John Canady

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/saquon-barkley/1030">Saquon Barkley</a> without a doubt stamped himself atop the list of NFL running backs heading into the 2025 season. The <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/philadelphia-eagles-depth-chart">Philadelphia Eagles</a> star rushed for 2,005 yards and combined for 15 total touchdowns in 2024. Not to mention the Penn State product capped his monster season off with a Super Bowl win. Heading into next season, Barkley headlines this list.

1) Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles

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After signing with the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/baltimore-ravens-depth-chart">Baltimore Ravens</a> in free agency last offseason, the talk surrounding <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/derrick-henry/2300">Derrick Henry</a> was that his career was in limbo and there was no way he'd be able to put up similar numbers in a backfield shared with Lamar Jackson. Not only did Henry prove that assumption wrong, but he put together arguably the best season of his career, rushing for 1,921 yards and 18 total touchdowns, while averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Henry lands at No. 2.

2) Derrick Henry, Baltimore Ravens

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/jahmyr-gibbs/2151">Jahmyr Gibbs</a> looked the part since his rookie season in 2023 in a split backfield. However,  in 2024, the Alabama product took another leap, capitalizing on a larger role after <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/david-montgomery/2103">David Montgomery</a> went down with an injury mid-season. The speedster proved to be a dynamic playmaker as both a rusher and receiver out of the backfield, posting 1,929 total yards and 20 touchdowns last season.

3) Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/bijan-robinson/2556">Bijan Robinson</a> proved that the hype out of college was more than warranted this past season, courtesy of a larger role under first-year <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/atlanta-falcons-depth-chart">Atlanta Falcons</a> head coach Raheem Morris. The former Texas star rushed for 1,456 yards and 14 touchdowns, while adding on 431 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air. Heading into his third season, another leap will only solidify Robinson as a top running back in the league.

4) Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/jonathan-taylor/1846">Jonathan Taylor</a> was once considered the best running back in the league after a dominant sophomore season, rushing for 1,811 yards and 20 total touchdowns for Indy before injuries limited his production over the last couple of seasons. Despite that, the Wisconsin product reminded people just how explosive he is this past season, totaling 1,431 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns in only 14 regular season games. If Taylor is able to stay healthy this season, there's no doubt in my mind he'll finish as a top-five running back in the league.

5) Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/josh-jacobs/1784">Josh Jacobs</a> headlined the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/green-bay-packers-depth-chart">Green Bay Packers</a> free agency class last offseason as one of the biggest additions to the team. The running back started his tenure off with the Packers slow, but down the stretch of the season, he proved exactly why Matt LaFleur jumped at the opportunity to add him to the offense. The powerful runner finished with 1,329 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns. Assuming he receives a similar workload to last season, Jacobs should finish as a top 10 back once again.

6) Josh Jacobs, Green Bay Packers

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When healthy, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/christian-mccaffrey/2662">Christian McCaffrey</a> has the case to be the best running back in the entire league as a whole. The former Stanford standout has next-level field vision, can change direction on a dime, and his abilities as both a rusher and receiving back put him in a category alone. However, recent injuries have put him in a position where he's no longer looked at as a top running back. If I were a betting man, I'd wager he uses that as fuel and proves he's still the top guy in the league this season, but for now, he lands at No. 7.

7) Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/kyren-williams/1225">Kyren Williams</a> showed exactly why Sean McVay was comfortable turning the backfield over to him last offseason. The Notre Dame product put together a career year, rushing for 1,299 yards and 14 touchdowns. Williams proved to be a reliable option in the red zone, and he'll only continue to get better in the team's system.

8) Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/breece-hall/1573">Breece Hall</a> has the same talent level as nearly every running back on this list, if not more. The Iowa State alum has made play after play with the ball in his hand, yet the situation in New York continues to put him in a position where he doesn't get a fair chance to succeed. That could change with new head coach Aaron Glenn in town, but with rumors of a split backfield, Hall's stock remains up in the air. Regardless, he's a top 10 running back in the league, and there's no way he'd fall out of my top 10.

