RB RANKINGS 1.0 2024 NFL DRAFT

20. Jalen Berger

Michigan State

6'1

215

2023 STATS:

93 RSH YDS    3.7 YPC    40 REC YDS 1 TD

PROS: 

• Paitent

• Initial speed

CONS:

• Pass protection

• 3rd gear speed

• Seperation

DAY 3 GRADE

Very polarizing tape. At Wisconsin, he looked like an elite pro-ready running back, however, his time at Michigan State showed some holes, and showed that maybe he didn't have an IT factor. He showed it before at Wisconsin, and any team that drafts him is betting that he still has that.

19. Rasheen Ali

Marshall

6'0

209

2023 STATS:

1,135 RSH YDS    5.4 YPC    213 REC YDS      16 TD

PROS: 

• Physical specimen 

CONS:

• Lack of competition

DAY 3 GRADE

He is a freak and shows trememndous upside, however he didn't do it against the greatest competition. He has the tools that could be molded into an everyday runningback, however it will take some development. In today's age, I'm not sure how many teams will take a chance on developing a running back, but I think in the right scenario his tools will be a gift to this team.

18. Frank Gore Jr.

Southern Mississippi

5'8

195

2023 STATS:

1,131 RSH YDS    4.9 YPC    221 REC YDS      13 TD

PROS: 

• Possible slot receiver

• Blocking

• Instinctive 

CONS:

• Size

• Elusiveness

DAY 3 GRADE

Yes, he is the son of potential Hall of Famer Frank Gore, but he plays very differently. Rather than being a bruising between the tackles back like his dad, he is more of a receiving back, with some good blocking upside. Traits like that will make teams look at him and see a slot receiver, but I think he still has some running back upside. He is a very weird prospect in terms of his strengths, but I think some team will find those traits valuable.

17. Dylan Laube

New Hampshire

5'10

207

2023 STATS:

715 RSH YDS    4.5 YPC    699 REC YDS      16 TD

PROS: 

• Burst

• Breakaway speed

• Lateral movement

CONS:

• Lack of competition

• Impatient

• Seperation

DAY 3 GRADE

Some databases will have this guy as a borderline top 10 back in this class, and while I can see how, once he hits a burst he is almost untouchable, I think his flaws are qualities every running back in the NFL should have. You can't be impatient in the NFL, you will get swallowed up in the backfield every time. I think a team will surely take the upside of his burst though, as I could see him as a great return man.

16. Kimani Vidal

Troy

5'8

215

2023 STATS:

1,661 RSH YDS    5.6 YPC    201 REC YDS      15 TD

PROS: 

• Balance

• Agility

• Downhill

• Passing game

CONS:

• Size

• Physical tools

DAY 3 GRADE

Vidal is super interesting in the fact that he does most everything as a running back well, there just seems to be a lack of anything standing out trait-wise that he can seperate from the pack with. I think he could easily be a plug and play guy in the NFL, I just wouldn't expect him to have much of any sort of highlight reel.

15. Dillon Johnson

Washington

6'0

218

2023 STATS:

1,195 RSH YDS    5.1 YPC    190 REC YDS      16 TD

PROS: 

• Size

• Receiving 

• Inside runner

• Tough

CONS:

• Pass protection

• Evading defenders

DAY 3 GRADE

We're starting to get a little better prospect-wise with Johnson, as I think we're really starting to feel like NFL capable guys. I think Johnson is a solid player, but I think he is a little one dimensional. The type of running he does between the tackles is valuable, but it's really the only thing that stands out to me from his tape.

14. Jawhar Jordan

Louisville

5'10

185

2023 STATS:

1,128 RSH YDS    6.2 YPC    246 REC YDS      14 TD

PROS: 

• Crazy speed

• IQ

• Agile

• Hands

CONS:

• Pass protection

• Running between tackles

DAY 3 GRADE

Jordan is most likely the fastest running back in the class, as his 40 yard dash will be a spectacle to watch. Not only is he the fastest, but he also has good hands on him, that will be extremely valuable in the NFL. He is not an every down back by any means, as he won't get any standard carries, and when he will get touches, they will be designed plays or as a receiver. He could prove me wrong, considering I think his football IQ is good, and I can really only see his stock going up.

