2025 NFL Draft Position Breakdown: RB Class Could Be Best in Decades

An in-depth analysis of the 2025 NFL Draft class, highlighting the deep running back talent, position rankings, and potential draft steals.

Position-by-Position Analysis of the 2025 NFL Draft Class

1. Running Back

  • First-round graded players: 2 (Ashton Jeanty, Boise State & Omarion Hampton, North Carolina)
  • Top 100 prospects: 11

Overview: This RB class is being compared to the legendary 2008 group, with elite talent at the top and unprecedented depth. Teams will find starting-caliber backs well into Day 3.

Team Fit:

  • Chicago Bears could land Kaleb Johnson in Round 2 - a perfect zone-run scheme fit at 6'1", 224 lbs

Sleeper Alert:

  • Texas Tech's Tahj Brooks (5'9", 214 lbs) - All-time program rushing leader with 4,560 yards

2. Tight End

  • First-round graded players: 2 (Tyler Warren, Penn State & Colston Loveland, Michigan)
  • Top 100 prospects: 7

Noteworthy: Two potential top-10 TE selections would be a first since 1973. The class features both elite receiving threats and complete players.


3. Defensive Tackle

  • Top prospect: Mason Graham, Michigan (#3 overall)
  • Depth: 12 in Top 100 (vs 5-year avg of 7.2)

Standout Trait: This group excels at collapsing pockets with Graham, Nolen (Ole Miss), and Harmon (Oregon) forming an elite trio.


4. Edge Rushers

  • First-round grades: 4
  • Hybrid to watch: Georgia's Jalon Walker (#6 overall) - LB/EDGE versatility

5. Secondary Positions

  • Cornerback: Travis Hunter leads a CB class with 3 first-round grades
  • Safety: Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) tests as rare athletic specimen

Draft Strategy Insights

  1. Running Back Value: Teams can wait until Day 2 for starting-caliber RBs
  2. TE Premium: Quality extends beyond the top two with 7 total in Top 100
  3. DT Depth: Rotational players will be available into late rounds
  4. O-Line Notes: Guard class lacks elite talent but has developmental prospects
  5. QB Outlook: Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward headline a top-heavy group

Final Thought: The 2025 draft offers something for every team, with particularly strong value at skill positions and defensive line.

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