2025 NFL Draft RB ‘Quick Hitters:’ Mini Scouting Reports on Mid-Round Running Backs

Over the past four months, I have provided you all more detailed scouting reports on the top prospects in this draft. However, due to time constraints that come along with finishing your final semester of college, working, and serving in church ministry, I was unable to write detailed scouting reports for many of the players I have rated in the 40-125 range of this draft. The intention of today’s article is to get you mildly familiar with the best prospects who will still be available in Rounds 2-4.

Today, we will take a closer look at the running backs.

*Note: Players who I have already written full scouting reports for will not be featured in these articles. You may access those on my position rankings article, which may be accessed HERE.

LeQuint Allen | RB | Syracuse | 6’0″, 204 lbs

• Smooth change-of-direction skills
• Hits the hole with conviction and hits it quick
• One of the best pass-blocking backs in the entire class
• Natural receiver out of the backfield who runs good routes
• Needs to lower the pads when running in between the tackles

Cam Skattebo | RB | Arizona State | 5’10”, 219 lbs

• Hits the hole hard and punishes defenders with his power
• Good acceleration off the snap and through the hole
• Fight through contact better than almost anyone
• Lacks top-end speed
• Poor technique as a pass blocker

Donovan Edwards | RB | Michigan | 5’11”, 205 lbs

• One of the most explosive runners in the draft
• Possesses breakaway speed, respectable power, and above-average core strength
• Good hands out of the backfield
• Handled an increased amount of pass-blocking responsibilities the past two seasons like a champ
• Poor vision is the only thing that could keep Edwards from being great

Devin Neal | RB | Kansas | 5’11”, 213 lbs

• Great body control in between the tackles and finds ways to muster the extra yard
• Good balance of patience and decisiveness
• Natural hands that can haul in off-target throws
• Willing but still somewhat soft in the pass-blocking department

Brashard Smith | RB | SMU | 5’10”, 194 lbs

• Dangerous receiver out of the backfield
• Good vision and burst as a runner
• Possesses breakaway speed
• Undersized for a three-down role
• Lackluster in pass-blocking assignments

Bhayshul Tuten | RB | Virginia Tech | 5’9″, 206 lbs

• Elite speed, can take any run to the house
• Strong lower body, withstands contact and fights through tackles to gain extra yardage
• Lacks patience for a block to develop and open a hole
• Poor anticipation as a receiver, but very dangerous when he can haul the pass in.

RJ Harvey | RB | UCF | 5’8″, 205 lbs

• Outstanding patience to the hole
• Great open-field speed once his gets into full gear
• Runs with impressive power for an undersized back
• Takes poor blocking angles in pass protection

Damien Martinez | RB | Miami | 6’0″, 217 lbs

• Lost weight during the pre-draft process and looks much more explosive
• Great power coming downhill
• Impressive footwork and twitchiness in between the tackles
• Still a lot of room to grow when it comes to both pass catching and pass protecting

Jaydon Blue | RB | Texas | 5’9″, 196 lbs

• Game-breaking speed and explosiveness
• Incredible lower-body agility
• Needs to let the game slow down for him; plays too fast for himself and can lose the ball in the process, whether that be while running the ball of the middle or failing to catch it in the flat
• Not ready for NFL pass-blocking duties

Ollie Gordon II | RB | Oklahoma State | 6’1″, 226 lbs

• Physical running back who is dangerous when he keeps his pads low
• Doesn’t get worn down as the game goes on; embraces large workloads
• Sound technique in pass protection
• Poor acceleration and subpar speed will limit his impact in the NFL more than it did in college
• Lacks elusiveness in the open field

Jordan James | RB | Oregon | 5’10”, 205 lbs

• Strong lower body helps him continue forward through contact
• Impressive change-of-direction skills
• Great attitude and approach to blocking assignments
• Doesn’t have breakaway speed

Trevor Etienne | RB | Auburn | 5’9″, 198 lbs

• Great vision in between the tackles
• Dangerous receiver out of the backfield
• Patient and confident in pass protection
• Poor power, can struggle in short-yardage situations
• Not the most effective fighting through contact

Stay tuned to FFSN for all the latest breakdowns, news, and rumors as we approach the 2025 NFL Draft!