Overlooked Rookie RBs Who Can Have a Major Impact on 2025 NFL Season

Running back is one of the easiest positions to fill in the NFL. The league has discovered that teams can find productive ball-carriers without having to invest heavily in the position.

Outliers still exist, of course. Certain talents deserve significant investments. Depending on each organization's philosophy, once isn't necessary, though.

In recent years, the likes of Bucky Irving, Tyrone Tracy Jr., Chase Brown, Tyler Allgeier and Isiah Pacheco were drafted in the fourth round or later before becoming significant offensive pieces early in their careers.

The incoming class will have at least one or two do the same. Nineteen different running backs heard their names called on Day 3 of this year's draft. Multiple options should be in position to create an impact in Year 1, with five potentially set up best to do so.

Cam Skattebo, New York Giants

AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis

Cam Skattebo established a cult following thanks to his performance during this past season's College Football Playoff, where he accumulated 450 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns touchdowns in two games.

His hard-nose style is endearing to plenty of old-school football fans. It's also why he should become a vital component to the New York Giants after they drafted the running back with this year's 105th overall pick.

"I'm physical. People don't think I'm as fast as I am, which I am fast. Punish the defender because they don't want to do it for four quarters," Skattebo told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. "Not everyone thinks they have to play for four quarters, because today's game it's either a blowout or a tight game. ... You either score a lot or you don't. My objective at the end of the day is to get to the end zone."

The 219-pound ball-carrier is simultaneously a punishing runner and an effective weapon in both phases of the offense.

The Giants drafted Tyrone Tracy Jr. in last year's fifth round. He went on to become their lead back by the end of his rookie campaign. He was a wide receiver who converted to running back, though. He's still developing and really emerging in his role.

At the same time, Skattebo can provide a hammer as the ideal complementary piece. He can snipe some short-yardage and goal-line carries, while providing some attitude to the New York offense.

Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns

AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki

The Cleveland Browns reset at running back this offseason.

Nick Chubb will go down as an all-time great even for a franchise that featured all-time great runners. After seven seasons in Cleveland, he's now with the Houston Texans. Meanwhile, the Browns are now searching for a new lead back.

Jerome Ford remains on the roster after leading team in rushing during the last two seasons due to Chubb's injuries. Despite his presence, the Browns felt compelled to draft a pair of running backs in this year's class.

Initially, Cleveland selected Ohio State's Quinshon Judkins in the second round. He may be facing a league suspension to start his NFL career after being arrested for domestic violence and battery charge in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Browns general manager Andrew Berry doubled-down on running back by selecting Dylan Sampson in the fourth round. Last season, the Tennessee product led the SEC with 1,491 rushing yards. He's a slashing runner with homerun-hitting speed.

"We obviously value running the football in our organization," Browns director of player personnel Dan Saganey said after the draft. "Guys that have speed, toughness, run with vision and instincts, anytime you get two (of them), you're excited. You don't have to have one guy carry the load. You can keep people fresh."

Well, that number may be halved depending on what happens in Judkins' case, which creates further opportunities for Sampson.

The 20-year-old has the physical ability to be a lead back. It may take some time for that to happen, but the runway is basically clear for him to take off as a rookie.

Jordan James, San Francisco 49ers

AP Photo/Jeff Chiu

A combination of factors could play in Jordan James' favor after the San Francisco 49ers drafted the running back in this year's fifth round.

Christian McCaffrey's health is the obvious starting point. The three-time first-team All-Pro running back appeared in four games last season. Ultimately, ACL tendonitis followed by a PCL injury pushed McCaffrey onto injured reserve. Currently, the Niners' lead back appears to be back at full strength.

"I spent a lot of time (early in the offseason) kind of building back a base from scratch," McCaffrey said during organized team activities. "I wanted to put myself in a position where I didn't miss a day of OTAs and I could practice and play football again and be healthy again and not miss a day. And I did that. And now we can kind of kick back up to training again."

How McCaffrey holds up this season has yet to be seen. He's now 29 and injuries could become a regular occurrence. Furthermore, the 49ers traded Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings. Meanwhile, Isaac Guerendo is coming off a foot injury than ended his first attempt at being a lead back.

Finally, James didn't test well prior to the draft, though his running style does blend well with head coach Kyle Shanahan's offensive scheme.

"He was a favorite of former 49ers running back Frank Gore, who works for the team's scouting department, and running backs coach Bobby Turner, who regularly had phone conversations with James in the run-up to the draft," The Athletic's Matt Barrows reported.

DJ Giddens, Indianapolis Colts

AP Photo/Michael Conroy

At this point in Jonathan Taylor's career, his aura feels more like James Gunn's version of Superman than the standard set by Christopher Reeve.

For those who have yet to see this year's summer blockbuster, David Corenswet is often seen battered instead of truly invincible. As great of a runner as Taylor is, he's been hampered by injuries as of late.

Over the last three seasons, the two-time Pro Bowler missed 16 games. His absence during those stretches dramatically altered the Colts offense.

Indianapolis did hedge its bet this offseason by signing Khalil Herbert to serve as RB2, though he didn't produce much for the Bengals in 2024.

Instead, a bit of Taylor can be found in DJ Giddens' game. Over the last two seasons, the Kansas State product amassed 3,150 yards from scrimmage and 21 total touchdowns. He has a gliding style with breakaway speed.

"The production that he's had the last couple years there has been impressive to watch," Colts head coach Shane Steichen said after they drafted Giddens in the fifth round. "The vision, the contact balance, the way he runs—he's a 4.43 guy that can catch the ball out of the backfield, is big for our team as well. So, it's a good get."

With the likelihood of Taylor missing at least some time for the fourth straight season, the Colts still hoping Anthony Richardson claims the QB1 spot—which includes a heavy run-game approach—and Giddens providing explosive capabilities out of the backfield, the rookie can be a relatively big part of Indianapolis' offensive plans.

Brashard Smith, Kansas City Chiefs

AP Photo/Charlie Riedel

When the Kansas City Chiefs traded Tyreek Hill to Miami Dolphins, the move forced Patrick Mahomes to become a better all-around quarterback...and he did.

Two more Super Bowl titles later, the Chiefs are now looking for ways to become more explosive after failing to three-peat, while taking some of the pressure off of Mahomes to be highly efficient while simultaneously serving as the scheme's primary playmaker.

Brashard Smith may have been a seventh-round selection, but don't let his draft standing dictate his potential in the Chiefs' scheme. He had one full season as a collegiate RB and ran for 1,332 yards. He earned first-team All-ACC honors as a result.

"Judging from how he was utilized in offseason practices, the Chiefs have plans for Smith, a seventh-round draft pick out of SMU," ESPN's Adam Teicher reported.

"Smith was a wide receiver in college before moving to running back for his final season, and the Chiefs showcased his versatility by getting him the ball out of the backfield, from the slot and split out wide."

Smith brings sub-4.4-second 40-yard-dash speed to the Chiefs offense. He can be used in and out of the backfield as a gadget player. Mainly, the rookie should be viewed as someone who can provide instant offense.

When Smith is on the field at the same time as Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown, opposing defenses won't be able to key in on any of them since each is a threat to score every time they touch the ball.