By Ross Jackson
This year’s 2025 NFL Draft class is expected to have upwards of 20-30 draftable players at running back. A big name headlines them all in Boise State back Ashton Jeanty, but for teams that feel like the first-round price tag is a little too rich for their liking, the group offers a ton of high-impact players behind the Heisman finalist.
The New Orleans Saints would be wise to invest a pick at some point in this class. Behind starting running back Alvin Kamara, the Saints face many questions at the position. Last year’s late-season free agent signing Clyde Edwards-Helaire offers the most experience alongside Kamara, but behind them is a young room with some things left to prove.
Third-year back Kendre Miller has received a lot of criticism for his injury history and ball-carriers Jordan Mims and Xazavian Valladay haven’t seen a ton of opportunities to prove themselves just yet.
The Saints have an opportunity to boost competition, accelerate development, and even solidify the future of the position in this year’s draft. Beyond Jeanty, several other backs bring tremendous upside, offering the potential to become dynamic playmakers at the professional level.
North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton
Some say the gap between Jeanty as “RB1” and Hampton at “RB2” is fairly slim. The powerful rusher is a versatile playmaker with explosive long-speed, great vision, and impressive run after contact ability.
If Hampton slips out of the first round, grabbing him at No. 40 overall would be a massive win for New Orleans. Even trading up slightly in the second round would be a smart move to secure a future workhorse back.
However, like Jeanty, Hampton carries some concerns due to his heavy college workload. With 534 carries over the past two seasons at North Carolina, he has absorbed significant contact. Given the high injury risk at his position, some teams may hesitate to invest a premium pick in him.
Since 2015, the Saints have drafted five running backs. Collectively, those backs averaged just 308.6 career carries. Hampton saw 281 in 2024 alone.
Combine Measurements
- Height: 5-foot-11
- Weight: 221 pounds
- Hand size: 9.38 inches
- Arm length: 30.5 inches
Combine Workout Results
- 40-yard-dash: 4.46 seconds
- Vertical: 38 inches
- Broad jump: 10-foot-10
- Shuttle: 4.4 seconds
- RAS: 9.62
2024 Stats
- 281 rushes (Led ACC)
- 1,660 rushing yards (Led ACC)
- 15 rushing touchdowns
- 38 receptions
- 373 receiving yards
- 2 receiving touchdowns
Tennessee RB Dylan Sampson
Sampson is a big play waiting to happen. He’s a speedy back with remarkable breakaway on tape. Although he rushed over 250 times in 2024, he only saw a combined 164 carries in the two years prior. Sampson’s workload exceeds the Saints’ typical threshold, but his impressive play on tape may be too good to pass up.
Although some teams may view him as undersized, head coach Kellen Moore has found success with similar backs like Austin Ekeler (5-foot-9, 200 pounds) and Kenneth Gainwell (5-foot-9, 201 pounds). Given that track record, Moore may see Sampson’s size as an asset rather than a limitation, especially when combined with his skill set and durability.
Combine Measurements
- Height: 5-foot-8
- Weight: 200 pounds
- Hand size: 8.74 inches
- Arm length: 30.5 inches
Combine Workout Results
- Bench: 13 reps
- Vertical: 35 inches
- Broad jump: 10-foot-4
- RAS: N/A
2024 Stats
- 258 rushes (Led SEC)
- 1,491 rushing yards (Led SEC)
- 22 rushing touchdowns (Led SEC)
- 20 receptions
- 143 receiving yards
- 0 receiving touchdowns
Arizona State RB Cameron Skattebo
If you enjoy confidence at running back, Skattebo is your guy.
Overlooked all too often, the Sun Devils rusher is athletic, powerful, and versatile. Even without running the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, he still found a way to impress with his masterclass in explosion drills.
Skattebo’s high motor and physicality are sure to make teams fall in love. He could seamlessly complement Kamara’s finesse in the backfield while also contributing as a pass-catcher, adding unpredictability to the Saints’ offense and keeping defenses on their toes. His prowess as a pass-catcher and route-runner out of the backfield are what sets him apart from the rest of his class.
