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Nine running back prospects, up and down the draft board, that weigh over 225 lb.
Back in 2017, when Sean McVay first took over the Los Angeles Rams, the running backs getting the reps were big men. Todd Gurley and then CJ Anderson were backed up by Malcom Brown, all 225+ lb. In 2020, the trend towards smaller backs began and with few exceptions, carries on to this day.
Darrell Henderson started it and was quickly followed by Xavier Jones, Raymond Calais, and Mekhi Sargent. In the Super Bowl winning 2021 season, L.A. did step up with Sony Michel (lasted only that season) at 215 lb. and was soon followed in 2022 by Cam Akers at 217. Kyren Williams was also added in that draft and quickly supplanted Akers. Since then only 238 lb. Royce Freeman has broken the 210 lb. barrier amongst the likes of Ronnie Rivers, Zach Evans, Blake Corum, and Cody Schrader.
Maybe it’s time for McVay and the Rams to consider returning to a big bruiser at running back. The 2025 NFL Draft offers these nine prospects, all over 225 lb. and up and down the draft board. All were invited to the NFL Combine.
Kaleb Johnson - Iowa - 6’ 225 lb.
Only 21 after three college seasons. Played in 34 games with 22 starts and totaled 3400+ all-purpose yards between rushing, receiving, and kickoff returns. In 2024, Iowa had a below par passing attack and stopping Johnson meant shutting down the Hawkeye offense. He still ran for 1537 yards.
Patiently presses the line of scrimmage and then has the vision, quick feet, and burst to hit the hole. Gliding runner who gets up to speed very quickly and reads blocks well in space. Not a pure power runner, more of a sneaky power. He’s shiftier, gets behind his pads, and keeps his feet churning. His contact balance lets him slide/bounce off tacklers rather than road grade over them. Has build up speed in the open field, was timed at 21.2 mph last season. Didn’t run a myriad of pass routes, mostly screens, swings and check downs. Like so many college backs, he needs work on throwing punches rather than shoulders in pass blocking.
Played in similar run scheme as the Rams use, lots of mid/inside zone and it suits his style. I grade him as a mid/late Round 2 prospect. In 2024, Johnson had 21 20+yard runs, six at 40+, and nine touchdown runs of 25+ yards. It will be interesting to see if his explosive runs can translate to the NFL game.
Ollie Gordon - Oklahoma State - 6’ 1” 233 lb.
Had a 2023 season to remember, unanimous All-American and winner of Doak Walker Award as college football’s top running back. The true sophomore totaled 1732 yards on 285 totes and 39 catches for 380 yards to go along with 22 scores. His numbers dropped in 2024 to 880 yards rushing and 179 receiving. He battled a nagging leg injury during the...
