This running back class is loaded. In a draft with so much talent at the top, there are some backs who would be household names in normal years that fall into the sleeper category. Let’s take a look at some of the sleeper running backs in the 2025 NFL draft who didn’t make the cut for the top ten prospects this year.
Sleeper Running Backs in the 2025 NFL Draft Class
Damien Martinez, Miami
There was a chance Martinez returned to school this season. He turned 21 today (January 31st) and has back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons in two different offenses. Martinez slimmed down a bit for the Senior Bowl, but is still a very healthy 5’11” and 226 pounds. He runs like he’s the baddest man on the football field and improved his receiving work each college season.
More Damien Martinez Information
Team Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals
Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech
Tuten has been scootin’. He’s one of PFF’s highest graded rushers in 2024, and dips and dives around defenders with ease. He’s not the same monster Martinez is, as Tuten is only 211 pounds, but on a shorter frame and with extra wiggle he can be a solid complimentary back at the next level. His receiving work has a way to go, but his a thrasher on the ground who can turn three yard losses into 15 yard gains.
Team Fits: Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys
Woody Marks, USC
For teams that want a satellite back to use on third down, Marks is a clear priority. He’s one of the sleeper running backs in the 2025 NFL draft class due to his age and later breakout on the ground. But that shouldn’t be too much of a concern, as he was playing behind an NFL level back and posted over 250 career receptions as a running back.
Team Fits: Green Bay Packers, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots
Jordan James, Oregon
Another young prospect, James has been the lead back for the Oregon Ducks since Bucky Irving left last season. He’s always been efficient on the ground, but in 2024 he finally got to show off some of his receiving chops. James isn’t the biggest of backs, but he moves well and is able to force defenders into bad contact angles to break more tackles than one would expect. He can be a solid 1b for an offense, and should be a valuable addition to an offense this year.
Team Fits: Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, Houston Texans
Ollie Gordon, Oklahoma State
Gordon went from a national darling to one of the sleeper running backs in the 2025 NFL draft partly because of how strong the class turned out. He led the NCAA in rushing in 2023, but between a downgrade in the offensive line and him gaining some weight, the explosive runs happened less often. If he can return to his 2023 form, he’s one of the best backs in the class. If he’s only his 2024 form from here on out, he’s still an effective rusher who has better long speed than his size would lend itself to.
Ollie Gordon II Scouting Report
Team Fits: Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, Los Angeles Chargers
Main Photo Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports
