NFL's Top Running Backs for 2025 Revealed: Experts Rank the League's Best

As the 2025 NFL training camps approach, league insiders have weighed in on the top performers. ESPN conducted a survey of NFL executives, coaches, and scouts to rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions. This is the sixth edition of these rankings, reflecting shifts in player performance and team dynamics.

The ranking process involved voters submitting their top 10 players at each position. The results were compiled and ranked based on the number of top-10 votes, composite average, and insights gathered from numerous interviews. ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen contributed research and film study. Over 70 voters participated, and follow-up discussions were conducted to resolve any ties.

The goal was to identify the best players for the upcoming 2025 season, focusing on current performance rather than past achievements or future potential.

The schedule will roll out one position per day over 11 days, starting with running backs and followed by defensive tackles, edge rushers, safeties, tight ends, interior offensive linemen, offensive tackles, quarterbacks, off-ball linebackers, wide receivers, and cornerbacks.

The running game is experiencing a resurgence in the NFL. Teams are increasingly relying on their running backs, with rushing offenses posting impressive numbers in the 2024 season. Seven teams averaged at least 140 rushing yards per game, a significant increase from the previous year.

"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," according to a veteran NFC scout.

Success stories emerged across the league, with running backs playing pivotal roles in Super Bowl runs and transforming offenses. Young backs in Detroit and Atlanta also showcased their potential.

This year's top 10 list features a mix of established stars and emerging talents.

1. Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles

• Highest Ranking: 1
• Lowest Ranking: 2
• Age: 28
• Last Year's Ranking: 4

Saquon Barkley dominated the voting, securing nearly every first-place vote. His outstanding performance in 2024 reminded many of his potential when he was drafted second overall by the New York Giants.

"It was almost like this was expected -- he was always expected to be this," an NFL personnel director said. "Everybody thought he was a great player [at Penn State] and he proved what people thought he would be. It just took some peaks and valleys. And he was in a bad offense [in New York]."

Barkley's 2,504 rushing yards and seven scrimmage touchdowns of 60-plus yards were the most in a season in NFL history.

2. Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

• Highest Ranking: 1
• Lowest Ranking: 6
• Age: 31
• Last Year's Ranking: 9

Derrick Henry continues to defy expectations, maintaining his dominance despite his age. His 830 rushing yards after contact in 2024 were far more than any other player.

"He'll slow down at some point, but he's got elite body composition and elite work ethic," an AFC executive noted. "He's a monster. No one wants to tackle him, and then when he wears you down, that's when he breaks off that big run."

Henry's efficiency has seemingly increased with age, as his 5.9 yards per rush last season was the highest mark by a player with 250 carries since 2012.

3. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

• Highest Ranking: 2
• Lowest Ranking: 9
• Age: 23
• Last Year's Ranking: 8

Jahmyr Gibbs, nicknamed "Sonic," impressed with a league-leading 20-touchdown season.

Gibbs's speed and explosiveness can "flip the game upside down" on one play, according to an NFC scout. His 6.4 yards per touch was the highest mark by any player with 250 touches in a decade.

4. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

• Highest Ranking: 1
• Lowest Ranking: Unranked
• Age: 23
• Last Year's Ranking: 6

Bijan Robinson thrived in 2024, earning primary back status and accumulating 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns.

"Size, speed, acceleration, pass game, value, breaks tackles, can hit home runs," an NFL coordinator praised. "He's a nightmare to prepare for."

5. Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

• Highest Ranking: 3
• Lowest Ranking: Unranked
• Age: 29
• Last Year's Ranking: 1

Christian McCaffrey's ranking is primarily affected by durability concerns.

"He's a great player, but he's always had durability issues, even in college," an NFL personnel executive said. "He's an elite trainer and takes great care of himself. He's just not a big body and will lose a step eventually."

6. Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers

• Highest Ranking: 3
• Lowest Ranking: 10
• Age: 27
• Last Year's Ranking: 7

Josh Jacobs proved his value with 1,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, returning to his 2022 form.

"Elite balance, strength, vision, feet and determination with the ball in his hands," a high-ranking NFC personnel executive said. "He catches it well. True difference-maker. And he plays every week. Availability. I tend to lean toward well-rounded backs that are elite runners and huge threats in the passing game, and Jacobs fits that bill."

7. Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

• Highest Ranking: 2
• Lowest Ranking: Unranked
• Age: 26
• Last Year's Ranking: 5

Jonathan Taylor produced 1,432 yards and 11 touchdowns despite inconsistent quarterback play.

"He's underrated," an AFC executive commented. "Highly productive and can wear you down before breaking off a big run."

8. James Cook, Buffalo Bills

• Highest Ranking: 4
• Lowest Ranking: Unranked
• Age: 25
• Last Year's Ranking: Honorable Mention

James Cook broke into the top 10 after a 16-touchdown season.

"Dangerous and explosive," according to an NFL personnel executive.

9. Joe Mixon, Houston Texans

• Highest Ranking: 5
• Lowest Ranking: Unranked
• Age: 28
• Last Year's Ranking: Honorable Mention

Joe Mixon found new life in Houston, showcasing his all-around abilities.

"Really good vision, feet, contact balance -- a hammer in the run game," an NFL personnel evaluator said. "Looked worn down at the end of the season, but overall that was a really good trade for Houston."

10. Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

• Highest Ranking: 7
• Lowest Ranking: Unranked
• Age: 29
• Last Year's Ranking: Honorable Mention

Alvin Kamara rebounded into the top 10 with 1,503 scrimmage yards.

"Some of the elite traits are still there," an NFL offensive coach stated. "He didn't have much of an offensive line or supporting cast last year. But he can still take a screen for big yardage and still has great contact balance."

Honorable Mentions

• Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: "Combination of speed, quicks and contact balance. Heck of a runner. Rarely goes down on first contact."
• Aaron Jones Sr., Minnesota Vikings: "Classic slasher. Darts through run lanes. Plays big on the goal line. A dual threat. Love everything about him, but durability and age [30] are issues."
• De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins: "Elite speed and explosion. Could wear down because he's small. Similar to Gibbs. He just gets banged up. Runs very hard for how small he is and should get out on the perimeter more as a pass catcher."
• Breece Hall, New York Jets: "He's been one of the best in the league at points. I just haven't felt the same way recently. I know the injuries have been an issue... Still has good lower-body balance and home run juice."
• James Conner, Arizona Cardinals: "He's a load to bring down. Short strider with quick feet to slip tacklers, find slices of daylight. Good second-level burst. Runs behind his pads. Finisher. Underrated player."

Also receiving votes: Kyren Williams (Los Angeles Rams), David Montgomery (Detroit Lions), Brian Robinson Jr. (Washington Commanders), Chuba Hubbard (Carolina Panthers), D'Andre Swift (Chicago Bears), Kenneth Walker III (Seattle Seahawks)