5 RBs skyrocketing up draft boards after the NFL Combine

The NFL Combine just wrapped up — and if you blinked, you probably missed some running backs making themselves a whole lot of money (and jumping way up fantasy draft boards).

In today’s email - we’re breaking down 5 RBs who blew up the Combine — and what it means for your fantasy draft prep.

Let’s dive in 👇

#1 Quinshon Judkins

The Ohio State Junior is a proven college producer. He earned 1000+ rushing yards in all 3 college seasons at Ole Miss & Ohio State.

But that’s not all because his film also looks solid. He’s a physical runner with solid vision & burst for his size.

But there were some questions around his speed & athleticism. He put these to rest at the NFL combine…

Judkins ran a 4.48 40-time at 221 pounds. This gives him the 5th highest speed score in this RB class. And he showed elite burst on his jumping drills.

Judkins is rising up draft boards – and so is this next guy:

#2 DJ Giddens

The 21-year-old spent all 3 college seasons at Kansas State.

He broke out in 2023 with 1549 total yards and 13 TDs. But he didn’t stop there because in 2024 he totaled 1601 yards and 13 TDs across 226 touches.

Giddens has elite vision and patience as a runner.

All of this is great – but it gets even better because at the NFL combine Giddens ran a 4.43 40-time. This was 7th fastest among 24 backs.

Overall – he ranked 3rd among all RB in total athletic testing. He could be a middle-round gem this draft season. And the same is true for this next guy:

#3 Bhayshul Tuten

He stole the show at the Combine.

His 4.32 40-time was the fastest among the RBs. He ran the same 40 time as De'Von Achane - despite being 20 pounds bigger.

But that’s not all because Tuten was also productive in college. He broke out in his Sophomore season at North Carolina A&T producing 1605 total yards.

Tuten then transferred to Virigina Tech for his final 2 seasons. And the strong production continued:

Over his final 2 years he averaged 5.2 yards touch. Including a senior season for 1237 yards on just 205 touches.

Tuten has big play ability & he's dangerous as a pass-catcher. Expect him to go on Day 2 of the draft - but this next guy could go on Day 1:

#4 Omarion Hampton

The UNC back has been a mega-producer in college. Over his last 2 season he’s averaged a whopping 1880 total yards.

But it gets more impressive because in 2024 he totaled over 2000 total yards.

And it’s difficult to find many flaws in his film.

Hampton was considered a 2nd round pick before the Combine. But his athletic testing may jolt him into Round 1 because at 221 pounds Hampton ran a 4.46 40-time.

This puts him in rare air in terms of RB speed scores.

According to the Relative Athletic Score Model Hampton ranks 14th out of 1909 RBs since 1987 in athletic testing (Top 1%)

The 2-time first team All-American is trending up and so it this next RB:

#5 RJ Harvey

The 24-year-old back needed a strong showing in Indy and he delivered.

Harvey ran the 4th fastest 40-time among 24 backs. Here’s what you need to know…

He’s produced 1400+ total yards each of his past 2 seasons. And in 2024 he set a career-high with 1844 total yards.

He’s extremely efficient – averaging 7.3 yards per touch last season.

But what are his weaknesses?

Well Harvey is a liability in pass-protection. He needs to improve in this area but his Combine results should help his draft stock.

Harvey also weighed in bigger than expected at 205 pounds. He currently projects to be a 5th round pick…

Before you go — I want to hear from you.

What topics would you love to see me cover next?

Reply and let me know — your feedback helps shape these newsletters, and I want to make sure they’re as helpful as possible for you.

Chat soon!

Sal

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