The pre-draft process makes it seem as though Joe Schoen would like to add to this position
It seems like a pretty good beat that the New York Giants will select a running back at some point in the 2025 NFL Draft.
That won’t happen at No. 3. GM Joe Schoen has always questioned the wisdom of taking running backs in the first round, and after moving on from Saquon Barkley taking Ashton Jeanty at No. 3 would be hypocritical.
A running back is unlikely to be the pick at No. 34. The Giants may use that pick to select, or trade up to select, a quarterback. If not, adding to the trenches seems like the best plan.
Anywhere throughout the rest of the draft, though, running back seems like a real possibility for the Giants.
The Giants have met with quite a few running backs during the pre-draft process, either via ‘30’ visits, at All-Star games, the Combine, or pro days.
Schoen recently mentioned running back as one of the deepest position groups in the draft.
Additions: None
Losses: None
Roster: Tyrone Tracy Jr., Devin Singletary, Eric Gray, Dante Miller
Draft need: A long-term replacement for Singletary; Depth to build out a real committee
Day 2 options
Kaleb Johnson, Iowa — Connecting Johnson to the Giants seems obvious. The Giants hired Johnson’s Iowa running backs coach, LaDell Betts, for that role this offseason. To me, there isn’t one exceptional thing about Johnson — but as a whole there is a lot to like about the 6-foot-1, 224-pounder. Dane Brugler of The Athletic has a second-round grade on him, and that might be too rich for the Giants.
Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State — Another back who doesn’t, to me, have a single “wow” trait, but the sum of the parts makes him a guy who should be a good back in the NFL. Brugler has a Round 2-3 grade on him.
In the Rookie Scouting Portfolio Draft Guide, Matt Waldman says:
The fans underrated Judkins, but the people I know with NFL experience agree with the RSP: Judkins is one of the backs in this draft who can deliver quality starter production in nearly all phases of the position and he’s scheme versatile.
Judkins is a three-down prospect who can outsmart defenders in the box, work around them, or through them. He’s fast enough to flip the field and, in some cases, author breakaway runs.
Day 3 options
I may have a type when it comes to running backs. All three of the backs below are guys who run with power and attitude. I’m thinking about adding a player who can be a tone-setting back in the mold of Brandon Jacobs and even Ahmad Bradshaw.
Damien Martinez, Nebraska — This is a guy Waldman really brought to my attention. He’s not a breakway speed runner and he doesn’t have a ton of pass-catching experience. What he does have is power, decisiveness and attitude. He does not like to be tackled and is not afraid to run through would-be tacklers.
In his draft guide, Waldman says:
A smart, savvy, reliable, and powerful back who can work inside, outside, and in space, Martinez, gets my vote as one of the 3-4 safest running backs on the board. He has a grasp of a variety of run schemes and he manages the game well as a ball carrier, which is vital for starting in an NFL offense.
Cam Skattebo, Arizona State — The 5-9, 216-pound powerhouse draws comparisons to players like Mike Alstott and Peyton Hillis. Brugler has a Round 3-4 grade on Skattebo.
Kyle Monangai, Rutgers — Monongai’s game is defined by physicality, ball security (no fumbles in 707 career touches), contact balance and a nose for the end zone. I see the 5-8¼, 211-pounder as an excellent pick at No. 154 in Round 5 or in Round 7 if he falls that far.
Waldman says:
Monangai is a tough and smart runner with good feet and a low center of gravity. Add it up and his game screams, Never say die.
Monangai uses his height and weight to his advantage. He’s elusive in tight confines and thrives off stop-start movement, hip mobility, and contact balance to avoid or mitigate contact from multiple defenders in succession.
Short-area quickness and contact balance are the strengths of Monangai’s athletic profile as a runner. He may lack long speed, but he has a lot of the play stamina that makes Ashton Jeanty a special prospect.
