NFL · 1 year ago

Best RB in 2024 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 35 Running Backs

Zack Cook

Host · Writer

1. Blake Corum - Michigan
Although his size isn't a strength, Blake Corum used his robust frame to play a significant role in the Michigan Wolverines winning last year's national championship. The desire to be great for this player is second to none in this draft class. We wouldn't bet against Corum finding a way to be impactful at the next level.

SportsGrid Big Board No. 53 Overall
35. Jirehl Brock - Iowa State
If you're looking for a physical running back who knows how to get extra yards in tight situations, Jirehl Brock will interest you. Brock brings high football IQ to the table and is a creative runner that thrives in open space.

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34. Micah Bernard - Utah
Micah Bernard can impact a game on offense in multiple ways, not just with his strong straight-line speed. The former Utah Utes running back is also strong in pass protection, which will surely get the attention of NFL coaches heading into the draft.
33. Lyn-J Dixon - Tennessee
Lyn-J Dixon has an aggressive approach as a running back, which benefitted him in college. For someone of his size, you'd like him to be a bit quicker, but he's still a solid runner.
32. Demarkcus Bowman - UCF
There are prospects that have translatable skills to the NFL, and Demarkcus Bowman is onee. Bowman has flashes of high-end speed and can also catch passes out of the flat. Which team will take a late round shot on him?
31. Austin Jones - USC
Austin Jones doesn't bring size or high-end speed but provides the elite vision necessary to be a successful running back. Jones finished his collegiate career at USC with a seven-touchdown campaign.
30. Noah Cain - LSU
Noah Cain brings the football IQ necessary to find holes and make good decisions with the football. Cain combines solid size and speed to make for an interesting prospect worth watching.
29. George Holani - Boise State
George Holani brings a very high compete level, which is a coach's dream. Despite being slightly undersized, Holani is a physical runner and create space for himself.
28. Keilan Robinson - Texas
Running backs with patience can be intriguing prospects and Keilan Robinson out of Texas has it. Robinson's patience and game-breaking speed are pro-worthy traits.
27. Michael Wiley - Arizona
Michael Wiley has continued to find a high level of success in the screen game, which should help him eventually carve out a role for himself in the NFL. Although he won't jump in and start, it will not be a surprise to see him have specific plays drawn up for him early on in his career.
26. Blake Watson - Memphis
Blake Watson moves well laterally and has the quick feet needed to find the holes for a player with his size. Coming out of Memphis, Watson rushed for over 1,100 yards during his final collegiate season.
25. Jaden Shirden - Monmouth
The two standout traits for Jaden Shirden are his overall vision and explosiveness coming out of the backfield. There's room to grow with this player, and it would be a surprise to see teams have him on their radar.
24. Emani Bailey - TCU
Although speed and agility are essential for a running back, patience and football IQ are just as important, which Emani Bailey provides in spades. With his work ethic and IQ, it won't be a surprise to see Bailey end up in the NFL.
23. Miyan Williams - Ohio State
Ohio State has continued to produce some solid running backs over the years, and Miyan Williams has a chance to add to that tally. Williams's no-quit attitude makes him an appealing option later on Day 3.
22. Rasheen Ali - Marshall
There are multiple ways that Rasheen Ali can impact an NFL running back room. His versatility should see him as someone who finds his way into the league as a change of pace back.
21. Tyrone Tracy Jr. - Purdue
There's a lot to like about Tyrone Tracy Jr., especially with his athleticism and upside. That said, it will likely be a project with this player, which could attract teams later in the draft.
20. Kimani Vidal - Troy
Kimani Vidal out of Troy brings a unique blend of agility and football IQ. Although he's not projected as one of the top runners in this class, there's value in him later, which could prove beneficial.
19. Frank Gore Jr. - Southern Miss
Frank Gore Jr.'s name is one that football fans might be familiar with. Gore Jr. brings the power element to the table, much like his dad. Teams will be intrigued by his pedigree, but he's paving his own way.

