Raheim "Rocket" Sanders, a senior running back from South Carolina, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft on Dec. 19, drawing attention from scouts and analysts alike. Sanders was eligible for the draft after the 2023 season but chose to remain in college for another year, transferring from Arkansas to South Carolina in 2024.
Noted for his physicality and ability to break tackles, Sanders has demonstrated considerable upside throughout his college career. As he transitions to the professional level, the key question of where he fits in the NFL landscape remains.
Strengths
At the 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl, Sanders checked in at 6 feet and 224 pounds, possessing an ideal frame for an every-down back. His ability to absorb contact and maintain balance allows him to consistently gain extra yardage — evident in plays such as his dominant run against LSU, where he powered through multiple defenders to convert a crucial third down late in the game.
Sanders excels in north-south running, often breaking through arm tackles and pushing the pile forward. His downhill style makes him effective in short-yardage and goal-line situations. In a closely contested matchup against LSU on Sept. 14, Sanders carried the ball 19 times for 143 yards and demonstrated his versatility in the passing game with one reception for 11 yards.
Sanders' dual-threat capability was on full display in the game against Texas A&M on Nov. 2, when he rushed for 144 yards on 20 carries, consistently breaking through defenders and picking up key yardage to secure the victory for Gamecocks. He also made an impact in the passing game with five receptions for 92 yards.
Against Vanderbilt on Nov. 9, Sanders played a key role in securing the decisive Gamecocks win, rushing for 126 yards on 15 carries and contributing to the passing game, catching two passes for 52 yards. Despite only carrying the ball three yards per rush against Missouri's defense on Nov. 16, he carried the ball 19 times for 53 yards and caught one 15-yard pass for a touchdown that helped propel the Gamecocks to a hard-fought victory.
Throughout his career at South Carolina, Sanders proved to be a dynamic force in the Gamecocks' backfield. In the 2024 season alone, Sanders amassed 881 rushing yards on 183 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and scoring 11 touchdowns.
Weaknesses
Though Sanders has sufficient burst for a running back of his size, he lacks elite breakaway speed, which may limit his ability to create long runs at the NFL level. He has been clocked at a 40-yard dash time of 4.44 seconds, and is among the top 10 players in the running back position entering the draft. While capable in blocking situations, his technique and awareness will require refinement to maximize his effectiveness as a third-down option in the NFL.
Like many running backs entering the draft, durability is the question. In 2023, Sanders missed half of his junior year season due to a knee injury midseason and, after recovering from that, he suffered a severe shoulder injury that required complex surgery to fix.Sanders missed the 2024 spring season with the Gamecocks while in recovery from shoulder surgery and suffered an ankle injury against Akron, causing him to miss the LSU game.
After recovering from his ankle injury, Sanders went on to have a successful solo season with South Carolina and received the 2024 Comeback Player of the Year Award. Depending on how teams view his injury concerns, his draft stock could fluctuate, with some teams potentially factoring in his physical history more heavily than others.
While he succeeds in breaking tackles, Sanders' running style relies more on power than agility. In the 2023 season, his yards after contact per rush decreased from 3.14 to 2.45, indicating a reduction in his ability to gain extra yards post-contact. This reliance on power over agility may pose challenges against faster, more disciplined NFL defenses capable of limiting his space and containing his physical running style.
NFL fit and draft projections
Sanders projects as a power back who can contribute immediately in a rotational role, with the potential to develop into a lead back in the right system. Teams that emphasize a power-running back scheme, such as the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants or Denver Broncos, may be ideal fits for him.
The Cowboys are exploring options to strengthen their running back corps, particularly with Rico Dowdle's future uncertain due to free agency. Sanders' power-running style aligns with the Cowboys' offensive scheme, the "Texas Coast" offense which emphasizes pre-snap motion and quick passes, making Sanders a viable candidate to complement their existing backfield.
The Broncos are evaluating their running back room for the upcoming season. Their lack of a run game was one of the Broncos' biggest criticisms during the 2024 season, and Sanders' downhill running and physicality could provide the Broncos with a reliable option to bolster their ground game.
The Giants are looking to add size and power to their backfield by taking the ball away more. Sanders' combination of strength and vision makes him a strong candidate to fit into their offensive plans, potentially serving as a rotational back with the opportunity to take on a more significant role.
Based on current projections, Sanders is likely to be selected between the third and fifth rounds. His draft position will depend on team needs, his performance at the NFL Scouting Combine and medical evaluations.
Sanders presents an intriguing option for teams looking for a physical, durable running back with the potential to develop into a key contributor. While he has areas to improve in, his combination of size, power and vision make him a strong candidate to carve out a role in the NFL. With the right fit and development, Sanders could emerge as a valuable asset for a team's backfield in the coming years.
What's next?
The NFL Scouting Combine will take place from Feb. 24 to March 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, where Sanders will be among 10 of his fellow Gamecocks who have also declared for the draft.