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The recent trend in the NFL has led teams to be cautious about investing a significant number of assets into the running back position. In the 2023 NFL draft, both Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs emerged as first-round picks, showcasing their exceptional prospect status. However, when comparing them to the running backs in the 2024 class, Robinson and Gibbs were notably ahead.
Traditionally, two to four running backs are selected in the first two rounds of the draft. Yet, there is a possibility that no running back will be chosen until the third round in 2024.
Ohio State standout running back TreVeyon Henderson has opted to return to school for his senior year. If he had entered the draft, he would have been positioned near the top of this list. The question arises: Who is the best running back in the 2024 class, and who will be the first running back selected in the 2024 draft? Let's dive into that question.
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Jonathan Brooks, Texas, So.
- Height: 6'0"
- Weight: 207
- Age: 20.5
- 2023 Stats: 1,135 rushing yards, 6.1 yards per attempt with 10 touchdowns, 1.43 yards per route run
- 2024 Draft Positional Rank: RB1
- Player Comp: Less-athletic Bijan Robinson, James Cook
Texas Longhorns running back Jonathan Brooks faced a setback in November of the previous season when he suffered a torn ACL, likely causing him to miss some time at the beginning of the 2024 NFL season. Despite the injury, the Texas native, who played 515 total college snaps, decided to remain in-state with the Longhorns.
In his inaugural season as the primary running back, Brooks exhibited impressive performance, averaging over six yards per attempt and nearly four per attempt after contact. Possessing above-average size, he is projected to record one of the fastest 40 times among draft backs at 4.45. Brooks excelled in both zone blocking and gap schemes, showcasing his versatility for any offensive system.
Similar to his predecessor, Bijan Robinson, Brooks displays soft hands and a keen understanding of the screen game, thriving in open space. His ability to change pace rapidly creates separation from defenders, and his flexibility enables him to reach the outside and outmaneuver opponents to the corner.
While Brooks has made significant strides in decision-making, particularly with pulling guards and reading outside zone paths, there is room for improvement in his patience. Occasionally, hesitation leads to suboptimal runs.
Not relying solely on overwhelming athleticism, Brooks is not a player who wins purely with speed and strength. It remains intriguing to observe his progress in the passing game, especially with the potential expansion of his route tree. Despite the injury that could sideline him into the season, Brooks possesses the qualities of a successful every-down back and is anticipated to be the first running back selected in the draft.
Bucky Irving, Oregon, Jr.
- Height: 5'10"
- Weight: 195
- Age: 21.4
- 2023 Stats: 1,192 rushing yards, 6.4 yards per attempt with 11 touchdowns, 1.2 yards per route run
- 2024 Draft Positional Rank: RB2
- Player Comp: The Tyjae Spear, Jahmyr Gibbs, Alvin Kamara prototype
Bucky Irving commenced his collegiate journey with the Minnesota Golden Gophers in 2021, having been rated as a three-star prospect on ESPN and a four-star prospect by 24/7 Sports. Despite a limited sample size in his first year at Minnesota, Irving showcased remarkable efficiency, prompting his transfer to Oregon.
The Chicago native demonstrated versatility, averaging just under four yards per attempt after contact and excelling in gap run schemes during the 2023 season. Despite his relatively small frame, Irving displayed an ability to navigate through contact, though the question remains whether this will translate to success in the NFL given his size. Projected to have a 40 time of around 4.46, he stands out as one of the fastest in his position class.
Given the success of smaller backs like Jahmyr Gibbs and Keaton Mitchell in the NFL, Irving's skill set, especially in outside zone runs and pin pull concepts, aligns well with the current trend. His exceptional vision on outside zone runs and consistent display of patience in the backfield is impressive. Similar to Brooks, Irving's rapid change of pace creates separation, and he excels when operating in open space.
Irving's value extends to his role as a receiver, showcasing remarkable abilities with his hands and the capacity to make plays downfield. While his college route tree was relatively straightforward, there's an expectation for him to diversify his skill set, possibly lining up more consistently outside.
Although Irving's size may not position him as a power runner at the next level, his quick bursts in open space and dynamic receiving talent make him an excellent complement in any offensive scheme. While he may not be the prototypical every-down back, Irving holds significant potential to thrive as a 1a option in an offense, aligning well with the evolving trends in the NFL.
Audric Estime, Notre Dame, Jr.
- Height: 5'11"
- Weight: 227
- Age: 20.4
- 2023 Stats: 1,341 rushing yards, 6.4 yards per attempt with 18 touchdowns, 1.29 yards per route run
- 2024 Draft Positional Rank: RB3
- Player Comp: Tyler Allgeier, Brian Robinson Jr.