Combine Measurements
- Height: 5-foot-9
- Weight: 219 pounds
- Hand size: 9.38 inches
- Arm length: 29.88 inches
Combine Workout Results
- Vertical: 39.5 inches
- Broad jump: 10-foot-3
- RAS: N/A
2024 Stats
- 293 rushes (Led Big-12)
- 1,711 rushing yards (Led Big-12)
- 21 rushing touchdowns
- 45 receptions
- 605 receiving yards
- 3 receiving touchdowns
Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson
It’s about time that the Saints re-open the Ohio State to New Orleans pipeline after taking a year off since drafting wide receiver Chris Olave. Henderson in the second or third round this year could be the prospect that convinces them to do so.
The Buckeyes back offers incredible acceleration, solid pass-catching ability, and willingness as a pass-blocker. A perfect complementary piece for a committee approach. He forced 37 missed tackles in 2024, while picking up 643 of his rushing yards after contact, per Pro Football Focus. His 7.1 yards per rushing attempt last year led the Big Ten.
Combine Measurements
- Height: 5-foot-10
- Weight: 202 pounds
- Hand size: 9.5 inches
- Arm length: 30.75 inches
Combine Workout Results
- 40-yard-dash: 4.43 seconds
- Vertical: 38.5 inches
- Broad jump: 10-foot-8
- RAS: 9.43
2024 Stats
- 144 rushes
- 1,016 rushing yards
- 10 rushing touchdowns
- 27 receptions
- 284 receiving yards
- 1 receiving touchdowns
Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson
One of the more underrated rushers in this year’s class, Johnson’s height and weight are ideal for the pro game on early downs. He hasn’t had a ton of experience catching out of the backfield, but that could come down more to opportunity than talent. Johnson isn’t a name that often flies off the top of people’s heads when talking about top rushing prospects. However, his talent is undeniable and he could make his name known at the next level without much doubt.
His ability to break tackles and fight through contact are game changing. With the ball in his hands, the Hawkeyes back in dynamic and a true playmaker.
Combine Measurements
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 220 pounds
- Hand size: 9.63 inches
- Arm length: 33.0 inches
Combine Workout Results
- 40-yard-dash: 4.57 seconds
- RAS: N/A
2024 Stats
- 240 rushes
- 1,537 rushing yards (Led Big Ten)
- 21 rushing touchdowns (Led Big Ten)
- 22 receptions
- 188 receiving yards
- 2 receiving touchdowns
Kansas State RB D.J. Giddens
One of the most unheralded backs in this year’s draft class, Gidden is a joy to watch because of his patience and discipline.
His highlight runs stand out as much for his agility behind the line of scrimmage as for his explosive bursts through contact after planting his foot. He goes down at first contact a bit more than some of the other options; however, that would require the contact to happen in the first place.
Including explosion, agility, speed, and build, Giddens checks a lot of boxes. It’s surprising that he’s projected as a late-Day 2 or early Day 3 pick.
Combine Measurements
- Height: 6-foot
- Weight: 212 pounds
- Hand size: 9.25 inches
- Arm length: 30.38 inches
Combine Workout Results
- 40-yard-dash: 4.43 seconds
- Vertical: 39.5 inches
- Broad jump: 10-foot-10
- Shuttle: 4.33 seconds
- RAS: 9.78u
2024 Stats
- 205 rushes
- 1,343 rushing yards
- 7 rushing touchdowns
- 21 receptions
- 358 receiving yards
- 1 receiving touchdown
UCF RB R.J. Harvey
Harvey is an explosive, speedy, and versatile back that can impact both the rushing and passing games.
He piled on 69 missed tackles and 897 rushing yards after contact, both impressive. His 6.8 yards per carry led the Big 12 in 2024 and averaged 3.88 yards after contact.
Harvey, a potential Day 3 pick, has the talent to start for more than 20 NFL teams. If the Saints take an interest, he could become a major steal, adding depth to their running back room while also serving as a versatile option for a post-Kamara future.
Combine Measurements
- Height: 5-foot-8
- Weight: 205 pounds
- Hand size: 9 inches
- Arm length: 29.0 inches
Combine Workout Results
- Bench: 16 reps
- 40-yard-dash: 4.4 seconds
- Vertical: 38 inches
- Broad jump: 10-foot-7
- Shuttle: 4.34 seconds
- RAS: 8.41u
2024 Stats
- 232 rushes
- 1,557 rushing yards
- 22 rushing touchdowns (Led Big 12)
- 20 receptions
- 267 receiving yards
- 3 receiving touchdowns
