Running back is a young man’s position. While some outlier backs can maintain success into their thirties, most successful RBs trend toward youth.
Who are the best NFL running backs under 25? Let’s run through the seven best RBs in the league who have yet to hit the quarter-century mark.
Who Are the NFL’s Best RBs Under 25?
7) Kenneth Walker III, Seattle Seahawks
Although he’s not as consistent as the other RBs on this list, Kenneth Walker III is a true home-run threat. He forced 56 missed tackles in 2023, fifth-most among NFL running backs. However, Walker generated just 1.6 yards after contact per attempt, the fourth-worst among 44 qualifying RBs.
Seattle attempted to bolster the interior of its offensive line this offseason, which could create more holes for Walker and fellow RB Zach Charbonnet. Both backs will learn a new offense under first-year Seahawks OC Ryan Grubb, who formerly held play-calling duties at the University of Washington.
6) James Cook, Buffalo Bills
James Cook broke out in his second NFL campaign. After sharing touches with Devin Singletary in 2022, Cook took lead duties for Buffalo in 2023, setting career highs in carries (237), rushing yards (1,122), receptions (44), receiving yards (445), and total touchdowns (six).
Bills rookie fourth-round RB Ray Davis — who outweighs Cook by 20 pounds — could absorb the power-back role that veteran Latavius Murray held for Buffalo last season. However, there’s also a chance Cook will take on even more responsibilities next season and reset his career-best statistics.
5) Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
While Kyren Williams missed five 2023 games with a high-ankle sprain, he still finished third in the NFL with 1,144 rushing yards. He scored 12 touchdowns on the ground, while his 62 rushing first downs ranked fourth in the league.
Williams also showed some receiving chops with 32 catches last season. Third-round rookie Blake Corum could cut into Williams’ touch count in 2024, but Sean McVay and the Rams are more than willing to ride Williams’ hot hand.
MORE: 2024 NFL Running Back Rankings
4) Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions
Jahmyr Gibbs got off to a cold start in his 2023 rookie campaign, but he looked like a potential All-Pro by the end of the year. Gibbs was on a 1,184-yard, 15-touchdown pace over his final 11 contests and could overtake veteran David Montgomery for lead RB duties in 2024.
The No. 12 pick in last year’s draft, Gibbs was a big play waiting to happen. His 17 runs of 15+ yards trailed only Christian McCaffrey, and only Jonathan Taylor averaged more yards after contact. Gibbs needs to work on his pass blocking before becoming a true three-down back, but he’s clearly ascending.
3) Breece Hall, New York Jets
Brecee Hall tore his ACL in November of his 2022 rookie year and was still recovering in 2023. The Jets managed his reps in practice, but Hall looked like his old self for most of last season.
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Hall posted 994 rushing yards and five touchdowns to go along with a whopping 76 catches for 591 yards and four scores. A dynamic threat with power and vision, Hall should have even more opportunities to produce with Aaron Rodgers under center for New York in 2024.
2) De’Von Achane, Miami Dolphins
From an efficiency and explosion perspective, few RBs were as dominant as the Dolphins’ De’Von Achane in 2023. The Texas A&M product lapped the field in rushing yards over expectation per attempt, finishing with more than double the production of second-place McCaffrey. Achane was the only RB who accounted for more than half his total yardage on 15+ yard runs, per PFF.
So why isn’t he No. 1? Injury issues. Achane appeared in 11 games and played just 300 snaps while missing time with shoulder and knee sprains. Durability is a concern, but Achane’s ceiling is through the roof.
KEEP READING: How Will the Dolphins Use the NFL’s Most Dynamic RB Group?
1) Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons
Don’t judge Bijan Robinson on his counting statistics alone. While he didn’t clear 1,000 rushing yards in his rookie campaign, the Falcons only asked him to carry the ball 214 times. With fellow RB Tyler Allgeier handling 186 carries, Robinson didn’t have the opportunity to put up gaudy rookie year numbers.
However, he still put up 1,463 total yards, more than any other rookie RB in 2023. Robinson passed the eye test every week and could be an All-Pro if Atlanta’s new coaching staff gives him more touches in 2024.