2025 Rookie Profiles: Running Backs Tier 3
Part 2 of the Rookie RB Profile Series - Tier 3.
We continue forward with tier 3 of the RB group. This tier is a pretty large group of guys (9 total), with vastly ranging profiles. Some guys will get strong draft capital, but might not be analytically favored. Others will have some awesome efficiency out of college, with question marks about their potential roles at the next level as certified day 3 picks.
This RB class, and tier group in particular, is extremely deep. Let’s get into it.
TIER 3
RB5: Damien Martinez
The Good: Martinez is one of the most underrated RBs in this class. He’s got a great build for the modern NFL, coming in just shy of 6’0” and 217 pounds. He clocked an impressive 9.35 RAS, with a strong 80th percentile speed score.
Martinez is also very impressive with the ball in his hands. In 2024, he finished second among RB prospects in YACo/Att (4.51), first in 1st Downs/Att (0.38), and 7th in YPA (6.3). This led him to a PFF Rush Grade of 94.4, good for 3rd best in the nation. Martinez’ career numbers are similarly strong, coming in at 7th/31 RB prospects in YPA (6.1), 8th in MTF/Att (0.27), and 7th in YACo/Att (3.93).
The counting stats were very solid for Martinez from the jump, putting up over 1k+ total yards and 7 rush TDs in his freshman season at Oregon State, along with 1200+ total yards in each of his next 2 seasons.
Martinez is an awesome fit as the early down-grinder in any offense, proving he can get it done in both zone rushing schemes (Oregon St.) and man-gap schemes (Miami). He’s powerful yet patient, effective in short yardage situations, and great at picking up yards after contact.
The Bad: I love Martinez’ game and profile, so I don’t have a ton of negative comments here. Martinez has more wiggle than some of the other big guys in this class and is quite nimble for his size (8th best PFF Elusive Rating in class), but there’s a reason he declined agility testing. He’s also not overly-bursty, landing in just the 66th percentile in burst score.
Martinez was not super involved or productive as a receiver. His career 0.73 YPRR is a rather weak number, and he totaled just 32 receptions in his 3 year career. That being said, he did average a strong 12.2 yards/rec and forced a missed tackle on nearly half of his receptions (14/32), so I’m leaving the light on for some future involvement there.
FF Summary: Martinez ultimately profiles an early down-grinder that is competent enough to stay in there on passing downs at times. I personally love his skillset picking up yards after contact and proving capable of making defenders miss, especially so at his size. The prospects of Martinez picking up an immediate early down role somewhere are enticing, especially so if he gets day 2 draft capital.
I’m obviously targeting Martinez, who is my RB5 currently while all the way down at RB13 amongst rookies per Dynasty Data Lab. He’s similarly a target for me in best ball drafts this year, currently going as RB57 (179.3 ADP).
RB6: DJ Giddens
The Good: Giddens is another guy who I’m way higher than consensus on. He is another hyper-athletic RB from this class, posting a 9.78 RAS with a 4.43 40 time. At 6’0” 212 lbs, he boasts a 91st percentile speed score (110.1) and a 95th percentile burst score (132.2).
Giddens also had some pretty strong metrics to back up his athletic profile. Among 31 RB prospects in their careers, Giddens is:
7th in YPA (6.0)
7th in MTF/Att (0.29)
9th in YACo/Att (3.72)
6th in Breakaway run rate (9.1%)
Really good stuff across the board from Giddens, who crossed 1200 and 1300 rushing yards in each of his last 2 seasons, respectively. He also has a strong enough receiving profile, with a career 1.24 YPRR and 11.9 yards/rec.
Giddens possesses good size paired with good athleticism, and doesn’t really have many weak spots in his game. He’s got tackle-breaking and evading ability, breakaway speed and explosiveness, and can make plays in the receiving game.
The Bad: Giddens is another guy on this list that his limited negatives to his profile. He does run with a little less power and toughness than his size would suggest. He also is not particularly agile, represented by his below average shuttle time (4.33) and his middling career PFF Elusive Rating (105.4).
From a receiving perspective, Giddens did have a drop issue in 2024, dropping 5 of his 25 catchable targets for a brutal 20% drop rate. This is likely a fixable issue at the next level, but could definitely affect his potential role early on at the very least.
FF Summary: Giddens is a very impressive runner and has a lot of tools to be successful at the next level. He’s a guy that I’m currently way ahead of in terms of consensus rankings, coming in as my RB6 compared to his consensus rank of RB11.
I would say I currently have Giddens priced near his ceiling. He is very draft capital and landing spot dependent, running the risk of being a middle of day 3 guy. If he goes day 2/early day 3 and lands in a good spot, I'm comfortable with this ranking. Outside of that, he’ll likely slide down my rankings.
In best ball drafts, Giddens’ price is very palatable at RB51 (ADP of 163.1). This puts him in the range of several other high upside rookies with draft capital or talent concerns, along with some likely clear RB2s/handcuffs. I think Giddens’ talent and upside makes him a very strong click at this point in drafts.