2025 NFL Free Agency and Draft: RB

Canthony wrote:

I agree that he will go in that area where a bunch will get drafted. It's a deep class for RBs. The more I look at Neal however, the more he doesn't really have a weakness. I really hope we can move back from 24 and get a couple day two picks somehow. I know its a stretch, but if we can somehow trade back to the early 2nd round and get a couple picks. Maybe it can look something like this. 

(Early 2) CB: Barron/Revel Jr

(3) S: Watts/Winston Jr/Mukuba/Hook (If we can net another 3 from trading back)

(4) RB: Neal/Sampson/Skattebo (we already know as we have had this conversation lol)

(4-5) G: Kandra

That may seem more of a pipe dream, but we would need someone to fall for a team to have that kind of trade package. It isn't impossible but this would be a great outcome

There seems to be a big disagreement on Barron. I see him in round 2 on a lot of sites, but Daniel Jeremiah has him 9th overall.

LaQuint Allen is a back I think the Vikings will like. Kiper has him ranked 3rd behind only Jeanty and Hampton. Most others have him end of day two. But this is an interesting guy. Slight frame at 6-0, 200 lbs. Despite that he's unusually effective at the goal line. Don't see elite speed from him, but he's probably the best pass catching back in the draft. Catches the ball like a WR, just ridiculous hands. And he's a very good pass blocker too, which we all know is crucial for any back hoping to play for KOC. 

LeQuint Allen LOVES to block.

He took 144 snaps in pass pro (the most of any 2025 Draft RB) and allowed just 1 pressure and 0 sacks. He won’t blow you away with big hits but he’s hyperaware, proactive, and aggressive.

The best pass protecting RB in the draft, easily. pic.twitter.com/Ut7qomxo2b

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 3, 2025

Yep, been saying this for a while. There are going to be day-two type backs in the 5th and 6th round this year. Of course, to justify taking two backs, we have to do some serious trading down. But I'm sure we will. 

Although the @Vikings only have 4 picks in the upcoming #NFL draft, @Alec_Lewis “wouldn’t be shocked if [the Vikings] took 2 RBs”

Lewis noted he didn’t have any intel on this but noted that “if you look at the amount of RBs available and the need for it for the Vikings, it just… pic.twitter.com/ahMncNol0w

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) February 5, 2025

Quinshon Judkins’ footwork looks absolutely INSANE 😳

Many NFL scouts reportedly believe Judkins is a “first round prospect” with some even comparing him to Alvin Kamara.

Judkins is currently training with Josh Hicks, who has trained several great RB’s including Ezekiel… pic.twitter.com/P2a9wvTDxe

— Rookie Watch (@RookieWatxh) February 8, 2025

MaroonBells wrote:
https://x.com/NFLRookieWatxh/status/1888344768066765240

Who do you think the better back is between the two OSU running backs? The only thing Henderson scares me about is his injury history. Never bodes well in the NFL.

Canthony wrote:

Who do you think the better back is between the two OSU running backs? The only thing Henderson scares me about is his injury history. Never bodes well in the NFL.

I think Henderson is the more complete back, but Judkins is going to make more "wow" type runs and has the higher upside IMO. Just depends on what you want and how they fit into different schemes.

Canthony wrote:

Who do you think the better back is between the two OSU running backs? The only thing Henderson scares me about is his injury history. Never bodes well in the NFL.

It's close but I have Henderson a little higher than Judkins. Just think he has better feet, better burst. Judkins might have better long speed though. Hard to tell. I'd be happy with either in the 2nd round.

MaroonBells wrote:

It's close but I have Henderson a little higher than Judkins. Just think he has better feet, better burst. Judkins might have better long speed though. Hard to tell. I'd be happy with either in the 2nd round.

Me too, wish we had a 2nd rd'er.

purplefaithful wrote:

Me too, wish we had a 2nd rd'er.

