Execs, coaches, scouts rank NFL's top 10 running backs for 2025 - ESPN

With 2025 NFL training camps on the horizon, the league's true insiders made their voices heard.

ESPN surveyed league executives, coaches and scouts to help us rank the top 10 players at 11 different positions, from quarterback to cornerback and all positions in between. This was the sixth edition of these rankings, and as usual, several players moved up or fell off last year's lists.

A reminder of the rankings process: Voters gave us their 10 best players at a position, then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average and dozens of interviews, with research and film study help from ESPN NFL analyst Matt Bowen. In total, more than 70 voters submitted a ballot on at least one position, and in many cases all positions. Additional voting and follow-up calls with those surveyed helped us break any ties.

Each section includes quotes and nuggets from the voters on every ranked player — even the honorable mentions. The objective was to identify the best players for 2025. This was not a five-year projection or a career achievement award. Who are the best players today?

We will roll out one position per day over 11 days. The schedule: running backs (Monday), defensive tackles (Tuesday), edge rushers (Wednesday), safeties (Thursday), tight ends (Friday), interior offensive linemen (Saturday), offensive tackles (Sunday), quarterbacks (July 14), off-ball linebackers (July 15), wide receivers (July 16), cornerbacks (July 17).

The backs are back.

Handing the ball off 30-plus times per Sunday is trendy again. Rushing offenses pumped big numbers into the 2024 season, with seven teams averaging at least 140 rushing yards per game. That's up from three teams the previous year.

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