Running backs have taken a hit in value in recent NFL drafts, but with two (Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs) being selected in the top 12 in 2023, perhaps a resurgence is coming. The early returns on the potential draft class of 2024 aren’t so strong, but there are some impressive talents to watch in the upcoming college season.
These are very fluid rankings. In general, these are early impressions about the NFL potential of players who still have a considerable amount of football to play before they’re drafted. The RB position in particular lends itself to players rising or falling rapidly on one season, so don’t expect the final rankings in April to look anything like this.
After watching enough to get a baseline feel for the players, and in talking with some NFL-employed scouts, here is an early listing and my preliminary ranking for the running backs in the NFL draft class of 2024.
1. Raheim Sanders, Arkansas
Sanders flashed his strength, balance through contact and vision quite well for the Razorbacks last fall. He’s also got the soft hands and great acceleration to be more of a versatile weapon for a bigger (227 pounds) back at the next level.
2. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Speedy all-purpose back with very good feet both inside and outside. Henderson might have the best feel for cutbacks and setting up downfield blockers of any back in the class.
3. Donovan Edwards, Michigan
Edwards offers big play potential outside the tackles with quick feet to avoid getting hit. His ability to string together moves and absorb contact without losing momentum is impressive even if his timed speed won’t wow scouts.
4. Will Shipley, Clemson
Shipley is very adept at making tacklers miss in space thanks to his silky footwork and excellent use of his shoulders and hips to set up moves. Good in the passing game and offers some potential as a return specialist, added value in the era of the shared backfield.
5. Trey Benson, Florida State
The Oregon transfer is the current best-in-class at maximizing yards on poorly blocked runs. Instant acceleration and he’s got the speed to beat the defense to the spot even when it doesn’t look like Benson has the angle. If he develops more strength thru contact, Benson can be a major weapon in the NFL.
6. Blake Corum, Michigan
Corum has the talent and track record to be ranked higher, but it remains to be seen how he recovers from a major knee injury that ended his 2022 season. He’s a home run hitter in the mold of Christian McCaffrey.
7. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
The precocious Allen brings a great feel for where the hole will be and how the defense will react to it. He might be the best screen pass weapon in this class too, if he elects to declare early.
8. Jarquez Hunter, Auburn
Hunter lacks strength, but he makes up for it with receiving skills that could portend a future as a slot receiver. High-end elusiveness and frantic feet when isolated on a defender 1-on-1.
9. Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State
Coming from the FCS level can be a big jump, but Davis has shown the vision, strength and acceleration to make it successfully. He’s a bigger back who could be a nice complement to a lightning-type of back.
10. Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
Wright is an incredible athlete (44-inch vertical, 23.6 MPH GPS timing) who translates the freakiness to running the ball pretty well. His hands and strength through contact can improve and help Wright rise up the draft board.
Also watching
These are in some semblance of an order and are heavily focused on seniors
Ulysses Bentley, Ole Miss
Nate Noel, Appalachian State
Carson Steele, UCLA
Blake Watson, Memphis
Bucky Irving, Oregon
Frank Gore Jr., Southern Miss
Jo’Quavious Marks, Mississippi
Rasheen Ali, Marshall
Noah Whittington, Oregon
Devin Neal, Kansas
John Emery Jr., LSU
Miyan Williams, Ohio State
Jase McClellan, Alabama
Aidan Robbins, BYU
Alton McCaskill, Colorado
Kendall Milton, Georgia
Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
Antario Brown, Northern Illinois
George Holani, Boise State
Sieh Bangura, Ohio
Treshaun Ward, Kansas State