13. Jase McClellan

Alabama

5'11

220

2023 STATS:

890 RSH YDS    4.9 YPC    137 REC YDS      8 TD

PROS: 

• Speed

• Burst

• Vision

• Tough runner

CONS:

• Pass protection

• Injuries

DAY 3 GRADE

McClellan isn't your sterotypical Bama back, as he had a complicated college career. Injuries hindered some of his potential, and lack of quality playing time, he was hard to scout. I still think he has good potential, as the tape we have of him isn't bad by any means, but it does leave you wanting more.

12. Isaiah Davis

South Dakota State

6'1

220

2023 STATS:

1,578 RSH YDS    6.7 YPC    199 REC YDS      19 TD

PROS: 

• Quick feet

• Tackle breaker

• Size

• Vision

CONS:

• Receiving 

• Lack of competition

DAY 3 GRADE

As much as I really do like Davis's tape, I do have to keep in mind he is playing not so great players who will be better at tackling and playing defense than the Jack Rabbit's competition. I do really think he has great talent though, as he does seem to have some translatable qualites such as size, vision, and his quick feet.

11. Ray Davis

Kentucky

5'10

216

2023 STATS:

1,129 RSH YDS    5.7 YPC    323 REC YDS      21 TD

PROS: 

• Vision

• Footwork

• Consistent

CONS:

• Pass protection

• Physical ceiling 

DAY 3 GRADE

Davis just misses out on my top 10, but that doesn't mean that I think he isn't good. Every game I put on from him, It felt like he was a good contributor, making big plays and doing whatever was asked of him in the offense. I can't fault him for any of that, as simply being good. I think tool-wise, there isn't much that stands out about Davis, but that's no reason to drop his stock that much.

10. Marshawn Lloyd

USC

5'9

210

2023 STATS:

820 RSH YDS    7.1 YPC    232 REC YDS      9 TD

PROS: 

• Pass protection

• Balance

• Low gravity

• Quick feet

• Instincts

• Hands

CONS:

• Hesitant

• Burst

DAY 2 GRADE

With our first day 2 grade, Lloyd cracks the top 10. Now is when I feel like the rankings get loose, because I could totally see in a years time Lloyd having outproduced my #1 back. Now, I do have them ranked for a reason, and I think Lloyd's hesitation as a runner is worrisome. Obviously, it should go without saying that players can overcome their cons that I give them, and they aren't final. They are just things that stood out to me on tape. There is a lot to really like about Lloyd, as he feels like he ticks off being a dual threat as a runner and a receiver.

9. Cody Schrader

Missouri

5'9

214

2023 STATS:

1,627 RSH YDS    5.9 YPC    191 REC YDS      14 TD

PROS: 

• Goal-line

• Route running

• Vision

• Power running

• Balance

CONS:

• Speed

• Burst

DAY 2 GRADE

Schrader is a personal favorite of mine, since I grew up a fan of Mizzou. Schrader also could have potentially landed himself some Heisman votes this season. I think his ability to almost carry the Missouri offense is both a good look for him as a prospect, but you also worry about how much tread is on the tires. He displays a lot of traits that will be plug-and-play in the NFL, his speed is lackluster. He doesn't have to be fast however for the role he will likely play in an NFL offense.

8. Audric Estime

Notre Dame

5'11

227

2023 STATS:

1,341 RSH YDS    6.4 YPC    142 REC YDS      18 TD

PROS: 

• Wrecking ball

• Tackle breaker

• Paitent

• Pass protection

CONS:

• Breakaway speed

• Receiving 

• Ball security

DAY 2 GRADE

When I wrote wrecking ball, I meant wrecking ball. He genuinely seemed like the hardest man to tackle as he would just bounce off defenders. He obviously has a gift for breaking tackles, and that will get him highlighted by some scouts. However, there are some concerns, such as he lacks experience being a receiver, and his fumbing issues. I think teams can and should overlook these issues and just take a chance on the human bowling ball.

