiving chops.

10. Devin Neal, Kansas (SR)

Height: 5-11 | Weight: 215 | Film Grade: 77.7

Strengths

• Agile Athlete
• Good Size
• Good Vision

Weaknesses

• Not a thumper

Devin Neal is the first of the "Any of these guys can be Top 5" range of players in terms of fantasy outlook, but don't let that undersell his ability as an NFL player only ranking RB10. Neal has been an elite athlete since his high school days and that continues to translate to elite production. He's one of the best natural rushers in the drafts, but one of the weakest power runners despite his BMI.

9. Damien Martinez, Miami (JR)

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 231 | Film Grade: 76.05

Strengths

• Size, Power, and Short Yardage
• Good Lateral Agility for size
• Constantly keeps his feet moving
• Comfortable catching away from his body

Weaknesses

• Long Speed
• Experienced Route Runner but far from good.
• Will Bounce Plays Outside

I'm ready to give Miami their flowers, starting with Damien Martinez. The production won't make any spreadsheets pur, but he looks like a three-down NFL back every play. Martinez is a large runner with elite power, but it's open field quickness and agility in rushing lanes that stand out the most. You won't bring him down with an arm tackle. Few defensive backs are taking him down one-on-one. 

However, he isn't exactly Derrick Henry and doesn't have the breakaway speed like the top end of this list. But when you couple that with modest receiving ability, you have a player any coach can find a use for and should be a Day 2 pick for the NFL and a Round 2 guy in Dynasty rookie drafts.

8. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa (JR)

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 225 | Film Grade: 78.8

Strengths

• Powerful Runner
• Viscious Stiff Arm
• Elite Downhill Gap Runner

Weaknesses

• Tight Hips
• Long-Speed
• Limited Agility

I'm unsure if it's the yellow and black jerseys or not, but Kaleb Johnson reminds me of Najee Harris with a bit more juice. That should excite you if you've never heard of him, and will disappoint you if you think he's second best in the class like many do. Johnson is the best downhill runner in the bunch and will be a reliable check-down target, but his limited lateral agility and long speed are why he's not a blue-chip prospect.

7. Nicholas Singleton, Penn State (JR)

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 227 | Film Grade: 79.95

Strengths

• Elite Receiver
• Natural Athlete
• Elite Pass Blocker

Weaknesses

• Sloppy Runner
• Outruns His Blockers

The "Long Story Short" is that Nicholas Singleton is just the superior version of Kaytryon Allen. You'd want to see better running techniques and patience to be ranked this highly in a touted class, but Singleton is a raw athlete and natural receiver with enough polish that I could envision as a Joe Mixon-lite to begin his career. You can't ignore uncoachable aspects like superior athleticism coupled with technical growth, and Singleton could be the steal of the NFL Draft.

6. Woody Marks, USC (SR)

Height: 5-10 | Weight: 207 | Film Grade: 81.75

Strengths

• Elite Receiver
• Elite Burst and Long-Speed

Weaknesses

• Power

If you've read this far, you already know my concerns with undersized backs with average athleticism. Woody Marks gives me 0 of those concerns.

The USC running back has truly elite speed and receiving ability and I wouldn't be surprised to see a team like the Dolphins dip into the RB market a 3rd year in a row. The differences between check-down players and downfield threats are speed, tight routes, and comfort in catching away from the body, and all of this consistently shines bright on tape. He won't thump anyone with power, but I don't believe that matters. If a team is looking to replicate the success of Detroit's backfield, Marks would be my choice for Jahmyr Gibbs.

5. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina (JR)

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 220 | Film Grade: 82.25

Strengths

• Power
• Elite Athleticism

Weaknesses

• Limited Receiving

Omarion Hampton leads the ACC in rushing for a reason. He's a superior athlete with ideal size and adequate vision. This is the range of "everyone here could be RB2 after Jeanty" because they check most of the boxes of a franchise NFL running back. Hampton doesn't have the skills of an elite 3rd down player, but his size and athleticism make that irrelevant.

4. Kyle Monangai, Rutgers (SR)

Height: 5-9 | Weight: 210 | Film Grade: 84.25

Strengths

• Modest Receiver
• Elite Contact Balance
• Pile Mover

Weaknesses

• Sometimes Slow to Find Cutback Lane

Kyle Monangai has been my biggest surprise running back tape. Few players of his modest reported weight have the motor to extend plays from tackle-breaking as much as forcing misses. Moreover, he's a solid receiving option and blocker that shouldn't come off the field. Learning when to torque down and burst through cutback lanes is the only thing holding him back from blue chip status.

3. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State (SR)

Height: 5-10 | Weight: 207 | Film Grade: 86.5

Strengths

• Viscious Blocker
• Good Pass Catcher
• Smart Runner

Weaknesses

• Undersized
• Short Yardage

Will Howard problems aside…I can’t stop watching TreVeyon Henderson on this play.

Out of all the things he does well, the NFL will love him as a blocker and he’s the best at it in the draft. If he’s not an every down back, he’s definitely the ultimate 3rd down/2 Minute back. https://t.co/hZMgpyS3H0

— Jagger May (@JagSays) November 2, 2024

I sometimes get it all right in a tweet. Henderson is a quarterback and coach's dream in a pass-heavy NFL. His reported size doesn't show on the field, and he looks like an every-down player. However, this is the era of the committee, and I wouldn't be surprised if he's on the favored side of a 60/40 split.

2. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State (JR)

Height: 6-0 | Weight: 218 | Film Grade: 86.4

Strengths

• Explosive Power Runner
• Viscious Blocker
• Elite Athlete

Weaknesses

• Average Vision

Ashton Jeanty is great, but Quinshon Judkins is a more than adequate consolation prize. Ohio State has an embarrassment of riches while having two complete backs. There are few holes in Judkins's running game, and Ohio State's emphasis on blocking effort is evident because he's a violent asset in pass protection. He doesn't have elite vision by any means but makes up for it by being an explosive tank.

1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State (JR)

Height: 5-9 | Weight: 216 | Film Grade: 91.35

Strengths

• Untacklable One-on-One
• Elite Vision
• Explosive Power Runner

Weaknesses

• Limited Receiver Downfield
• Average Blocker

What hasn't been said about Ashton Jeanty? We've rarely witnessed better runners in our modern age, and the production is quite literally historic. Jeanty has all the natural ability you could ask for with his bowling ball running style and bend to hide behind his blockers before exploding for chunk plays. If I could offer one criticism, I still think Bijan Robinson is a better prospect because of his receiving ability, but Jeanty more than has the potential to get there.