The 2024 running back class may not have a Bijan Robinson or a Saquon Barkley to take at the top of the first round, but it does have some solid depth players.
Blake Corum has been one of the most productive backs in college football. Jonathon Brooks could be the next former Texas running back to secure a starting role in the NFL. Backs such as Trey Benson and Jaylen Wright bring pro-level athleticism to the position.
Here are the top running backs in the class.
Click here for more draft tools:
2024 Mock Draft Simulator | 2024 Big Board | 2024 Draft Guide
2024 Player Profiles | 2024 Mock Drafts | NCAA Premium Stats
1. HB JONATHON BROOKS, TEXAS
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 49
Brooks is an ideal blend of size, speed, strength and agility. Though limited in snap totals, he has good vision in both gap and zone run schemes. If he can get back to form following his torn ACL, he has all the goods to be a starting running back in the NFL.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
2. HB BLAKE CORUM, MICHIGAN
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 52
Corum was not as efficient in the individual metrics of running back play after his meniscus tear, but the traits of an effective back were present in 2023, specifically toward the end of the season. He lacks elite overall athleticism but is precise, sees the field well, has good contact balance and brings good third-down abilities, which should yield a contributing role in the NFL.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
3. HB JAYLEN WRIGHT, TENNESSEE
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 68
Wright is an NFL-caliber athlete for the running back position. His youth is both a positive (lack of mileage) and a negative (lack of consistent RB vision), but he has succeeded in both gap and zone-blocking concepts and has top-tier pass protection ability for three-down potential in the NFL.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
4. HB TREY BENSON, FLORIDA STATE
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 75
Benson brings NFL build and athleticism to the table in all categories of explosiveness, but he is too focused on his athletic abilities and needs more patience in order to maximize his athletic gifts and be more than a committee running back.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
5. HB BUCKY IRVING, OREGON
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 79
Irving might not have the look of a running back that teams will automatically covet on draft weekend, but his tape shows an incredibly efficient player in both the run and pass games.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
6. HB RAY DAVIS, KENTUCKY
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 82
Davis might not have the build and long speed of a back drafted in the top 50, but his vision, feel for space/blocking and one-cut ability make him an efficient ball carrier with good hands in the passing game. This should make him a mid-round selection and potential starter.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
7. HB MARSHAWN LLOYD, USC
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 84
Lloyd is a starting NFL-caliber athlete for the running back position. If he can improve his vision to see space before it opens up, he can be an impact starter.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
8. HB Tyrone Tracy, Purdue
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 102
Tracy is a natural playmaker with adequate athleticism (explosiveness and agility) for a zone-blocking scheme. However, he must continue to improve his ability to see blocks and space to be a consistent rotational player.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
9. HB Blake Watson, Memphis
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 114
Watson is an alluring athlete out of the backfield, both as a rusher and a receiver. He should earn the versatile “offensive weapon” label with the potential to be an NFL contributor.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
10. HB Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 116
Davis brings a finesse game in a power frame. If he can run with more violence from north to south, he can be a reliable option in a two-back offense.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
© 2024 PFF - all rights reserved.