Windy City Gridiron
Back in March, I shared my top ten incoming rookie running back rankings prior to the 2025 NFL Draft. Since then, it has become clear that not every player entered into a favorable opportunity, but who is primed for the most immediate success? Here are my top ten rookie running backs post-draft and prior to week 1.
10. Woody Marks – Houston Texans
Marks was drafted in the 4th round out of USC after a solid, yet unspectacular career that culminated in 1,133 yards and 9 rushing TDs in his Senior season. Since then, Texans starting RB Joe Mixon appears to be out for more time than originally anticipated, and while they also signed Nick Chubb, Marks provides excellent depth to a backfield that could be out of healthy and/or effective Running Backs sooner than later.
Marks had 16 carries for 63 yards and a TD in the preseason to go along with 20 yards on 4 catches.
9. Kaleb Johnson – Pittsburgh Steelers
Drafted in the 3 round out of Iowa, Kaleb Johnson was added to a Steelers offense that features a strong offensive line and buoyed by a stout defense. Though, like other backs on this list, he won’t begin his pro career as RB1, he should immediately have a role in the offense and could conceivably take control of the top spot sooner than later. I like his skillset in that offense and think it’s merely a matter of time before he takes the reins from Jaylen Warren (and Kenneth Gainwell).
This preseason, Kaleb had 24 carries for 94 yards and 3 catches for 17 yards, though he also returned kicks in Pittsburgh, which is where he will presumably begin his career in the Steel City.
8. Jaydon Blue – Dallas Cowboys
Everyone assumed the Dallas Cowboys would be in the mix for one of the top backs this year. But when the first two days came and went without Jerry Jones’ team selecting a new RB, many were left perplexed. When they finally did pick a RB, they stayed within the state of Texas for former Longhorn Jaydon Blue. Were it not for his own injury in training camp and this being such an elite class of RBs, Blue would be higher on this list, but for now, he begins his career as RB3 on his team and will look to surpass Miles Sanders and Javonte Williams by mid-season. As a back with 4.3 speed (4.25 at his pro day, reportedly) and a pass-catching skillset, Blue is another back I expect to take over sooner than later, especially in the pass-heavy Cowboys offense.
7. Jacory Croskey-Merrit – Washington Commanders
JCM, aka “Bill,” was producing plenty of buzz in camp BEFORE the Commanders traded former starter Brian Robinson away to the San Francisco 49ers. The 7th round pick out of Arizona immediately finds himself set up for a prominent role week 1 as he complements Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez. In an offense led by...