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18. Jase McClellan - Alabama
The Alabama Crimson Tide have produced many running backs to the NFL over the years, with Jase McClellan looking like the next. Although he might not have the ceiling that some past graduates have shown, McClellan has real talent, and it won't be a surprise to see a team take a chance on him.
17. Daijun Edwards - Georgia
Georgia has become a strong school for running backs of late, and Daijun Edwards continues that trend. The one thing that immediately popped with Edwards at Georgia was his extraordinary vision.
16. Dylan Laube - New Hampshire
Dylan Laube might be higher on some lists, but we have some reservations about the University of New Hampshire product. The talent is there as a dual threat, but we're not quite sure he'll put it together at the next level.
15. Kendall Milton - Georgia
Kendall Milton had a strong tenure at Georgia, highlighted by his ability to beat defenders on the edge with his burst. Milton has a pro frame and looks like a solid bet to land somewhere on Day 2 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
14. Cody Schrader - Missouri
Cody Schrader was a big reason that Missouri was one of the top teams in the country last season. He's not always going to beat you with his speed, but it's strong enough that it's not a weakness. His size is questionable, but there's the possibility he can find a role at the next level.
13. Dillon Johnson - Washington
One thing that stood out with Dillon Johnson during his final season at Washington was his ability to learn and adapt on the fly. This is a translatable trait that will help him work his way up to the next level, along with his bulky frame. His speed didn't register well at the combine, but there's still value in this player.
12. Isaiah Davis - South Dakota State
Isaiah Davis isn't hard to root for after his time at South Dakota State. He's an elusive runner that's difficult to bring down, which will make him appealing to some teams. You'd have liked for him to have been a little quicker at the NFL Scouting Combine, but there are still pro traits here.
11. Isaac Guerendo - Louisville
Isaac Guerendo's acceleration and speed make him stand out as a legitimate prospect. With these attributes, it's a real possibility you can see a team admire this player and have them inside their top 10 running backs of this draft class.
10. Braelon Allen - Wisconsin
Although Braelon Allen didn't test particularly well at the NFL Scouting Combine, there weren't many standouts behind him that could unseat him on our list. Teams will still gravitate toward his rawness and potential.
9. Will Shipley - Clemson
Will Shipley showed up consistently during his time with the Clemson Tigers, and our opinion of him remains unchanged. In a running back class with limited elite talent, would it surprise anyone if Shipley turned into a starter?
8. Audric Estime - Notre Dame
One of the more disappointing performances at the NFL Scouting Combine came from Audric Estime. Initially, he was one of our favorite running back prospects, but his poor testing results represent some red flags about the player.
7. Ray Davis - Kentucky
If you've been scouting Ray Davis for as long as us, you know that he finds a way to make it work no matter the level of competition. The same held true at the NFL Scouting Combine. Although he wasn't dynamite by any means, the lackluster performances of those around him allowed him to rise on our list.
6. Jaylen Wright - Tennessee
The more you see of Jaylen Wright, the more he pops, which also held true at the NFL Scouting Combine. Wright was one of a limited group of running backs that improved their draft stock by showing out during testing.
5. Bucky Irving - Oregon
Bucky Irving is tremendous at breaking tackles and finding holes in opposing defenses, which made it somewhat surprising to see him struggle with some of the NFL Scouting Combine drills. There's still much to like about this prospect, but there are some reasons to be concerned now.
4. Marshawn Lloyd - USC
MarShawn Lloyd flew under the radar for many who focused more on Caleb Williams at USC, which held true at the NFL Scouting Combine. The talent is there for him to make a difference at the next level.
3. Trey Benson - Florida State
Trey Benson, out of Florida State, was easily the biggest winner from the running backs group at the NFL Scouting Combine. Benson tested strongly, leading his draft stock to take another positive step forward.
2. Jonathon Brooks - Texas
SportsGrid's top running back in the 2024 NFL Draft class is Jonathon Brooks. With no standout performers in this draft class, Brooks remains our favorite combination of a prospect who can step right into a pro-style offense and start.

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1. Blake Corum - Michigan
Although his size isn't a strength, Blake Corum used his robust frame to play a significant role in the Michigan Wolverines winning last year's national championship. The desire to be great for this player is second to none in this draft class. We wouldn't bet against Corum finding a way to be impactful at the next level.

SportsGrid Big Board No. 53 Overall
35. Jirehl Brock - Iowa State
If you're looking for a physical running back who knows how to get extra yards in tight situations, Jirehl Brock will interest you. Brock brings high football IQ to the table and is a creative runner that thrives in open space.

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Best RB in 2024 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top 35 Running Backs

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