Me too, but I think there's a good chance we trade down. We could trade down small for another 3rd (we have one 3rd round comp), or big for maybe two 2nd rounders. Bills and the Bears are the only teams with two 2nd rounders. And while I'm not counting on it, we may also get a day-two pick if we tag and trade the Ginger Judas.

I just see a lot of Aaron Jones’ vision and shiftiness on Harvey’s tape. https://t.co/u87dOEw57E

— Todd McShay (@McShay13) February 13, 2025

MB, As you well know, Harvey is my boy. I’m consistently taking him at 97 or there abouts. Like Bucky Irving last year, this guy is a frequent target. Should run about 4.37 later this month.

With 12 RBs hitting the 90th percentile, we could easily hold off until Day 3 and get a real find. Imagine if both Penn State guys declared?

Trying to find a comp for JCM. He’s so sudden and subtle. Gets small in between the tackles. Damn shame he’s a Combine snub. Already sent Roger a nasty letter about that.

JustInTime wrote:
MB, As you well know, Harvey is my boy. I’m consistently taking him at 97 or there abouts. Like Bucky Irving last year, this guy is a frequent target. Should run about 4.37 later this month.

With 12 RBs hitting the 90th percentile, we could easily hold off until Day 3 and get a real find. Imagine if both Penn State guys declared?

Trying to find a comp for JCM. He’s so sudden and subtle. Gets small in between the tackles. Damn shame he’s a Combine snub. Already sent Roger a nasty letter about that.

Probably cause a small Wall Street crash by saying this around here, but I think I'd take Harvey over Kaleb Johnson.

MaroonBells wrote:

Probably cause a small Wall Street crash by saying this around here, but I think I'd take Harvey over Kaleb Johnson.

Whoa whoa whoa, let’s pump the…hmmm…I’ll get back to you.

MaroonBells wrote:

Probably cause a small Wall Street crash by saying this around here, but I think I'd take Harvey over Kaleb Johnson.

Ok, thought about it. 

I've been comparing Johnson to Jamal Anderson. But upon deep prayer, meditation, and touching Joel Bushbaum's 1997 Draft Guide, I believe the correct comp is Najee Harris. 

He's a beige Ford Taurus, but the edition one below the SHO. Nice, comfortable, gets you where you want to go in reasonable fashion. Dependable. But, meh. I'm not putting him on the cover of the Game Day stadium handout.

MaroonBells wrote:

Probably cause a small Wall Street crash by saying this around here, but I think I'd take Harvey over Kaleb Johnson.

I actually agree with this. I think Johnson is very simple in his game. He doesn't bring a whole lot. When the line breaks down he doesn't do a lot to try and overcome it. Kinda gives up. His pass blocking leaves a lot to be desired at this time and almost lacks effort. His speed, on the field as well, is adequate and will get caught. Johnson is too reliant of his line, he won't figure it out if there is nothing there, sometimes you have to improvise if you are going to be the feature back. He isn't a natural pass catcher and from what I have watched and read; he doesn't seem to understand the route tree. Or he just wasn't asked to run a route tree, that could change in the NFL with an NFL offense of course. Which makes me wonder if he's a true 3 down back at the NFL level. 

I have mocked Harvey and Neal a ton at around the 97 mark. Kandra as well, his football IQ is second to none.

Canthony wrote:

I actually agree with this. I think Johnson is very simple in his game. He doesn't bring a whole lot. When the line breaks down he doesn't do a lot to try and overcome it. Kinda gives up. His pass blocking leaves a lot to be desired at this time and almost lacks effort. His speed, on the field as well, is adequate and will get caught. Johnson is too reliant of his line, he won't figure it out if there is nothing there, sometimes you have to improvise if you are going to be the feature back. He isn't a natural pass catcher and from what I have watched and read; he doesn't seem to understand the route tree. Or he just wasn't asked to run a route tree, that could change in the NFL with an NFL offense of course. Which makes me wonder if he's a true 3 down back at the NFL level. 