Audric Estime, a graduate of St. Joseph Regional High School in New Jersey, joined Notre Dame in 2021 and secured a substantial role starting in 2022. The 20-year-old exhibited dominance in both gap and zone blocking schemes during the 2023 season, boasting an impressive 4.27 yards per attempt after contact. His frequent usage near the goal line suggests potential for a role as a short-yardage specialist.
While Estime may not possess elite speed, he is anticipated to rank near the top of the position class in weight. As a runner, he showcases natural talent, combining patience and precise footwork to execute quick cuts. Despite his patience, Estime is decisively downhill, swiftly navigating behind his blockers. His footwork and lateral burst project well for his versatility in various run concepts.
Although lacking big-play speed to outrun defenses, Estime compensates with an ability to run through contact and swiftly advance north to south, offering significant impact in an NFL offense. However, his contributions are likely limited to early downs, as he does not excel as a receiver and struggles as a pass blocker.
Estime's potential to fill a role akin to Gus Edwards for the Ravens or another team could yield impactful results, especially in his first year. While he is a talented runner capable of vertically attacking defenses, his lack of creativity and top-end speed may limit his propensity for breaking off substantial runs.
Trey Benson, Florida State, Jr.
- Height: 6'1"
- Weight: 223
- Age: 21.5
- 2023 Stats: 905 rushing yards, 5.8 yards per attempt with 14 touchdowns, 1.37 yards per route run
- 2024 Draft Positional Rank: RB4
- Player Comp: Roschon Johnson, Tank Bigsby
Trey Benson, originally from Greensville, Mississippi, initially committed to Oregon out of high school. However, limited snaps in just two games led to his transfer to Florida State in 2022, where he promptly assumed a more significant role, rushing for nearly 1,000 yards in his first year as a Seminole.
In the 2023 season, Benson played 13 games, averaging just under six yards per carry, particularly excelling in gap blocking schemes on a smaller volume of plays. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 223 pounds, he possesses an impressive frame and boasts one of the fastest projected 40 times in this class (4.37). While Benson found success in the screen game, his downfield receiving abilities are relatively unremarkable. Notably, he excels in pass blocking, enhancing his versatility on the field.
Benson's strengths lie in outside zone schemes, leveraging his exceptional vision and quick footwork to identify cutback opportunities and generate positive plays. Exhibiting twitchiness, great acceleration, and the ability to catch defenses off guard, he thrives in open space, using his start-stop ability to create additional running angles.
However, Benson faces criticism for occasional impatience, a crucial skill for sustained success in the league as athleticism declines. While possessing good speed, he may not consistently break through or outrun defenses based solely on athleticism. Displaying traits of an every-down back and impressive running skills, Benson's key area for improvement lies in refining his patience to establish himself as a formidable force in the league.
Blake Corum, Michigan, Sr.
- Height: 5'8"
- Weight: 213
- Age: 23.1
- 2023 Stats: 1,245 rushing yards, 4.8 yards per attempt with 27 touchdowns, 0.87 yards per route run
- 2024 Draft Positional Rank: RB5
- Player Comp: Shades of Kenneth Walker III
Blake Corum, the star running back for Michigan, played a pivotal role in leading the team to a National Championship win during his senior season in 2023. The 2019 Gatorade Player of the Year in Maryland, Corum spent his entire college career at Michigan and experienced significant growth in his second year.
Following his return from a meniscus tear that shortened his 2022 season, Corum faced a noticeable dip in efficiency. His yards per attempt dropped from just under six to under five, and he averaged just over two yards per attempt after contact. Despite being one of the more elusive backs in college football, Corum found himself rated near the bottom in elusiveness in 2023.
When healthy, Corum exhibits a remarkable feel as a runner and possesses natural football talent. His vision, quick cuts, and ability to navigate tight spaces allow him to seamlessly reach the second level of the defense. Despite not having a large build, his compact frame enables him to power through defenders and fall forward.
One area of improvement for Corum is in pass protection, where he occasionally struggles with different blitz assignments. While he has a solid frame for this role, further coaching is expected to enhance his performance.
The primary concerns surrounding Corum revolve around his durability and the ability to regain his old form, compounded by his relatively older age compared to other prospects. Without his top-end burst that contributed to big plays and powerful runs, he may not fulfill the workhorse role some anticipated. Additionally, Corum needs to expand his route tree beyond flat routes and checkdowns. Despite these concerns, his innate ability as a pure runner remains undeniable.
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