Raheim Sanders NFL Draft 2025: Scouting Report for South Carolina RB

HEIGHT: 6'0"

WEIGHT: 217

HAND: 9¼"

ARM: 31½"

WINGSPAN: 76¼"

40-YARD DASH: 4.46

VERTICAL: 36.5"

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POSITIVES

— Patience and vision to find rushing lanes to daylight.

— Tough and physical downhill, one-cut running style.

— Buildup long speed to generate big plays down the field.

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NEGATIVES

— Physical running style brings durability concerns; dealt with knee and shoulder injuries in 2023.

— Pass-protection technique to provide reliability on passing downs.

— Acceleration and burst are only modest.

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NOTES

— Born June 8, 2002

— 5-star recruit in 2021 class, per 247Sports 

— 2024 College Football Comeback Player of the Year Award; Second-Team All-SEC

— 2022 Second-Team All-SEC

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OVERALL

Raheim Sanders is a three-down running back with good long speed to rip off big gains.

Sanders turns short runs into long plays with his buildup speed. He has a well-proportioned frame with muscle density and bulk to handle work between the tackles.

Sanders is difficult to tackle in one-on-one situations. Defenders must be sound in their technique, ready to square up and wrap to secure the tackle. He powers through arm tackles and is an effective short-yardage back due to his leg drive.

Sanders attacks the line of scrimmage with good vision to find open lanes. He identifies and diagnoses hard vs. soft edges to determine his course of action. Sanders is a one-cut-and-go runner who is at his best getting downhill as a north-and-south runner. He tracks and catches the ball well, making him a valuable asset in the passing game. Sanders is a functional receiver in the screen game, swing and checkdown routes.

Sanders’ burst and acceleration are average at best. He should not be confused with an explosive or dynamic starter. His movements are not fluid in a phone booth when trying to evade defenders. His feet stop and start instead of flowing smoothly from one movement to the next. Pass protection is underwhelming for a back of his size and frame. He must refine this aspect of his game to ensure his snap share is suitable for a consistent impact player.

Overall, Sanders is a powerful downhill runner with good buildup speed. He projects as an RB3/4 with the chance to climb the depth chart and carve out a role offensively.

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GRADE: 6.4 (Developmental Prospect — 5th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 181

POSITION RANK: RB22

PRO COMPARISON: Rhamondre Stevenson

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Dame Parson