NFL · 9 months ago

2025 NFL Draft: Predicting the Landing Spots for the Top 5 RB Prospects

Paul Connor

Host · Writer

5. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Projected NFL Landing Spot: Pittsburgh Steelers

With Najee Harris departing in free agency, the Steelers may set their sights on Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson as a potential successor. At 6’1” and 224 pounds, Johnson fits the mold of a classic Steelers power back—rugged and physical, yet with surprising burst. The 21-year-old turned heads last season, rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns while averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry.

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1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Projected NFL Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders

This one feels like a no-brainer. The Raiders' ground game was the league's worst in 2024, averaging a dismal 79.8 yards per game. Enter new head coach Pete Carroll, a longtime proponent of a physical, run-heavy offense. Coming off a monster season at Boise State in which he racked up 2,601 rushing yards, Jeanty is a perfect match for Carroll's philosophy.

2025 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Predictions for Every First-Round Pick
2. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Projected NFL Landing Spot: Dallas Cowboys

Another pairing that looks obvious on paper — though with Jerry Jones, nothing’s ever a given. A powerful, downhill runner, Hampton would instantly boost a Cowboys rushing attack that’s struggled mightily over the past two seasons, much like Ezekiel Elliott did as a rookie in 2016.
3. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
Projected NFL Landing Spot: Chicago Bears

One half of Ohio State’s two-headed monster at running back, the 6’0”, 221-pound Judkins would make a strong complement to current Bears starter D’Andre Swift. Head coach Ben Johnson favored a “Thunder and Lightning” approach during his time as the Lions’ offensive coordinator, pairing David Montgomery with Jahmyr Gibbs. A similar backfield blueprint could emerge in the Windy City.
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4. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Projected NFL Landing Spot: Denver Broncos

With blazing 4.43 speed and an eye-popping 7.1 yards per carry last season, Henderson was a key piece of Ohio State’s run to the national title. I’ve got the explosive 22-year-old landing in Denver, where head coach Sean Payton needs a dynamic playmaker in the backfield after cycling through four different RBs in 2024. Henderson’s big-play ability would also be a massive boost for the continued development of quarterback Bo Nix, who impressed in his rookie campaign.

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5. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Projected NFL Landing Spot: Pittsburgh Steelers

With Najee Harris departing in free agency, the Steelers may set their sights on Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson as a potential successor. At 6’1” and 224 pounds, Johnson fits the mold of a classic Steelers power back—rugged and physical, yet with surprising burst. The 21-year-old turned heads last season, rushing for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns while averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry.

Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
1. Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Projected NFL Landing Spot: Las Vegas Raiders

This one feels like a no-brainer. The Raiders' ground game was the league's worst in 2024, averaging a dismal 79.8 yards per game. Enter new head coach Pete Carroll, a longtime proponent of a physical, run-heavy offense. Coming off a monster season at Boise State in which he racked up 2,601 rushing yards, Jeanty is a perfect match for Carroll's philosophy.

2025 NFL Mock Draft: Bold Predictions for Every First-Round Pick