The 2025 NFL draft is just around the corner. After an offseason of trades, rankings, and top-30 visits, the NFL landscape is starting to come into view. Whether it’s the first round, day two, or even early on day three, these five running backs are at risk of losing their incumbent starting jobs in the draft.
Five Running Backs Who Need to Watch Their Back on Draft Night
Jaylen Warren, Pittsburgh Steelers
Najee Harris left for sunny L.A., and the Steelers added Kenneth Gainwell to sure up their backfield. From afar, Warren seems like he would be safe from losing his job. But the Steelers have used nine of their top-30 visits on running backs, signalling they’re not done adding to the room through the draft. Bhayshul Tuten was among that list, and he’s a favorite among some pre-draft rankings.
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs
Pacheco is a fun success story for day three running backs in the draft. But he’s three years in, and has only finished one season healthy. He has yet to crack 1,000 yards rushing, and isn’t the most explosive of backs. If the Chiefs add a running back, even just a pass catcher, it would limit the amount of work Pacheco would receive.
Rhamondre Stevenson, New England Patriots
Stevenson just signed an extension in 2024, which caused some excitement. Unfortunately, there’s a new coaching staff in town, and Mike Vrabel has no patience for fumbles. Stevenson has the second-most fumbles among running backs since entering the league and has been benched for this issue in the past. As the team enters a new era, Stevenson would have a much shorter leash if the team adds a young, exciting back.
More Running Backs to Worry About? Top Ten Who Could Lose Their Job on Draft Night
Chase Brown, Cincinnati Bengals
No, the Bengals should not add a running back in the draft. Their defense is atrocious, and Brown is plenty explosive and reliable to handle the majority of the work. Adding a back like J.K. Dobbins to reduce the load would make sense, but organizations have made worse decisions in the past. The Bengals have met with both of the Ohio State running backs ahead of the draft, and either one would be expected to take a substantial number of touches from Chase Brown.
Tyrone Tracy, New York Giants
The Giants found a late-round gem in Tracy, but he can’t be the only running back with a pulse on this roster for 2025. They need another back, and with how deep this running back class is, even someone who initially comes in to be a 1b can take the starting role before the season is over. Tracy also had some fumbling issues, and the organization is looking for stability almost everywhere. If they turn the page at quarterback, or just want to hold down the fort with Russell Wilson at the helm, those fumbles could send Tracy to the bench and a rookie onto the field before long.
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