2025 NFL Free Agency and Draft: RB

[supafreak84]

That's very similar to how I'd rank them. I have a friend who thinks Jeanty's overrated and is too small for the NFL. I just don't know how you can watch 5 minutes of that guy and say "oh that guy can't play." He's such a gifted runner. Speed, burst, balance. Love everything about him. And he's exactly the same size as Emmitt Smith was. 

Love Sampson's fit and I like Judkins more than most. Mostly I like that you have both of them over Skattebo and the Iowa back. I think Skattebo can carve out a role as a Taysom Hill-like gadget player, but I don't think he'll ever be a 3-down back in the NFL. I had the same reaction after 5 minutes watching him as I did with Laquon Treadwell. Requisite NFL movement skills are not there.

Jeanty is probably the closest thing I've seen to Barry Sanders since Barry Sanders. Special skill set and special talent that you can build an offense around. I think the floor for where he gets drafted is Dallas at 12

On the Iowa back, I just didn't see a lot of juice on tape from him. Not real dynamic in the passing game or a lot of make you miss. 

I think most feel Skattebo's stock is going to heavily depend on measurables. I think he's probably a 4.58 type guy but I'll tell you what I do love about him though is his ability to absorb hits and either brush them off completely or keep plowing forward is second only to Jeanty in this class. He's excellent in the passing game and great lateral ability to cut and find the hole. Had an SEC team roll into town early this season and he blasted them for 262 yards rushing. The guy showed up huge in the biggest games and in the biggest moments. Dominated Texas in the bowl game. Probably a mid round grade on him currently.

[Tyr]

It's hard to ignore what guys likes Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry have done this season and while Aaron Jones was definitely an upgrade over what we've had recently, his performance trailed off when we needed him most. I would be fine with bringing Jones back for one more year, but I'd like to add a younger power back to pair with him and eventually take over.

Obviously, the interior line needs to be addressed too, but there were too many times this year when they needed the running game to step up and it just wasn't there. They were terrible at protecting the lead with the running game and honestly, this would have been a bigger topic of conversation if the D hadn't bailed them out with so many game saving INTs. I'd like to actually have a good enough running game to get a couple 1st downs when it matters and if that is not possible, I'd like to see O'Connell be more aggressive keep going for scores rather than failing to run out the clock like they did this year. Runs shouldn't have to feel like wasted downs.

[MaroonBells]

[MaroonBells]

[purplefaithful]

I would be delighted with him or Judkins...

Supa hit it on the head earlier; Judkins is a Montgomery type and Henderson more of a home run guy.

I would probably like either over the kid from Iowa.

[MaroonBells]

I would be delighted with him or Judkins...

Supa hit it on the head earlier; Judkins is a Montgomery type and Henderson more of a home run guy.

I would probably like either over the kid from Iowa.

It's funny, PFF has both Henderson and Judkins ranked lower than most, so in the last mock draft I did on their site, I traded down a couple times, picked up another 3rd and drafted my corner late in the 1st (Barron), and then drafted both Henderson and Judkins with two 3rd rounders. And, no, I don't think that's feasible or advisable. But they are quite a pair. I think the last time two backs from the same backfield were ranked as high was the two Auburn backs Cadillac Williams and Ronnie Brown. Both went top 5.

[supafreak84]

Was listening to McShay yesterday and he thinks Trayvion Henderson might be RB #2 in this draft and he doesn't think he gets out of the 1st round. Thinks he'll be a better pro than college player and the scouts love that he is an every down back and probably the best pass protector in this draft group. 

To me, this is probably the most interesting position in this draft to watch the process play out and who separates themselves from the pack

[MaroonBells]

Was listening to McShay yesterday and he thinks Trayvion Henderson might be RB #2 in this draft and he doesn't think he gets out of the 1st round. Thinks he'll be a better pro than college player and the scouts love that he is an every down back and probably the best pass protector in this draft group. 

To me, this is probably the most interesting position in this draft to watch the process play out and who separates themselves from the pack

I'd be very happy with Henderson. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (heretofore JCM) was very impressive last night in the Shrine game. 5-10, 206, good hands and speed, runs hard. I think I read he only played in one game during the regular season due to some sort of discipline issue. If that gets sorted out, he could be a helluva day three pick.

[Canthony]

A name I haven't heard much about is Devin Neal. I think for a pick at the end of 3rd or early 4th would be a great get. He is really the total package. Chose to stay home to play for Kansas. Ended his college career as one of if not the best player to ever come out of Kansas. Here are just a few of his strengths. I think he would be perfect in this offense. Total safety net for McCarthy.


He’s a natural pass catcher, at his best pulling in swing passes and heading upfield. He’s a natural in the screen game as well. His hands are good enough that Neal can line up in the slot.
Neal often thrived in the screen game, transitioning upfield quickly and showing a knack for following his blocks. He has the size and strength to pass protect.
He has the athleticism, quick feet and functional strength to set the edge and open running lanes.
His passing game skills are strong. He’s a natural hands catcher who turns upfield quickly in the screen game, and he shows a great feel for setting up wheel routes.
His vision is outstanding, and he has an innate understanding of when to go and when to sit back and wait for blocks to develop. Neal thrives as a one-cut back
He’s extremely dangerous in the open field, showing the vision and creativity to run through entire defenses.

[MaroonBells]

A name I haven't heard much about is Devin Neal. I think for a pick at the end of 3rd or early 4th would be a great get. He is really the total package. Chose to stay home to play for Kansas. Ended his college career as one of if not the best player to ever come out of Kansas. Here are just a few of his strengths. I think he would be perfect in this offense. Total safety net for McCarthy.


He’s a natural pass catcher, at his best pulling in swing passes and heading upfield. He’s a natural in the screen game as well. His hands are good enough that Neal can line up in the slot.
Neal often thrived in the screen game, transitioning upfield quickly and showing a knack for following his blocks. He has the size and strength to pass protect.
He has the athleticism, quick feet and functional strength to set the edge and open running lanes.
His passing game skills are strong. He’s a natural hands catcher who turns upfield quickly in the screen game, and he shows a great feel for setting up wheel routes.
His vision is outstanding, and he has an innate understanding of when to go and when to sit back and wait for blocks to develop. Neal thrives as a one-cut back
He’s extremely dangerous in the open field, showing the vision and creativity to run through entire defenses.

He was before my time (barely), but I might put Gayle Sayers ahead of Neal in terms of best Kansas player. I like Neal. I just think he's in that area on day two where there are probably gonna be a 7 or 8 backs get drafted. The order they go in is probably going to be about fit.