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Anyone who follows college football knows who the best players are. Sometimes this does not fit with what the teams at the top of the NFL Draft need. Sometimes it is a position like RB in which none should be taken too early. So, who are the teams that need to draft an RB in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Below, we have a list of five teams who could use an addition or two to the backfield.
Whether it be due to an aging player or a lack of depth, these are the teams who should look to the running back position when deciding on some of their draft selections in 2024.
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Arizona Cardinals:
Top Backs: James Conner, Emari Demercado, DeeJay Dallas
2023 Stats: 2,365 yards (fourth), 139.1/game
While Arizona finished fourth in rushing yards in 2023, James Conner is getting older. With no true game-breaker on the team, the Cardinals can use an RB in the 2024 NFL Draft.
There is no Saquon Barkley or other RB who is going to go in the first round. There may not even be a back taken in the second round. Arizona can use a later-round pick on a running back to give competition to Conner and potentially replace Conner after the 2024 season.
Kyler Murray and his rushing ability can make it easier for any RB to find more success in the Arizona offense. If Arizona can find a back who is a capable run blocker and develop his skills throughout the season, the Cardinals might find a way to not finish last in the division for the coming years.
Cincinnati Bengals:
Top Backs: Zack Moss, Chase Brown
2023 Stats: 1,527 yards (31st), 89.8/game
Joe Mixon is gone. He was traded to Houston this offseason. This means the Cincinnati Bengals will be counting on Zack Moss who, after a rough start to his career, had a solid season in 2023 for the Indianapolis Colts.
Add 2023 draft pick Chase Brown into the mix and the Bengals' run game is not looking to be a strong point of the team. Something Cincinnati may be counting on more with the departure of Tyler Boyd and the possible departure of Tee Higgins.
With Joe Burrow coming back off yet another injury, getting even a solid run game will help his return and help the Bengals return to the playoffs.
Dallas Cowboys:
Top Backs: Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn
2023 Stats: 1,920 yards (14th), 112.9/game
Tony Pollard was a disappointment in 2023. Despite this, he was the best back on the Dallas Cowboys roster. His loss to the Tennessee Titans will be felt by the Cowboys offense.
If Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn are the lead running backs on the roster come training camp, this Cowboys team will not be making another appearance in the playoffs as a division champion.
Dowdle is a solid backup. Vaughn, at 5-foot-6, is more of a gadget player right now. Think a poor man's Darren Sproles. This does not bode well for a Dallas team hungry to return to the Super Bowl after almost 30 seasons.
Jerry Jones is the decision maker. He likes his skill position players. So, it is a safe bet he will take a running back. Dallas fans just need to hope he finds the right one to help the team get over the hump.
Los Angeles Chargers:
Top Backs: Gus Edwards, Isaiah Spiller
2023 Stats: 1,642 yards (25th), 96.6/game
Austin Ekeler is now in Washington with the Commanders. This leaves only Isaiah Spiller and new addition Gus Edwards as viable running backs.
As seen by his recent Michigan teams, Jim Harbaugh will want to run the ball down the throat of the opponent. This means more backs will be needed in Los Angeles.
While the Chargers must address their wide receiver group early in the draft, look for Harbaugh to also address the RB position. Perhaps with a former Michigan back in Blake Corum. I am just saying.
Minnesota Vikings:
Top Backs: Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler
2023 Stats: 1,553 yards (29th), 91.4/game
Aaron Jones is a solid all-around back, but he is also injured quite a bit. While he will have monster games against the Packers, the season is more than two games.
Ty Chandler was a darling in several weeks for fantasy managers in 2023 but he is now relegated once again to the backup role.
The Minnesota Vikings churn through running backs like I churn through Diet Coke. From Adrian Peterson to Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison, once a player hits a snag, they are cast out. Jones has one or two seasons on the roster and Minnesota will need to find a replacement for him.
Finding a late selection in this draft will start to find that replacement, and it will need to be a late selection as Minnesota has no second-round selection after trading theirs to Houston for the 23rd pick to move up for their other major need, a QB.
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