7. Bucky Irving

Oregon

5'10

195

2023 STATS:

1,180 RSH YDS    6.3 YPC    413 REC YDS      13 TD

PROS: 

• Elusive

• Receiver 

• Vision

• Creativity

CONS:

• Smaller frame

• Pass protection

• Discipline 

DAY 2 GRADE

Maybe the most elusive back, Irving is my number 7 back. I'm not as high on him as others, as I feel like It is a little harder for an elusive back to translate at a high level in the NFL, as it has to be the right landing spot. However, that doesn't change the fact that Irving is a very creative runner, as he is able to make big plays like it's nothing. Add the fact he doubles as a great receiver, I think Irving will have a fine NFL career.

6. Jaylen Wright

Tennessee

5'11

210

2023 STATS:

1,013 RSH YDS    7.4 YPC    141 REC YDS      4 TD

PROS: 

• Violent runner

• Speed

• Pass protection

• Explosive

CONS:

• Lean frame

• Lacks power

• 
  

PRO COMPARISON:

De'von Achane

DAY 2 GRADE

The first thing that stands out about Wright is his 7.4 yards per carry. Absurd. Wright also has an IT factor as a running back, as in the open field, he is essentially unstoppable. He is probably the best elusive back in the class, as I could see him having a simmilar ipact such as De'von Achane, but not quite the prospect.

5. Will Shipley

Clemson

5'11

210

2023 STATS:

827 RSH YDS    5 YPC    244 REC YDS      7 TD

PROS: 

• Elite receiver 

• Fast

• Footwork

• Vision

• Balance

• Instinctive

CONS:

• Mostly perimeter runner

• Not a power back

PRO COMPARISON:

Dalvin Cook

DAY 2 GRADE

Shipley is as natural as it comes when it comes to catching the ball, and then being a threat after the catch. A trait that is pretty rare out of a college back to be so elusive after the catch. One of my favorite prospects to watch so far, Shipley is going to be a splash player in the NFL, assuming he goes to the right destination.

4. Jonathon Brooks

Texas

6'0

207

2023 STATS:

1,139 RSH YDS    6.1 YPC    286 REC YDS      11 TD

PROS: 

• Quick cuts

• Route running/hands

• Bulldozer

• Fast

CONS:

• Injury

• Risky runner

PRO COMPARISON:

Racaad White

DAY 2 GRADE

Following up Bijan is not the job most running backs would want, but Brooks stood up to the task. He is obviously not the prospect Bijan is, but he certainly displays elite traits that could make him very intriguing. Some databases have him as the running back 1, and I can certainly see that and be convinced of that, the injury hurts him in my opinion.

3. Blake Corum

Michigan

5'8

213

2023 STATS:

1,245 RSH YDS    4.8 YPC    117 REC YDS      28 TD

PROS: 

• Burst

• Twitchy

• Vision

• Footwork

• IQ

CONS:

• Injuries

• Pass protection

PRO COMPARISON:

Kenneth Walker III

DAY 2 GRADE

Maybe the most well-known running back in this class, Corum was a big reason Michigan was as good as they were. Corum displays probably the most NFL ready traits out of any back in this class. If I were to safely bet, Corum will likely be a teams RB1 come the start of the next NFL season.

2. Braelon Allen

Wisconsin

6'2

245

2023 STATS:

984 RSH YDS    5.4 YPC    131 REC YDS      12 TD

PROS: 

• Playmaker

• Violent runner

• Balance

• Burst

• Hands

CONS:

• Lack of experience receiving

• Pass protection

PRO COMPARISON:

Derrick Henry

DAY 2 GRADE

If the player comparison doesn't prove that Allen is my favorite back in this class, then maybe any highlight reel. Allen is the real deal, and is going to be a problem in the NFL. I don't think he is on par with Jonathan Taylor as a prospect, but he could be a close 2nd to him.

1. Trey Benson

Florida State

6'1

223

2023 STATS:

905 RSH YDS    5.8 YPC    227 REC YDS      15 TD

PROS: 

• Huge frame

• explosive

• power running

• Speed

• Agility

CONS:

• Pass protection

PRO COMPARISON:

Todd Gurley

DAY 2 GRADE

However, Benson is my #1 back. Benson does it all, and all at a relatively high level. He feels like the safest pick to be a star at the next level, as he is almost a day 1 grade. Nonetheless, Benson has a huge frame, he's explosively fast, and he can power through a defender. While also being a solid receiver? Not much more you could want from a back.