RADIO
We are less than 24 hours away from the 2024 NFL Draft kicking off on April 25 in Detroit. The draft is one of the most exciting times of the year, as hundreds of NFL prospects will hear their names called on stage. The first round will be held on Thursday, while the second and third rounds will follow on Friday.
That Friday (Day 2) is when we could see the first running back off the board. The expectation around the league is that no running back will be selected on the first night, making night two the most likely scenario.
So, which teams are most likely to draft a running back on Day 2? Let's dive in and find out.
Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:- Quarterback fantasy football rankings
- Running back fantasy football rankings
- Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
- Tight end fantasy football rankings
- Kicker fantasy football rankings
- FLEX fantasy football rankings
- Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
- Superflex fantasy football rankings
- IDP fantasy football rankings
- Dynasty fantasy football rankings
Dallas Cowboys
The team that will surely be in the hunt for a running back in the draft is the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys not only lost Tony Pollard in free agency, but they also didn't make any moves to upgrade that position this offseason. As of now, Dallas has just Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn, and Royce Freeman on its current roster.
The Cowboys have signed running back Royce Freeman to a one-year deal, according to source. Freeman had 319 yards on 77 carries with 2 touchdowns last year for the Los Angeles Rams. He was 3rd round pick of Denver in '18.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) April 17, 2024
As a result, look for the Cowboys to target a running back early in the draft. They could also certainly use one, especially considering head coach Mike McCarthy has always loved to establish the run as a play-caller over his career.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders are another team that could use a running back early in the draft after losing Josh Jacobs in free agency. Jacobs was the team's starting running back in 2023, but he signed a multi-year deal with the Green Bay Packers in March. That could mean Las Vegas is in the market for a back in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Which of these teams needs an upgrade at running back the most?
Broncos
Raiders
Chargers
Panthers
Vikings— Jake's Fantasy Football (@JakesFFootball) April 20, 2024
Even though Zamir White looked great in the starting role last season, it remains to be seen if the team believes in him long-term. So, look for the Raiders to draft a running back on Day 2 to compliment White out of the backfield.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The last team that could most likely select a running back on Day 2 is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rachaad White was the team's starting back in 2023, and that surely won't change this upcoming season. He totaled over 1,500 yards from scrimmage with nine touchdowns last year.
Nonetheless, the Buccaneers could definitely use a bigger back in the run game. As of now, the team only has White, Chase Edmonds, and Sean Tucker on their roster -- none of which really fit that bill. That's why we could see Tampa Bay be aggressive in round two or three to get a physical runner up the middle.
More Fantasy Football Analysis
