It’s no secret that Ashton Jeanty of Boise State University is being hailed as the standout running back in this year’s NFL draft crowd. However, beyond Jeanty’s obvious talent, there really isn’t a unanimous agreement on how the rest of the running backs stack up this draft season.
Chris Simms has thrown his hat into the ring by ranking the top five running backs slated for this month’s draft. Interestingly, he’s arranged them into three distinct tiers based on their potential impact on the field.
As shared by NFL analyst Dov Kleiman over on Twitter, Simms presents his take on these young prospects. Jeanty, captivating interest from football enthusiasts and scouts alike, is poised for an early selection in the draft. With a dazzling performance tallying 2,601 yards and reaching the end zone 29 times last season, he’s drawing some exciting comparisons to Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson, who himself had an unforgettable season with 28 rushing touchdowns back in 2006.
On another note, Omarion Hampton from the University of North Carolina boasts a slightly bigger frame at six feet. Last season, his achievements—1,660 rushing yards and securing 15 touchdowns—earned him a spot on the prestigious All-ACC first team.
Simms places RJ Harvey and Bhayshul Tuten in his second tier, labeling them as starters with the potential to ascend to superstar status. Harvey, a star at the University of Central Florida, racked up 1,577 yards and scored 22 touchdowns in 2024. Meanwhile, Tuten amassed 1,159 rushing yards along with 15 touchdowns in the same year.
The third tier, described by Simms as having “home-run hitters,” features TreVeyon Henderson of Ohio State University. Last season, Henderson contributed to the Buckeyes’ success with 1,016 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, aiding in their victory at the College Football Playoff National Championship. His freshman year was particularly standout, as he set a new school record by scoring 19 touchdowns from scrimmage in a single season.
With anticipation building around these prospects, it’s clear we’re in for an exciting draft. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds.
