- Only one running back went in the first round in the last three years.
- In 2021 and 2017, multiple running backs were selected in the first round.
- Based on 2025 NFL Draft odds, multiple backs are expected to go in the first round.
For the first time since Bijan Robinson in 2022, oddsmakers expect a running back to go in the 2025 NFL Draft opening round.
The prime candidate is Ashton Jeanty, who is -600 to hear his name in the first 10 picks, based on NFL Draft odds.
From a cumulative standpoint, there’s a chance the 2025 draft matches outputs from earlier in the century.
Per the BetMGM online sportsbook, over 2.5 running backs selected in the first round is priced at +135, an implied probability of 42.6%.
Not since 2012 have teams combined to select three or more running backs in the first round.
NFL Draft Odds: Running Backs Drafted in Round 1
- Over 2.5 Running Backs: +135
- Under 2.5 Running Backs: -175
NFL Draft First Round RB’s By Year
| Year | Pick | Player |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8 | Bijan Robinson |
| 2021 | 24 | Najee Harris |
| 2021 | 25 | Travis Etienne |
| 2020 | 32 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire |
| 2019 | 24 | Josh Jacobs |
| 2018 | 2 | Saquon Barkley |
| 2018 | 27 | Rashaad Penny |
| 2018 | 31 | Sony Michel |
| 2017 | 4 | Leonard Fournette |
| 2017 | 8 | Christian McCaffrey |
| 2016 | 4 | Ezekiel Elliott |
| 2015 | 10 | Todd Gurley |
| 2015 | 15 | Melvin Gordon |
| 2012 | 3 | Trent Richardson |
| 2012 | 31 | Doug Martin |
| 2012 | 32 | David Wilson |
| 2011 | 28 | Mark Ingram |
| 2010 | 9 | C.J. Spiller |
| 2010 | 12 | Ryan Matthews |
| 2010 | 30 | Jahvid Best |
| 2009 | 12 | Knowshon Moreno |
| 2009 | 27 | Donald Brown |
| 2009 | 31 | Beanie Wells |
| 2008 | 4 | Darren McFadden |
| 2008 | 13 | Jonathan Stewart |
| 2008 | 22 | Felix Jones |
| 2008 | 23 | Rashard Mendenhall |
| 2008 | 24 | Chris Johnson |
Most Running Backs Selected in First Round
Selections of running backs in the first round have dried up recently. Since 2013, only three drafts saw multiple selections in the first round.
Since 2005, six drafts saw at least three running backs selected in the first round: 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012.
The record belongs to the 2008 NFL Draft, which saw five running backs selected in the first round: Darren McFadden, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones, Rashard Mendenhall and Chris Johnson.
