Shawn’s Thoughts on the Runningbacks of the 2025 draft class
While Ashton Jeanty could be an exciting pick for the Chicago Bears, especially with his dynamic playmaking ability, the offensive line remains a crucial area of need.
The Bears need to prioritize improving their protection for quarterback Caleb Williams, and building a strong offensive line is essential for both the run and pass game.
Jeanty's talent could certainly add a spark to the offense, but addressing the O-line through the draft is still in my opinion a more pressing need to ensure long-term success and stability. Especially at 10 or in a trade back scenario
The 2025 running back class is shaping up to be incredibly deep, much like the wide receiver class of last year, which was stacked with top-tier talent. With players like Ashton Jeanty, Kaleb Johnson, Judkins, Hampton and a cast of others in the mix, this class has the potential to produce several standout stars who can make an immediate impact at the next level.
So let's dive into what could be some hidden gems in this draft.Outside of Jeanty and Hampton, I believe the Bears can fulfill this need in rds 2 -7
This might be the DEEPEST RB class the NFL has ever seen!!
Kaleb Johnson (Iowa): Current draft projection 2nd rd.
My pro comp is Le'Veon Bell
It makes a lot of sense. Just like Bell, Johnson brings a unique combination of patience, vision, and ability to navigate through the line, especially in a zone running scheme. At 6-foot, 225 pounds, Johnson has the physical traits that allow him to be a tough, downhill runner while still showing the agility to wait for holes to develop.
My favorite quality is he’s consistently waiting for blocks to develop and he plays with a calm demeanor.
That kind of patience is what made Bell such a dangerous back during his prime with the Steelers.
The passing game element is huge too. Bell wasn’t just a bruiser—he was a weapon in the passing game, making him a true three-down back. Johnson showing the ability to contribute as a pass catcher elevates him to another whole another level. This would make him a versatile asset in any offense. These are traits that will certainly get attention in the NFL, especially with the shift toward more dual-threat running backs in modern schemes.
Stats/Measurables :
Age: 21
Size: 6’0, 225 lbs
2024-1,725 yards and 23 TD’s 6.4 YPC
262 Touches (0 Fumbles)
Amassing 115+ Total Yards in 83.3% of Games (10/12) as a Junior is true RB1 type of production.
2nd in Break Away Yards (861)
4th in Yards After Contact (1,060)
Quinshon Judkins (OSU): current draft
projection 2nd to early 3rd rd.
My pro comp a mix of Mixon and Lynch
Judkins is definitely generating a lot of buzz, and it's easy to see why when you hear comparisons to players like Jahmyr Gibbs and Alvin Kamara. The way he's being talked about as a potential "steal" of the draft speaks to how much potential scouts see in his skill set.
The Jahmyr Gibbs comparison is intriguing because, like Gibbs, Judkins has the explosive speed, vision, and versatility to make plays in both the run game and the passing game. Gibbs, known for his ability to change direction on a dime and make defenders miss in the open field, really fits that “clone” mold for Judkins. If Judkins can replicate that sort of electric playmaking ability at the next level, he's going to be a massive weapon.
The Kamara comparison adds another layer of excitement. Kamara has been so valuable because of his dynamic playmaking ability as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield. If Judkins can showcase similar shiftiness, hands, and ability to create after the catch, he could have a similar role in a high-powered offense, capable of contributing all over the field.
Stats/Measurables :
Size: Age: 21
5’11 221 lbs
2024-194 carries 1,060 rushing yards 161 receiving yards 16 total TD’s 5.5 YPC
1 National Championship
Brashard Smith (SMU) Bears Top 30 Visit: current draft projection late rd 4th-early 5th
My pro comp Chase Brown
A converted WR from is days at Miami, his versatility as a running back and receiver could make him a valuable asset at the next level. His elite speed and change of direction are traits that NFL teams love, especially in an era where running backs are expected to contribute both in the backfield and as receiving threats. His ability to line up in different spots and make plays could make him a great fit for offenses that prioritize mismatches, like those running spread or pass-heavy systems. He can become a matchup nightmare in the right system. He also has kick return ability.
A quick twitch explosive player in Ben Johnson's system could very well be something special to find in the later rounds.
Stats/Measurables :
5’10 194 lbs
2024-1,332 rush yds (5.7 YPC) 14 TDs added 39 rec 327 4 TDs receiving.
Devin Neal (KU)
My pro comp. Bigger Bucky Irving' that has 3-down workhorse ability
Devin Neal is a super underrated back, and it seems like more people need to start giving him the attention he deserves. His unique rhythm and patience behind the line are what set him apart. It’s rare to see a back with his combination of vision, agility, and power—he knows exactly when to press a hole, when to be patient, and when to make his move.
That kind of decisiveness is what makes him so effective in a zone-running scheme, waiting for lanes to develop is key.
What stands out most is his balance and contact creation. The fact that he's able to create extra yards by bouncing off defenders and keeping his legs churning is a huge asset. He might not have the top-end speed of some other backs, but he compensates for it with exceptional start-stop ability, footwork, and agility.
Defenders just can't get a clean shot at him, especially in tight spaces, where his ability to change direction and create a burst of speed can make him elusive.
Also, his most incredible stat is zero fumbles throughout his entire college career.
That is truly remarkable. It speaks volumes about his ball security and discipline. In a league where turnovers are game-changers, a back like Neal who takes care of the ball is incredibly valuable.
As a pass-catcher, he's also got that extra versatility. The ability to be utilized in the screen game, as a checkdown option, or even as a route-runner out of the backfield adds another dimension to his game.
That’s something that NFL teams are always looking for—running backs who can contribute both as a traditional runner and as a weapon in the passing game.
He is a great target on Day 2 of the draft. If a team is looking for a well-rounded, versatile back who can contribute right away, Neal could be the steal of that round. His combination of vision, agility, patience, and the ability to move the chains through contact makes him a great fit for many NFL offenses.
I’m definitely all in on Neal being a sleeper in the 2025 draft., He’s steady, reliable, and multifaceted game could make him a consistent contributor at the next level, and a GM look brilliant!!
Stats/Measurables :
Age: 21
Size: 5’10 220 lbs
219 Rush ATT’s (16th) 1262 Rush YD’s (15th) 16 TD’s (9th) 814 Yards After Contact (16th)
46 MTF 35 runs of 10+ yards (17th) 17 runs of 15+ yards (20th)73 FD’s 31 TGT’s for 26 REC’s
Please continue to follow at Four Stars Chicago Sports as we watch the Chicago Bears plan unfold to revamp the offense under Ben Johnson.
Next week, I will be back with a few more playmaking running backs to pair with the Bears newly retooled offensive line.
Hopefully the Bears can find a back that will make an immediate impact. That would be huge for them, especially as they continue to build an explosive offense around Caleb Williams.
I'm interested to hear who you're eyeing for the Bears' as they continue their backfield transformation.
