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Rookie NFL running back role tiers: Stacking 25 draft picks

The 2025 NFL draft's running back class was really good. Some analysts predicted we might see as many as 30 drafted for the first time since 2011. Twenty-five ended up being the final tally, the most since 25 also went in 2019.

All six backs selected during the first three rounds are likely to make a substantial impact in 2025, while several mid-to-late-round picks are well positioned to make some noise in specific roles. So as NFL teams construct their depth charts for this season, I separated the 25 drafted RBs into six tiers based on projected rookie-season roles.