NFL Running Backs Experience Resurgence Ahead of Draft

The running back position in the NFL is experiencing a resurgence, driven by standout performances from players like Saquon Barkley, who rushed for 2,005 yards in 2024 and helped the Philadelphia Eagles secure a Super Bowl victory. This resurgence has caught the attention of top prospects, including Ashton Jeanty from Boise State, who noted that the value of running backs is on the rise again after years of devaluation. Jeanty, a Heisman Trophy runner-up, turned heads with his 2,601 rushing yards last season and is projected to be a top pick in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Analysts suggest that the current draft class of running backs is among the strongest in recent years, with multiple candidates potentially selected in the first round. The changing dynamics are encouraging teams to reconsider investments in high-caliber running backs, as evidenced by significant contracts given to players like Derrick Henry and Josh Jacobs. As Jeanty and other prospects prepare for the draft, there is a renewed optimism about the role running backs can play in enhancing offensive performance.