The resurgence of the running back position has made it one of the more coveted roles in today’s NFL, boosting the draft stock of several college standouts. This year’s class, in particular, is loaded with high-end talent at the position.
Draft analyst Jordan Reid recently highlighted three running backs he believes could make an immediate impact in the right situations. With teams across the league looking to diversify their offenses, his insight could be key in helping them bring that vision to life.
Where Do TreVeyon Henderson, Quinshon Judkins, and Kaleb Johnson Land?
Jordan Reid appeared on ESPN’s SportsCenter to break down this year’s NFL Draft class—specifically highlighting the impressive depth at running back. Reid described it as the deepest group since 2017 and even identified the teams where top prospects could make the biggest impact.
His list started with TreVeyon Henderson out of Ohio State, whom he sees as a seamless fit with the Washington Commanders. “The Commanders have Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler in the backfield right now. Both of those guys are on the final years of their contracts,” Reid noted.
With that in mind, adding a long-term piece to pair with rising star quarterback Jayden Daniels could be the right move. “Henderson is one name I think they’re going to be really interested in,” Reid added.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s that third running back that goes in the first round behind Ashton Jeanty, as well as Omarion Hampton. Keep an eye on him at number 29 overall.” In his final year with the Buckeyes, Henderson had 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns to his name.
From @SportsCenter: This years RB class is the deepest group since 2017. With @HannahStormESPN, a few of my favorite team fits and where they could be picked.
• TreVeyon Henderson ➡️Commanders
• Quinshon Judkins➡️Cowboys
• Kaleb Johnson➡️49ers pic.twitter.com/UB5Hdkzweh— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) April 13, 2025
Brentley Weissman in his breakdown of his game tape described him as “a difference-making running back that would be best suited in a wide-zone type running scheme. He has rare speed and big play ability and would be an excellent addition to a team with a power running back already in place.”
Next, on the list – Quinshon Judkins. “Staying on that Ohio State backfield, I’m going to go to Quinshon Judkins to the Dallas Cowboys. The Dallas Cowboys obviously have a huge need for a young bell-cow running back in their backfield.”
Add in his impressive Scouting Combine performance and you have a match made in heaven.
“Keep in mind, he ran a 4.48 at 6-foot, 221 pounds. He really helped himself coming out of the Scouting Combine. He’s an aggressive, high-energy, and physical runner that I think can help the Cowboys right away. Number 44 overall in the second round is where I’d keep an eye on that.”
That left one name to discuss – Kaleb Johnson, who Reid sees as a clear-cut pick for the San Francisco 49ers. “This is a match made in heaven just because of the Kyle Shanahan outside zone scheme. He’s a one-cut-and-go runner. He’s perfect for that scheme.”
And he lines up perfectly with the history of San Francisco. “The 49ers historically have liked to target running backs in the third and fourth rounds. They have two picks in the third round and also the fourth round, so Kaleb Johnson is definitely a name to keep an eye on.”
If it was up to Reid, his best bet would be No. 75 overall in the third round.
Unfortunately, he goes 0-for-3 in the latest mock draft from PFSN. Jacob Infante instead has Henderson dropping to the No. 51 overall pick with the Denver Broncos, while Judkins isn’t far behind at No. 66 to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Kaleb Johnson, on the other hand, was the closest Reid came, as Infante has the Chicago Bears taking him off the board just three picks ahead of the 49ers’ in the third round.