Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry Lead Our 2025 NFL Running Back Rankings

David

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Post on Aug 24, 2025

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Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry Lead Our 2025 NFL Running Back Rankings

The 2025 NFL season feels a long way off, but projecting future performance is part of the fun for football fans. With several established stars aging and a new crop of young backs emerging, the running back landscape is poised for significant shifts. Our expert panel has meticulously analyzed current form, projected durability, and potential for growth to deliver our definitive 2025 NFL running back rankings. Get ready to see some familiar names at the top, but also some surprising contenders further down the list.

The Titans of the Top Tier:

Topping our list are two titans of the running back position: Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry.

• Saquon Barkley: The New York Giants' star continues to defy expectations. His combination of power, agility, and receiving skills makes him a truly elite all-around back. While age is a factor to consider, Barkley’s dedication to his conditioning and his proven ability to stay healthy suggest he'll remain a top-tier player for several more years. His performance in [insert recent game/season highlight] is a testament to his continued excellence. Even in 2025, expect Barkley to be a dominant force, making him a safe bet at the top of our rankings.

• Derrick Henry: The "King" remains a force of nature. While his style is more power-based than Barkley's, Henry's durability and legendary ability to break tackles have sustained his elite status. His age is certainly a factor to consider long-term, and potential injury is always a risk for a power runner like Henry, but his continued dominance makes him a surefire top-five back in 2025. The question is: can anyone dethrone him?

Challengers for the Crown:

Several other running backs are hot on the heels of Barkley and Henry, poised to make a significant impact in 2025:

• Austin Ekeler (Los Angeles Chargers): Ekeler’s longevity and incredible receiving prowess make him a valuable asset. Expect him to remain highly productive, pushing for a top-three spot in 2025. His pass-catching ability is a significant differentiator in today's NFL.

• Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers): Harris consistently produces and should continue to be a workhorse in Pittsburgh’s offense. His consistency and overall contributions make him a crucial part of any ranking conversation.

• Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts): Taylor’s future remains somewhat uncertain depending on his recovery from injury, but his potential remains immense. A return to full health could propel him back into the top five in 2025.

The Rising Stars:

Several young backs are knocking on the door of the elite tier, including [mention 2-3 up-and-coming players with potential, providing reasoning]. These players are showing promise and could significantly impact the rankings by 2025.

Methodology:

Our rankings consider a range of factors, including:

• Current performance: Recent statistics and game film analysis.
• Projected durability: Considering player age, injury history, and playing style.
• Team situation: Offensive line strength and overall offensive scheme play a crucial role.
• Potential for growth: Considering the player's age and room for improvement.

Conclusion:

While predicting the future is an inexact science, our 2025 NFL running back rankings provide a compelling snapshot of the current landscape. Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry remain the dominant forces, but a strong group of challengers and rising stars are ready to make their mark. Check back with us for updates as the season progresses and the landscape continues to evolve. What are your predictions for the 2025 running back landscape? Let us know in the comments below!