Working again is the “weakest” positional group on this upcoming draft. A giant a part of why the NFL broke developments with operating again contracts in free company this spring is that the incoming rookies is not going to definitively flip round operating video games for back-needy groups. It truly is in regards to the lack of clear first spherical caliber operating backs greater than general expertise, nevertheless. This class does have a couple of gamers who may thrive in the proper offense or could possibly be function gamers in an NFL backfield.
1. Jonathan Brooks, Texas
What he does nicely: If there was going to be a primary spherical decide on this operating again class, it could be Jonathan Brooks. Brooks had one season out of the shadow of Bijan Robinson and was probably the most harmful runners within the nation. Brooks has an incredible construct at six toes tall and almost 220 kilos. He has nice burst, agility, and lengthy pace, particularly for a heavier again. At pace, he’s very troublesome to deal with.
The place he can Enhance: He solely carried the ball 238 occasions in school and the shortage of expertise can present. He has lapses in determination making as a runner and could possibly be extra aggressive attacking gaps. Additionally, a late season torn ACL brings his well being and readiness into query for his rookie season.
Professional Comparability: Melvin Gordon
2. Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
What he does nicely: Pace. Pace. Pace. Completely large athlete on the operating again place and it exhibits on each carry. It took him lower than 140 carries to go the 1,000 speeding yards in 2023 whereas he averaged over 7 yards a carry. He’s a significantly harmful ball service and flashes that very same house run means as a go catcher. He possesses a very good construct as nicely.
The place he can Enhance: Wright is a bit increase or bust. His imaginative and prescient is simply okay and general instincts may enhance with extra reps. Whereas he has an NFL construct, he runs tall and makes himself simpler to deal with early within the play. Loads of his flaws are completely coachable.
Professional Comparability: Breece Corridor
3. Audric Estime, Notre Dame
What he does nicely: Audric Estime is an enormous, highly effective again that may outrun defenses at his prime gear. Whereas he has some house run means to him, his robust operating fashion permits him to realize robust yardage early within the play.
The place he can Enhance: Estime is extra of a traditional energy again in plenty of methods. His straight line pace is greater than sufficient, however he doesn’t have plenty of wiggle to him. He’s additionally not a confirmed go catcher, although he does a very good job in go safety.
Professional Comparability: Chris Carson
4. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
What he does nicely: Braelon Allen may simply find yourself being the very best operating again on this class. He has uncommon measurement and athleticism for the operating again place that’s paying homage to Derrick Henry. He can run away from defenses with ease regardless of standing at 6’1” and 235 kilos. He’s completely a load to deal with, particularly at pace.
The place he can Enhance: Allen needed to play in a extra go heavy, zone oriented offense in 2023 and regressed after two dominant seasons at Wisconsin. His imaginative and prescient is inconsistent and he lacks the pliability to alter route behind the road. He’s a participant who may benefit from shedding weight and perhaps getting a bit faster.
Professional Comparability: Le’Veon Bell at Michigan State
5. Blake Corum, Michigan
What he does nicely: Blake Corum scored 56 touchdowns within the final three seasons and it was not by chance. Corum made him cash at Michigan with nice imaginative and prescient, agility, and a low, robust construct that made him exhausting to deal with. He’s a troublesome, fast participant that may play all three downs provided that he has respectable receiving expertise and is a excessive effort go protector.
The place he can Enhance: A late season knee damage in 2022 appeared to affect his burst and prime gear in 2023. Perhaps extra time faraway from the damage means he will get his juice again, however he simply shouldn’t be a house run hitting again. He additionally has a ton of tread on his tires with 675 profession carries.
Professional Comparability: Devonta Freeman
The Relaxation
6. Trey Benson, Florida State7. Kimani Vidal, Troy8. Ray Davis, Kentucky9. Will Shipley, Clemson10. Bucky Irving, Oregon11. Cody Schraeder, Missouri 12. Jawhar Jordan, Louisville13. Marshawn Lloyd, Southern California 14. Dillon Johnson, Washington15. Frank Gore Junior, Southern Miss
