The NFL Draft Combine is in the books. We are officially in the thick of the draft season. Today, we will break down three ideal landing spots for two of the top running backs entering the NFL Draft that may also influence NFL picks down the line. I have these RBs ranked third and fourth entering draft season at their position. If you want a breakdown of my top two, click here.
TreVeyon Henderson
Overview
Before the NFL Combine, there was an argument to be made that Henderson could be anywhere between this year’s RB2 and RB5. After a stellar performance by Omarion Hampton, he has now stapled himself to the RB2 spot. Some experts even believe he could be above Ashton Jeanty as the RB1 now. In my rankings, Henderson now secures the RB3 slot. Not only did he produce at a high level at Ohio State, given his shared workload with Quinshon Judkins, but he also put together a terrific combine in Indianapolis. During his senior season for the Buckeyes, Henderson produced 1,016 rushing yards on 144 attempts (7.1 yards per attempt) and 10 touchdowns, to go along with his 27 receptions, 284 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. Keep in mind, Judkins received 45 more touches during this shared workload. At the combine, Henderson ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash and a 1.52-second 10-yard split. He also put together a 38.5” vertical jump and a 128” broad jump.
Ideal Landing Spots
My top three landing spots for Henderson include the Cowboys, Broncos, and Chargers. Sure, other running back-needy teams like the Raiders, Jaguars, Patriots, Steelers, and Browns are in the mix, but Henderson’s style of play makes more sense for these three teams. The consensus is that Henderson will likely go sometime on Day 2, and all three of these teams have good positions to grab him if they pass on a running back in the first round.
Cowboys: It’s obvious at this point that Dallas desperately needs a starting running back. They needed one before this past season but decided to roll with the duo of Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott. Although Dowdle put together a decent campaign (1,079 rushing yards on 4.6 yards per attempt), there’s no question that this team needs to make a major move at this position to be somewhat competitive this next season. Dallas ranked 27th in team rushing last season and Henderson could come in and make a world of a difference right away. Before Judkins joined the Buckeyes, Henderson had been used to serving as his team’s workhorse back. If Dallas passes on a running back at 12th overall, don’t be surprised to see them select one with their 44th or 76th pick.
Broncos: Denver is in a similar position as Dallas. This is a team that believes it can compete, but the running back position needs a major upgrade. Although there were positive signs surrounding 2024 rookie running back Audric Estime, he only averaged 4.1 yards per carry. Javonte Williams is now entering free agency, and Jaleel McLaughlin has proven that he can only serve as a part-time gadget back with upside as a pass-catcher. Denver needs a solid workhorse to help draw attention away from Bo Nix in the passing game. If Denver brings in Henderson, expect Sean Payton to use him as a two-down back who can serve as this team’s pass-catching back as well. Estime would more than likely receive the short-yardage work, but Henderson could shine under Payton, given his proven track record of success coaching running backs. With the 51st and 85th overall picks in the second and third rounds, don’t be surprised if Henderson gets drafted by the Broncos.
Chargers: Los Angeles appeared during Part 1 of this series when we broke down Hampton’s ideal landing spots. They appear here again because they need to address the running back position this offseason. Now that Hampton’s stock has risen, it is likely that he will be gone before Los Angeles selects at 55th overall. They do own the 22nd overall pick, but that may be too high to select him there. If they pass, Henderson on Day 2 would become a solid alternative. He provides burst and long speed that J.K. Dobbins can’t generate at this point in his career. Henderson could also overtake Dobbins entirely and serve as this team’s three-down back right away. With Greg Roman calling plays, Henderson could potentially turn into a star here in Los Angeles, especially with so much focus from the defenses on a franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert.
Kaleb Johnson
Overview
Going into this past collegiate season, Johnson wasn’t on many team’s radars. He was coming off an abysmal season where he only generated 463 rushing yards and three touchdowns while averaging 4.0 yards per attempt. Fast forward to one season later, the Iowa product put together one of the best rushing seasons in all of college. Johnson turned 240 rushing attempts into 1,537 rushing yards (6.4 per attempt) and an eye-popping 21 rushing touchdowns. He also managed to snag 22 receptions for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Not only did he prove he can produce both on the ground and in the passing game, he did so against a stellar Big 10 conference. At the NFL Combine last weekend, Johnson put together a rather disappointing performance, as ran a 4.57-second 40-yard dash and a 1.62-second 10-yard split. But he makes up for this with his stellar on-the-field play that should transition well to the pro level.
Ideal Landing Spots
My top three landing spots for Johnson include the Browns, Chargers, and Steelers. There are a decent amount of ideal landing spots for Johnson, but these three make the most sense if you factor style of play and where these teams draft. All three of these teams are looking to potentially replace a “thumper” type of running back. More than likely, Johnson will serve as the type of back that will step into a one-two punch for his new team, as he shares a workload in the backfield.
Browns: Speaking of “thumpers,” Nick Chubb has been one of the great power rushers over the last five years or so. Coming off a gruesome leg injury, Chubb underperformance mightily last season. He is now entering free agency at 29 years old with a list of injuries that should hold him back from ever being the same. It’s time that Cleveland moves on and adds a new shiny toy in their backfield. Johnson provides similar traits, as his playstyle might be the most comparable to Chubb’s out of any running back in this year’s draft. Cleveland ranked 29th in total team rushing last season, and they currently only have Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong under contract in 2025. With the 33rd, 67th, and 93rd draft picks on Day 2, expect Cleveland to think long and hard on drafting a running back.
Chargers: The Chargers find themselves in the ideal landing spots once again. This time, it is to replace Gus Edward with another physical running back. Edwards was a complete disaster in 2024. He battled injuries and underperformed all season long. Adding Johnson to fill in the role Edwards served next to Dobbins makes a ton of sense. Many believe Los Angeles will select a back with either their 22nd, 55th, or 86th picks. If they decide to pass on a running back at picks 22nd and 55th, Johnson would be an amazing player to hone in on at 86th overall. No matter what, Greg Roman will be pushing hard to bring in another solid back to complement Dobbins in this offense. Why not go with the guy that plays similarly to “Gus Bus?”
Steelers: Here’s a team we haven’t mentioned yet in this series. What’s the plan for Arthur Smith and company if the team decides to move on from Najee Harris? Harris is set to hit free agency, and he is expected to be overpaid because of how weak this free agency running back class is. Johnson is a physical back like Harris; this move makes too much sense. Pittsburgh currently owns the 21st overall pick in the first round. Many believe they would pass on a running back here, allowing them to look at that position on Day 2 at the earliest. They currently possess the 52nd and 83rd picks. Why not take a stab at Johnson on Day 2 to pair up with Jaylen Warren in the backfield?
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