9) Breece Hall, New York Jets

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/alvin-kamara/1091">Alvin Kamara</a> has produced at a high level seemingly since his rookie season as one of the best rushers and receiving backs in the league. Through the terrible situations he's played through since the retirement of Drew Brees, Kamara has managed to continue to prove he's a top backfield option. With an offensive guru in Kellen Moore now as the head coach, the 29-year-old could be set for a career year.

10) Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/devon-achane/1512">De’Von Achane</a> has quickly impressed in Miami since being drafted out of Texas A&amp;M. The speedster became a favorite of offensive guru Mike McDaniels, and with the backfield all to himself now, next season he will have the chance to prove he’s a top backfield option in the league.

11) De'Von Achane, Miami Dolphins

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/aaron-jones/1994">Aaron Jones</a> found a new home with the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/minnesota-vikings-depth-chart">Minnesota Vikings</a> after his career with the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/green-bay-packers-depth-chart">Green Bay Packers</a> came to an end. The receiving back proved he still has plenty left in the tank, leading the Vikings’ backfield last season. After the 30-year-old put together yet another 1,000-yard rushing season, Jones undoubtedly impressed Kevin O’Connell enough to earn a new two-year deal to stay in Minnesota.

12) Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/james-cook/1685">James Cook</a> is in the midst of a contract situation with the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/buffalo-bills-depth-chart">Buffalo Bills</a>. The running back feels he deserved to be paid, and considering his 16 touchdowns, he has a solid argument. Assuming the contract situation is resolved, Cook heads into 2025 as a top running back with plenty of potential to raise his ranking on this list.

13) James Cook, Buffalo Bills

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/joe-mixon/2063">Joe Mixon</a> was nearly cut by the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/cincinnati-bengals-depth-chart">Cincinnati Bengals</a> before a last-second effort by the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/houston-texans-depth-chart">Houston Texans</a> landed him in H-Town. In year one, he quickly proved to be the versatile backfield option DeMeco Ryans was searching for. Mixon heads into 2025 looking to build on a strong year one with the Texans.

14) Joe Mixon, Houston Texans

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/bucky-irving/60088">Bucky Irving</a> came in as a rookie and took the lead role in a split backfield for the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/tampa-bay-buccaneers-depth-chart">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>. The Oregon product finished the season on an impressive stretch with the third-most scrimmage yards in the league from Weeks 12-18. Heading into year two with a new play caller for the Bucs offense, Irving seems destined to get an increased role to prove why Tampa Bay and the rest of us are so high on him.

15) Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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It's hard to comfortably put a rookie over proven veterans, but considering the final season of college <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/ashton-jeanty/86054">Ashton Jeanty</a> put together, it seems like a safe bet to count on him putting together a strong rookie season for the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/las-vegas-raiders-depth-chart">Las Vegas Raiders</a>. As the centerpiece for the team's backfield with his talent, there's a chance Jeanty finishes the season much higher on this list, but for now, he lands at No. 16.

16) Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/kenneth-walker/1380">Kenneth Walker III</a> has proven time and time again that he's one of the top running backs in the league when healthy. If he can stay on the field this season, there's no reason his skillset won't allow him to finish as a top running back in the league, especially in a <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/seattle-seahawks-depth-chart">Seattle Seahawks</a> offense that greatly benefits his style of play.

17) Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/james-conner/2385">James Conner</a> has kind of become the definition of "ol' reliable" over the last couple of seasons for the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/arizona-cardinals-depth-chart">Arizona Cardinals</a>. The Pittsburgh product continues to play at a high level as an anchor for the Cards' offense with his versatility as a rusher and receiving back. At 30, Conner continues to play at a high level that lands him inside the top 20.

18) James Conner, Arizona Cardinals

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Since departing Detroit, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/dandre-swift/1363">D'Andre Swift</a> has put together back-to-back impressive seasons with the Eagles and <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/chicago-bears-depth-chart">Chicago Bears</a>. The former Georgia star is one of the best receiving backs in the league, but his shiftiness allows him to also be a threat between the tackles as a rusher. Back under the instruction of offensive guru Ben Johnson, Swift could be poised for a big year.

19) D'Andre Swift, Chicago Bears

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After two straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons with the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/dallas-cowboys-depth-chart">Dallas Cowboys</a>, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/tony-pollard/2441">Tony Pollard</a> took his talents to Tennessee, proving he can contribute at an elite level regardless of what team he's on. The Memphis product continued his 1k rushing season streak for a third straight season and now heads into next year, rounding out our list at No. 20.

20) Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans

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Heading into the NFL Draft, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/omarion-hampton/86052">Omarion Hampton</a> was a name that seemed to fly up teams' boards. The North Carolina product has everything it takes to be a premier running back at the next level, which is exactly why the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/los-angeles-chargers-depth-chart">Los Angeles Chargers</a> opted to select him with their first-round pick. Hampton offers a dynamic skillset to Jim Harbaugh's offense, and there's a good chance he becomes an immediate contributor during his rookie season.

21) Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/david-montgomery/2103">David Montgomery</a> is one of the biggest reasons the Lions' offense is so lethal. The one-two punch between Montgomery and Gibbs makes Detroit's backfield arguably the best in the entire league. Heading into 2025, the power runner will likely finish among the top of the league despite being part of a split backfield.

22) David Montgomery, Detroit Lions

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/chuba-hubbard/2671">Chuba Hubbard</a> was one of the best running backs in all of college football during his time at Oklahoma State, but being drafted to sit behind <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/christian-mccaffrey/2662">Christian McCaffrey</a> made it a bit difficult to hit the ground running when he made it to the league. However, under first-year head coach Dave Canales, the running back took on an increased role, and he capitalized on it, totaling 1,195 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this past year.

23) Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/isiah-pacheco/1592">Isiah Pacheco</a> quickly played himself into a starting role with the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/kansas-city-chiefs-depth-chart">Kansas City Chiefs</a> as a rookie, largely due to his ability to run the ball with an aggression that makes him a nightmare for defenders to tackle. Missing a large portion of last season due to injury, the Rutgers product enters next season looking to prove why he should continue to be the top backfield option for Andy Reid.

24) Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/travis-etienne/2750">Travis Etienne Jr.</a> started his tenure off with the <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/depth-chart/jacksonville-jaguars-depth-chart">Jacksonville Jaguars</a> strong, rushing for 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. However, there's no denying that last season was an incredibly discouraging year for anyone to buy stock in the former Clemson star. Whether it was due to <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/trevor-lawrence/2760">Trevor Lawrence</a> missing extended time or the fact that nearly every area of the team struggled as a whole, one thing is for sure -- Etienne will look to bounce back this coming season under first-year head coach Liam Coen.

25) Travis Etienne Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/treveyon-henderson/86153">TreVeyon Henderson</a> comes in just outside of the top 25 entering his rookie season, but there's no reason that when the year comes to an end that he can't solidify himself much higher on the list. The former Ohio State star has the agility, speed, and field vision to immediately take over in the New England Patriots' backfield, and he could prove to be one of the most explosive backfield options in the league in 2025.

26) TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/jaylen-warren/2180">Jaylen Warren</a> has shown flashes of just how electric he could be over the last few seasons, but in a split backfield, his opportunities were limited. That could change this coming season with the shifty running back slated to earn the starting role and prove just how dynamic he can be as the top guy out of the backfield for Mike Tomlin.

27) Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/tyrone-tracy/60104">Tyrone Tracy Jr.</a> made the switch to running back late in college, and it may be the best decision he ever made. During his rookie season in New York, the Purdue product showed out, taking over the Giants' backfield, rushing for 839 yards, reeling in 38 receptions for 284 yards, and combining for five touchdowns. Heading into year two, the powerful runner could be in line for a strong sophomore campaign.

28) Tyrone Tracy Jr., New York Giants

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/jk-dobbins/16352">J.K. Dobbins</a> was drafted as a premier running back prospect out of college after proving to be a star at Ohio State. Injuries have derailed his career, but after breaking out for 905 rushing yards and nine touchdowns this past season under Jim Harbaugh in Los Angeles in only 13 games. Dobbins found a home with the Denver Broncos in free agency, and he could be poised to have yet another strong season in the AFC West if he can remain healthy.

29) J.K. Dobbins, Denver Broncos

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/rhamondre-stevenson/16218">Rhamondre Stevenson</a> looked to be the future of the backfield in New England after two strong seasons for the Patriots. However, this past year, his struggles holding onto the ball raised a bit of concern that resulted in the team drafting Henderson high in the draft as potential protection. Despite that, the former Oklahoma standout has proved to be a dynamic pass-catcher out of the backfield, and if he can begin to protect the ball, Mike Vrabel could put him in position for a career year.

30) Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/brian-robinson/1187">Brian Robinson Jr.</a> has made a reputation for himself as a tough-nosed runner in the Commanders' offense over the last three years. The Alabama product has consistently proved to be a viable backfield weapon, and that doesn't look to change in 2025.

31) Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/rj-harvey/86138">RJ Harvey</a> was and still is considered to be one of the most underrated prospects selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. After two huge seasons at UCF, there's plenty of optimism about his game translating immediately to the NFL and in a running back room that could clearly be his for the taking, especially if Dobbins struggles to stay healthy, Harvey could end the season much higher on this list.
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32) RJ Harvey, Denver Broncos

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/najee-harris/2169">Najee Harris</a> may be one of the most interesting names on this list. The former Alabama star has finished with 1,000+ rushing yards in each of his first four seasons in the league, yet he's still not considered a top-tier running back, largely because of the apparent step back in speed and athleticism over the last two years. However, Harris has reportedly put in plenty of work this offseason, and the change of scenery could be exactly what he needs to write a different narrative about his game.
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33) Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers

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Entering the league, <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/javonte-williams/2238">Javonte Williams</a> was looked at as one of the most electric prospects. After a strong rookie year, he looked like he'd be the future of the Broncos' backfield. However, between injuries and a change at head coach, Williams found himself as the odd man out, which landed him in the NFC set to compete for a starting role in Dallas. Don't be surprised if Williams uses the chip on his shoulder to break out in 2025.
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34) Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/rachaad-white/1442">Rachaad White</a> undoubtedly lost his spot as the lead back in the Buccaneers' offense this past season with the arrival of Bucky Irving, but that doesn't take away from the talent that the Arizona State product possesses. White is a crafty receiving back and could be considered an underrated rusher between the tackles. For that, he lands in the top 40.

35) Rachaad White, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/tank-bigsby/2722">Tank Bigbsy</a> broke out in 2024, putting together one of the best sophomore seasons of any running back in the league, totaling 766 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. In a split backfield, Bigsby has all put ensured himself to see plenty of opportunities in the Jags' offense heading into year three, and it wouldn't be a shock to see the team rely on him to take the bulk of the rushing opportunities and hand of receiving duties to Travis Etienne.

36) Tank Bigsby, Jacksonville Jaguars

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/nick-chubb/16294">Nick Chubb</a> was once considered one of, if not the best running backs in the NFL before suffering not one, but two gruesome injuries that set back his career in Cleveland. After returning in 2024, the former Browns star didn't quite look like himself, but granted to what he returned to, there's not much Chubb could have shown. Now, the running back finds a new home in Houston, where he could prove he's still a top running back after plenty of offseason videos suggesting he's as healthy as ever.

37) Nick Chubb, Houston Texans

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Another former top running back whose career was derailed due to injury is <a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/austin-ekeler/1155">Austin Ekeler</a>. The shifty receiving back once was one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league, but after several injuries caused him to lose a step, he was forced to find a role elsewhere after his stint in Los Angeles came to an end. Despite that, he's bounced back in Washington and sneaks his way into the top 40.

38) Austin Ekeler, Washington Commanders

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/kaleb-johnson/86174">Kaleb Johnson</a> was an absolute monster during his final year at Iowa and now enters his rookie season in a backfield with the Pittsburgh Steelers that very much could consist of a lot of opportunities for the first-year player. It could take time for him to adjust to the NFL game, but when he does, look out.

39) Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers

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<a href="https://www.sportsgrid.com/nfl/players/braelon-allen/60146">Braelon Allen</a> is one of the biggest running backs in the league in terms of both size and strength. The second-year player may seem like a reach inside of the top 40, but all the talent is there at his disposal to have a huge sophomore year, and with new head coach Aaron Glenn reportedly leaning towards a split backfield, Allen could be poised for a breakout year.

40) Braelon Allen, New York Jets

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Ranking the NFL’s top 40 running backs for 2025, from Saquon to Bijan, based on production, versatility, durability, and projected impact this upcoming season.

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