The quarterback is the most prestigious position, not just in football, but arguably in any sport. They are the ones who get all the praise when the team wins and, oftentimes, take the blame for losses. There’s a reason why they make the big bucks.
While the quarterback position is important, people often forget about the running backs. They help take the pressure off the passing game and open things up for the offense. Plus, they take as many hits as anyone on the field.
Years ago, if you didn’t have a good running back, you were in trouble. But with today’s evolving game, it’s all about throwing the football and scoring a ton of points. It used to be very common to see running backs taken in the first round, but now we’re lucky to see just one taken in the first 32 picks.
The 2025 NFL Draft was this past weekend, and there were plenty of running backs who heard their name called. However, the Big 12 Conference had a total of seven running backs selected—no other conference in America had more. Let’s take a look at where these players were taken as I share my thoughts on each.
Pick No. 60 – Denver Broncos – RB RJ Harvey (UCF)
What a landing spot for RJ Harvey. Outside of Cam Skattebo, I thought he was the best running back in the entire Big 12 last season. He looked like an NFL running back with his size and speed, and I think going to Denver is a great fit for him. He should see plenty of action with the Broncos.
Pick No. 105 – New York Giants – RB Cam Skattebo (Arizona State)
I thought Cam Skattebo was not just the best running back in the Big 12, but maybe the entire country. He carried Arizona State’s offense on his back at times (literally) and was one of the best players at breaking tackles that I have seen in the Big 12. This man can do it all—from pass protection to catching the football, and of course, making defenders look silly. The Giants got an absolute steal here.
Pick No. 151 – Indianapolis Colts – RB DJ Giddens (Kansas State)
Sometimes I feel like a certain player is a great fit for a team, and that is exactly how I feel about DJ Giddens going to the Colts. DJ rushed for over 1,300 yards last season, and despite his touchdown numbers being a little low, he was still one of the best backs in the Big 12. I could easily see Giddens playing for Indianapolis for years to come.
Pick No. 179 – Miami Dolphins – RB Ollie Gordon II (Oklahoma State)
I am not going to lie—seeing Ollie Gordon being selected in the sixth round hurts a little bit. Going into last season, I thought he was the best running back in college football and could potentially end up in New York for the Heisman ceremony.
Instead, 2024 turned out to be a down year for him. His offensive line wasn’t very good, and the offensive scheme wasn’t much better. I just hope he can make the most of this opportunity in Miami. He has the potential to be a 1,000-yard rusher in the NFL, in my opinion. The talent is certainly there.
Pick No. 184 – New Orleans Saints – RB Devin Neal (Kansas)
If the Saints were hoping for a shifty running back, they certainly got one with Devin Neal. Time and time again, I watched this man make people look silly trying to tackle him. New Orleans now has a unique weapon.
Pick No. 193 – Cincinnati Bengals – RB Tahj Brooks (Texas Tech)
There may not be a running back who has run harder than Tahj Brooks over the last few years in the Big 12. Brooks was a staple of the Texas Tech offense during his time in Lubbock and truly was a bell cow back for the Red Raiders. The Bengals got a good one for such a late pick.
Pick No. 245 – Washington Commanders – RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt (Arizona)
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to see Jacory much this past season due to eligibility issues, but at New Mexico in 2023, he ran for over 1,100 yards and 17 touchdowns for the Lobos. Even though he didn’t get much playing time in 2024, the Commanders took a flyer on him with a late pick.