I have mocked Harvey and Neal a ton at around the 97 mark. Kandra as well, his football IQ is second to none.

Was saying the same thing yesterday. With that Iowa line he gets 8-foot holes on the regular. He's got some power and he's used to playing in a zone, but you rarely see him get creative at the line of scrimmage. He runs upright, lacks wiggle or any kind of lateral quickness. And he doesn't look particularly fast either. I don't think he's a bust necessarily but a lot of people are putting him RB2. I think there are probably 5 or 6 backs I'd take ahead of him.

MaroonBells wrote:

Was saying the same thing yesterday. With that Iowa line he gets 8-foot holes on the regular. He's got some power and he's used to playing in a zone, but you rarely see him get creative at the line of scrimmage. He runs upright, lacks wiggle or any kind of lateral quickness. And he doesn't look particularly fast either. I don't think he's a bust necessarily but a lot of people are putting him RB2. I think there are probably 5 or 6 backs I'd take ahead of him.

I agree that I would take at least a handful ahead of him. There is no reason for us to go RB with our first pick this year. Its probably the deepest class I have ever seen.

025 Rookie RBs Team Run Blocking Rank according to PFF (best run block to worst out of 134 total teams).

1. Kaleb Johnson (4th)
2. Devin Neal (7th)
3. Montrell Johnson (8th)
4. Kyle Monangai (10th)
5. Omarion Hampton (29th)
6. RJ Harvey (31st)
T7. DJ Giddens (T40th)
T8/9. TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins (T40th)
10. Jordan James (T42nd)
11. Jarquez Hunter (44th)
12. Trevor Etienne (45th)
13. Jaydon Blue (46th)
14. Breshard Smith (48th)
15. Tahj Brooks (52nd)
16. LeQuint Allen (55th)
17. Ashton Jeanty (62nd)
18. Ja’Quinden Jackson (64th)
19. Ollie Gordon (67th)
20. Phil Mafa (71st)
21. Damien Martinez (72nd)
22/23. Donovan Edwards/Kalel Mullings (81st)
24. Woody Marks (83rd)
25. Dylan Sampson (87th)
26. Cam Skattebo (102nd)
27. Raheem Sanders (105th)

Saw a mashup of Skattebo trying to pass block. Absolutely comical. Head down and tries to spear guys. How does someone play D1 and have zero clue how to block? 

Fell in love with Harvey even more. When he runs 4.37 he’s going to open more eyes.

MB, your boy Allen fared well too as did Henderson.

https://www.google.com/search?q=jacory+croskey+merritt+highlights&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari#fpstate=ive&vld=cid:904400a4,vid:edkp8R1w8kY,st:0

Ok, at one point I knew how to post a YouTube video.

TOP 10 ROOKIE RBs

(Fantasy Football 2025)

10. Damien Martinez

Three Straight Seasons
- 980+ Rush Yards
- 6.1+ Yards/Carry

Physical Specimen
- Weight: 232 lbs
- Height: 6’0”
- Age: 21

Player Comparison
- Rhamondre Stevenson

Initiates Contact. Elusive.

You can’t swing a dead cat and not hit a RB prospect. Acquire more picks and double down.

LeQuint Allen feels like the easiest smash in round 3/4 of dynasty rookie drafts:

- 20 years old
- Dynamic receiver
- 60+ receptions in 2024
- 500+ receiving yards in 2024
- 20 total touchdowns in 2024
- Two seasons with 1,000+ rush yards

He could be this years Tyrone Tracy.

JustInTime wrote:
025 Rookie RBs Team Run Blocking Rank according to PFF (best run block to worst out of 134 total teams).

1. Kaleb Johnson (4th)

That syncs. Johnsons clips are filled with the kind of holes he'll never see in the NFL.

MaroonBells wrote:

That syncs. Johnsons clips are filled with the kind of holes he'll never see in the NFL.

I completely misread this as Running Back blocking rating rather than Run Blocking.

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