Top 10 NFL Running Backs 2025: Barkley And Henry Dominate

David

3 min read

Post on Aug 24, 2025

4.6

Share

Top 10 NFL Running Backs 2025: Barkley and Henry Still Dominate, But New Stars Emerge

The 2025 NFL season is still a few years away, but projecting the top running backs already offers exciting speculation. While seasoned veterans like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry continue to reign supreme, a new generation of talented runners is poised to challenge their dominance. This ranking considers current form, projected performance, and potential for growth. Predicting the future in the NFL is always a gamble, but these players are strong contenders for the top spots.

Methodology: This ranking considers a combination of factors including rushing yards, touchdowns, yards per carry, receptions, receiving yards, and overall impact on their respective teams. Future potential and projected health are also taken into account.

The Top 10 NFL Running Backs for 2025 (Projected):

1. Saquon Barkley (New York Giants): Barkley's electrifying speed, power, and versatility make him a perennial top contender. His consistent performance and leadership solidify his place at the top of this list. He remains a workhorse back capable of carrying the load for an entire season. His ability to excel in both the rushing and receiving game makes him incredibly valuable.

2. Derrick Henry (Tennessee Titans): The "King" continues his reign of terror. Henry’s bruising running style and exceptional power are legendary. While age is a factor, his dedication to the game and his unique skillset suggest he'll remain a top performer for at least a few more years. Expect him to continue breaking records.

3. Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons): The rookie sensation is already making waves, exhibiting exceptional vision, agility, and receiving skills. With continued growth and opportunity, Robinson is a prime candidate to break into the elite tier of running backs.

4. Austin Ekeler (Los Angeles Chargers): Ekeler's consistent production and all-around excellence make him a reliable choice. His pass-catching abilities are an enormous asset, contributing significantly to his team's offensive success.

5. Jonathan Taylor (Indianapolis Colts): Taylor's potential is undeniable, but injury concerns cloud his future projections. If he can stay healthy, he'll remain a top threat. His explosive speed and powerful running style are potent weapons.

6. Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers): Harris is a reliable back with a strong work ethic. His consistency and ability to grind out tough yards make him a valuable asset. However, his ceiling might be slightly lower than some others on this list.

7. Breece Hall (New York Jets): Hall's return from injury will be crucial to his ranking. If he can fully recover, his potential to become a top-tier back is huge given his impressive college career. His potential to excel in both running and receiving makes him a valuable asset.

8. Kenneth Gainwell (Philadelphia Eagles): Gainwell has shown flashes of brilliance, excelling in a complementary role. His agility and receiving ability make him a valuable asset in a potent Eagles offense. Further development could propel him higher on this list.

9. Travis Etienne Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars): Etienne Jr. is proving to be a dynamic all-around back. With his speed and agility, he complements Trevor Lawrence perfectly. Continued improvement and more opportunities will solidify his place amongst the league's elite.

10. Tony Pollard (Dallas Cowboys): Pollard has developed into an explosive and valuable part of the Cowboys offense. While he’s often used as a change-of-pace back, his ability to break big plays makes him a threat anytime he touches the ball.

The Future of NFL Running Backs:

The running back position is constantly evolving. While power backs like Henry remain dominant, the league is increasingly valuing versatile backs with excellent receiving skills. Players like Robinson and Hall exemplify this shift.

This list is, of course, a projection. Injuries, performance, and coaching decisions can all significantly impact a player's career trajectory. Stay tuned for updates as the 2025 season approaches!

What are your predictions for the top running backs in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!