Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty leads a deep running back class in the 2025 NFL Draft. Despite a resurgence in the prominence of the running back, Jeanty remains the lone Round 1 RB prospect. Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry’s dominance on elite teams may not boost the value of all running backs in the draft, but watch for teams with few holes try to grab elite talent to complete their roster.
After Jeanty in Round 1, who will be the next handful of running backs taken? Here we look at NFL Draft odds for running backs.
NFL Draft odds: Second RB drafted
Jeanty is a lock to be the first RB drafted in April. Given that near certainty, expect sportsbooks to drop second RB odds and over/under props on rounds and total RBs taken. Check back for second RB drafted odds when they become available.
How to bet on first RB drafted
Most sportsbooks have a full slate of NFL Draft bets including the first player drafted at each position. To find this section click the NFL tab and find a tab for “First Pick by Position” then view the odds listed below.
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NFL Draft: 2025 RB profiles
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State
Jeanty ran his way to multiple records and broke the Group of Five Heisman barrier. Though he failed to win the award–that went to Colorado’s Travis Hunter–Jeanty dominated headlines and led Boise State to the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff. He’ll go Round 1 – the question is, how high? Dallas at No. 10 is a logical landing spot, but will the Cowboys value Jeanty that high? The latest Jeanty falls likely is No. 22 to the Chargers, but it’s unlikely he lasts that long. His talent may prompt a team to trade up and grab him should he fall.
Omarion Hampton, North Carolina
Hampton fought an uphill battle gaining headlines at North Carolina. Other backs seemed to drown his fame out, but Hampton wrote one of the most storied careers at UNC. In 2023 and 2024, he rushed for nearly 3,200 yards and 30 touchdowns. Hampton battles with Johnson for the second RB off the board, likely in the mid-to-late second round.
Kaleb Johnson, Iowa
Jeanty was so dominant this year, Johnson’s season was nearly covered up entirely. He scored a touchdown in all but one game and found pay dirt multiple times in seven games. Against Minnesota (who rostered a fine rushing defense!) Johnson picked up over 200 yards and three rushing touchdowns. At 21 years old, he could present a real diamond in the rough in the late second or early third round.
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
When Judkins transferred in to Ohio State, many worried about how Henderson would fare and what that would do to his NFL Draft stock. Turns out, it didn’t hurt much. For those who may have lost track, Henderson burst back onto the scene with a 75-yard screen scamper against Texas in the CFP semifinals. Henderson possesses elite track speed and the best hands out of the backfield among any prospect, save for Jeanty. Expect him to contend with Hampton and Johnson to be RB2 in the second or third round.
Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State
Judkins was a workhorse at Ole Miss and made a shocking choice to transfer to Ohio State. The result? A national championship title and three championship game touchdowns. Judkins presented the thunder to Henderson’s lightning – he chose to run through defenders rather than around them. In a tandem backfield, Judkins presents a real opportunity late on Day 2 or early on Day 3. He could emerge as one of the more productive rookie backs in 2025, regardless of draft capital.
How Many RBs will be drafted in Round 1?
DraftKings Sportsbook will post how many RBs will be picked in the first round closer to the event. Expect this year’s prop to be set at 1.5 with heavy juice to the under. With such a bonafide RB1 prospect, look for second RB drafted props, as well.
NFL Draft RB history
Find a list of the first RB taken in each NFL Draft going back to 2010 below:
| Year | Team | Player | College | Pick (No. overall) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Carolina | Jonathan Brooks | Texas | 46 |
| 2023 | Atlanta | Bijan Robinson | Texas | 8 |
| 2022 | NY Jets | Breece Hall | Iowa State | 36 |
| 2021 | Pittsburgh | Najee Harris | Alabama | 24 |
| 2020 | Kansas City | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | LSU | 32 |
| 2019 | Oakland | Josh Jacobs | Alabama | 24 |
| 2018 | NY Giants | Saquon Barkley | Penn State | 2 |
| 2017 | Jacksonville | Leonard Fournette | LSU | 4 |
| 2016 | Dallas | Ezekiel Elliott | Ohio State | 4 |
| 2015 | St. Louis | Todd Gurley | Georgia | 10 |
| 2014 | Tennessee | Bishop Sankey | Washington | 54 |
| 2013 | Cincinnati | Gio Bernard | UNC | 37 |
| 2012 | Cleveland | Trent Richardson | Alabama | 3 |
| 2011 | New Orleans | Mark Ingram | Alabama | 28 |
| 2010 | Buffalo | CJ Spiller | Clemson | 9 |
NFL Draft odds: Strategy and trends
As mentioned, running backs are becoming a less and less desired position in the draft. Two backs were taken in the first round in 2023 and 2021. However, in 2013, 2014, 2022 and 2024, no backs were drafted in the first round.
When it comes to NFL Draft odds and betting, it’s important to think predictively. Whether or not you see Player X as the top player in the group, is that feeling shared among NFL front offices? Even draft rankings from experts should be taken with a grain of salt. At the end of the day, the executives are the ones drafting, not the scouts.