The 2024 NFL Draft class won't be producing any first-round running backs after two (Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs) were selected inside the top-12 selections in 2023. As was the case in 2019-22, there will be a wait for the position to be called, but once the best option is off the board, expect a busy run in rounds 2-4.
Although this year's RB talent peaks in the second round, there are many valuable rushers and pass-catchers to either lead or complement a team's current backfield well.
Here's breaking down the 2024's standout RB prospects.
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NFL Draft prospects 2024: The top 10 running backs
1. Jonathon Brooks, Texas (6-0, 216 pounds)
Brooks, much like former teammate Bijan Robinson, is a dynamic receiver and big-play runner once he gets some burst into the open field. He can hold up over three downs, but like Jahmyr Gibbs, his best attributes are speed and quickness as opposed to power.
Draft projection: Mid-to-late second-round pick
2. Blake Corum, Michigan (5-8, 205 pounds)
Corum is a shifty back with compact power qualities for work between the tackles, too. He can be effective as a change-of-pace, with the most important aspect there is quickly developing into a true asset in the passing game.
Draft projection: Late second-round to early third-round pick
3. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin (6-1, 235 pounds)
Allen is an explosive power runner who can go the distance on any touch with just a few good blocks. He is still working on being able to stay on the field and stay effective in passing situations.
Draft projection: Third-round pick
4. Trey Benson, Florida State (6-0, 216 pounds)
Benson is more of the no-nonsense power runner in this class. He would be the ideal complement to a versatile, open-field receiving type.
Draft projection: Late third-round to early fourth-round pick
5. Jaylen Wright, Tennessee (5-10, 210 pounds)
Wright has stood out more as a change-of-pace with his explosiveness, quickness, and plus receiving skills. He's reminiscent of former Volunteer Alvin Kamara as a mid-round sleeper.
Draft projection: Late third-round to early fourth-round pick
6. Bucky Irving, Oregon (5-9, 192 pounds)
The speedy mighty mites who can zip through the open field and deliver long runs are in vogue in the NFL. Irving offers plenty of that kind of juice in a small package.
Draft projection: Late third-round to early fourth-round pick
7. MarShawn Lloyd, USC (5-9, 220 pounds)
Lloyd stands out for his vision, quickness, and patience in reading blocks. He also can be an adept receiver. He would fit well in a zone-blocking scheme.
Draft projection: Late third-round to early fourth-round pick
8. Audric Estime, Notre Dame (5-11, 221 pounds)
Estime is a big-play power runner with some mashup qualities of former Buccaneers LeGarrette Blount and Leonard Fournette. He also has steady toughness between the tackles to go with his flashing burst.
Draft projection: Late third-round to early fourth-round pick
9. Ray Davis, Kentucky (5-8, 211 pounds)
Davis can be an effective diminutive dasher in a zone-blocking scheme and stay on the field as a receiver. He does a little of everything well and can be a fine situational backup.
Draft projection: Fourth-round pick
10. Will Shipley, Clemson (5-11, 206 pounds)
Shipley would fit and round out the theme of home-run hitting, change-of-pace backs, especially if he can turn the corner and get in the open field to use his burst consistently on the perimeter.
Draft projection: Fourth-round pick
