2024 Draft Preview - Running Backs

Dave Syvertsen
12/28/2023 6:17PM ET

1.  Henderson, TreVeyon*

Ohio State   5100   214

Three-year starter, Hopewell, VA. Earned All-Big Ten honors in 2022. An explosive and powerful ball carrier that can use several gears on the same run. Short stutter step quickness in traffic and will turn on the jets once in the open field with true runaway speed. Gets square to the point of attack on outside runs as soon as possible to open multiple avenues for himself. Physical downhill runner that will lower his pad level and create movement against defenders. Ball security is top notch, not a single fumble to this point   (368 touches) over his career. Has been nicked up multiple times over career and has been a non-factor in the passing game since 2021.

 

2.  Allen, Braelon*

Wisconsin   6020   245

Three-year starter, Fond du Lac, WI. Two-time All-Big Ten, two bowl game MVP Awards. Just 19-years old at the start of the 2023 season moves faster and more fluidly than the frame will suggest. An elite athlete with a physical brand and the frame to support it. A move-the-chains ball carrier who has proven the consistent ability to break off the big run. Just five games over his career where he did not have at least one run of 15+ yards as of mid-October. Can break tackles using a variety of tactics. Will wear down a defense and visibly make them think twice about attacking him in the open field. Reliable in all situations, even as a blocker. Needs to keep cleaning up his ball security habits and does not look natural when catching balls away from his frame.

 

3.  Brooks, Jonathon*

Texas   6000   207

One-year starter, Hallettsville, TX. Played behind two NFL backs in Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson for his first two seasons. Averaged over six yards per carry both years. High yards after contact and consistent ability to break tackles stems from his contact balance and anticipation. Will feel defenders before they arrive and can adjust his center of mass late. Excellent tempo as he approaches the line. Proper blend of patience and aggression. Has a gravitational pull to open space and will lengthen separation from tacklers once he gets going. Needs to get square to the line quicker on outside runs and know when to get the sure yards.

 

4.  Benson, Trey* 

Florida State   6002   219

Two-year starter, Greenville, MS. All-ACC in 2022 after transferring from Oregon. Strong and powerful build while maintaining looseness and flexibility throughout lower body joints. Moves with tap dancer-caliber foot quickness and suddenness. Absorbs initial contact and will consistently fall forward, picking up hidden yards. Has natural vision and feel. Can make himself small and slippery despite plus-size and frame. Can twist and turn his frame to snag an inaccurate pass. Reliable back in pass protection with the tools and effort required to make an impact. Does not show a lot of innovation in the open field and will get too patient at times.

 

5.  Irving, Bucky*

Oregon   5100   195

Two-year starter, Chicago, IL. All-Pac 12 in 2022. A transfer from Minnesota that gained 1,058 yards on just 156 carries his first season with Oregon. Has the burst and sudden change of direction to miss contact and explode through small creases. Can react in a blink. Difficult ball carrier for a defender to truly square up. Will run behind his pads and create violence. Plays bigger than his frame suggests. Inside-out threat and will impact the passing game as well. Runs the option routes with precision and shows receiver-caliber ball skills on the move. Has the next gear to run away from defenders in the open field. Will need to prove he can perform at this level with less space to work with. Frame may hold him back from a full workload.

 

6.  Corum, Blake

Michigan   5074   219

 

7.  Edwards, Donovan*

Michigan   6010   204

 

8.  Johnson Jr, Montrell*

Florida  5110  217

 

9.  Estime, Audric*

Notre Dame   6000   227

 

10.  Davis, Ray

Kentucky   5085   216

 

11.  McClellan, Jase 

Alabama   5110   212

 

12.  Lloyd, Marshawn*

USC   5090   210

 

13. Steele, Carson

UCLA  6010  225

 

14.  Marks, Jo’Quavious

Mississippi State   5094   204

 

15.  Hemby, Roman

Maryland   6020   204

 

16.  Neal, Devin 

Kansas   5110   214

 

17.  Trayanum, Chip

Ohio State   5110   233

 

18.  Mellusi, Chez 

Wisconsin  5107  209

 

19.  Williams, Roydell 

Alabama  5087  217

 

20.  Williams, Josh

LSU  5090  195

 

21.  Edwards, Daijun 

Georgia  5094  204

 

22.  Howard, Jarveon

Alcorn State  5094  211

 

23. Shipley, Will

Clemson 5110  205

 

24. Bentley IV, Ulysses 

Mississippi  5094  191 

 

25. Milton, Kendall

Georgia  6012  220

 

26. Robinson, Keilan 

Texas  5096  187

 

27. Holani, George 

Boise State   5102   210

 

28. Brooks, Tahj 

Texas Tech   5090   231

 

29. Ali, Rasheen 

Marshall   5114 205

 

30. Whittington, Noah 

Oregon   5080   201

 

31.  Jones, Austin

USC  5100 195

 

32. Noel, Nate 

Appalachian State  5100 185

 

33. Watson, Blake

Memphis  5090  195

 

*Denotes underclassman