King Henry Still Rules: Top 32 NFL Running Backs Ranked Ahead of the 2025 Season
Derrick Henry isn’t slowing down anytime soon. As we gear up for the 2025 NFL season, the 31-year-old Baltimore Ravens star still reigns supreme as the league’s top running back. Meanwhile, rising talent like Bucky Irving is already making waves, breaking into the top 10 after a stellar rookie campaign.
Here’s a complete ranking of the top 32 NFL running backs in 2025, according to PFF’s preseason analysis.
🥇 1. Derrick Henry – Baltimore Ravens
At 31, Henry led the NFL in PFF rushing grade in 2024 (93.5) and topped the league in missed tackles forced (89). His sustained dominance earns him the top spot once again.
2. Saquon Barkley – Philadelphia Eagles
A key piece of the Super Bowl-winning Eagles, Barkley rushed for a league-best 2,504 yards and had the most 10+ yard runs (55) in 2024.
3. Bijan Robinson – Atlanta Falcons
Robinson proved to be a dual-threat weapon, posting a 92.1 rushing grade and an 82.2 receiving grade—ranking him as PFF’s most valuable RB in 2024.
4. Jahmyr Gibbs – Detroit Lions
Gibbs finished in the top five for missed tackles forced (68) and added 587 receiving yards—second-most among RBs.
5. Josh Jacobs – Green Bay Packers
Jacobs showed elite two-way value in 2024 with a 91.3 rushing grade and an impressive 89.2 as a receiver.
6. Bucky Irving – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Irving jumped into the top 10 after an explosive rookie year. He posted a 90.0 rushing grade and 90.2 receiving grade, with a league-best 3.93 yards after contact per attempt.
7. Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers
Still elite when healthy, McCaffrey missed much of 2024 but maintains a 91.0 three-year rushing grade and led RBs in PFF WAR in 2023.
8. James Conner – Arizona Cardinals
Conner posted a 92.1 rushing grade across three seasons and forced 68 missed tackles last year, ranking him seventh in WAR among RBs.
9. De’Von Achane – Miami Dolphins
After a historic rookie year, Achane continued his rise with strong rushing (82.1) and receiving (80.2) grades, leading all RBs with 592 receiving yards in 2024.
10. Kyren Williams – Los Angeles Rams
Despite a modest 74.3 rushing grade, Williams rushed for over 1,400 yards and finished fourth in RB WAR thanks to solid pass-blocking.
Why Derrick Henry Still Dominates
Despite turning 31, Derrick Henry continues to perform at an elite level. His durability, power running style, and unmatched ability to force missed tackles make him a unique talent. Since 2022, he owns the highest PFF rushing grade (94.2) over a three-year span. With the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive scheme built to maximize his strengths, Henry’s throne remains secure heading into the 2025 season.
Rising Star: Bucky Irving’s Meteoric Rise
Irving’s rookie year with the Buccaneers was nothing short of remarkable. Among backs with at least 150 carries, he led the league in yards after contact per attempt and was one of the most efficient pass-catching backs. If he builds on this foundation, he could soon challenge the top-tier veterans for the crown.
Final Thoughts
Ranking running backs is always a challenge. Between injuries, offensive line changes, and shifting team dynamics, year-over-year consistency is rare. But with standout performances and surprising rookie surges, 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the NFL’s ground game.
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