This year’s NFL draft was especially notable for its depth and talent at the running back position. A total of 25 running backs, the most since 2019, were selected this past April, five in the first two rounds and twelve in the first four rounds. In addition to their age, potential and skill sets, rookies are especially beneficial to NFL teams because of their relatively affordable contracts. Teams can secure young talent at a lower rookie scale contract, allowing organizations to maximize value on their “investments.” Rookie contracts in the NFL differ from the other Big Four sports leagues, like MLB. In MLB, rookies are not paid a lot after being drafted, have to work their way up through the Minor League system and are never guaranteed to get a shot at the highest level.
In the NFL, teams sign drafted rookies to four-year contracts and undrafted rookies to three-year deals.. According to the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA), rookies drafted in the first round automatically have a fifth-year team option for a non-negotiable amount. The value of rookie contracts is set annually by the league-wide rookie wage scale, which is tied to the salary cap and established by the CBA. These scales assign a predetermined salary and bonus structure for each draft slot, where higher overall picks receive higher salaries and bonuses. Even though teams pay these untested young prospects a significant amount of money, having a potential breakout star secured for four or five years at a low price is more financially beneficial than signing a veteran free agent.
With so many new names entering the league, fans are eager to see which rookies will step up and carry the load for their teams. Of all the new faces, several of the backs have separated themselves as players to watch from last year’s NCAA FBS campaign. Leading the young stars is Ashton Jeanty.
The Boise State product and Heisman trophy runner up, Jeanty was one of college football’s toughest runners last year, leading the nation in missed tackles and yards after contact. He also came up 27 yards short of passing NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders for the most rushing yards in a collegiate season. Now with the Raiders, the rookie sensation brings an explosive skill set that has analysts comparing him to some of the best backs of all time. Jeanty’s contract is valued at $36.9 million, which includes a $22.7 million signing bonus. At the time of the signing, Jeanty’s deal was the second-highest guaranteed signing by a running back in NFL history, so it is hard to compare to other running backs of the draft class.
At 6’0” and 220 pounds, Hampton is a power runner built for tough yards, which should work well in a Jim Harbaugh offense. At North Carolina, he put together back-to-back 1,500-yard seasons and scored more than 15 touchdowns each year. The 22nd pick will join a young and quickly developing offense led by quarterback Justin Herbert, offensive tackle Joe Alt (both fellow first round picks) and wide receiver Ladd McConkey. Alongside his co-stars, Hampton could become the catalyst that pushes this young offense to its full potential. On draft day, Hampton signed a four-year, $17.77 million contract, which is $4.44 million annually. Compared to offseason veteran acquisition Najee Harris, who is being paid almost double the amount, Hampton’s deal will greatly benefit Los Angeles in the long run.
Fresh off of winning a national championship with Ohio State, Henderson brings a versatile skill set with him to New England. As showcased in Week 1 of the NFL preseason when he returned a kick 100 yards for a touchdown, Henderson has the potential to break free for large gains. In addition, Henderson displays stronger skills as a receiver and pass blocker than most from his draft class, receiving backs and pass blockers in this year’s draft class, making him an even more important option for second-year quarterback Drake Maye. Henderson signed for $11.14 million over four years, earning him $2.78 million per year, compared to veteran Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who is earning $9 million per year for four years following an extension signed in 2024.
At 5’8’’, 205 pounds, Harvey is known for his elusiveness and speed. After a strong 2024 campaign with the University of Central Florida, he looks to continue where he left off and make an impact on a young and developing Bronco offense led by second-year Quarterback Bo Nix and veteran coach Sean Payton. While he may not start this season due to free agent acquisition J.K. Dobbins, many opportunities will come his way during his young career. Harvey, the 60th overall pick, signed for $7.36 million over four years, while Dobbins’ contract is worth $2.08 million for one year.
As the season gets underway, it should be exciting to see how these young stars blossom into the talents their coaches, teams, and fans expect.
