Running backs can still be worth high picks in NFL Drafts when the special feature-caliber talent is there. That's the case with the 2023 class, which has two players worthy of going in the first round.
Texas' Bijan Robinson and Alabama's Jahmyr Gibbs proved during their time in college that they can both carry a rushing attack and be effective all-around when needed in the pass game. After they're off the board, there are the usual different strong complementary backs, from change-of-pace to power or a hybrid of both.
Here are Sporting News' rankings of the top 10 running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft:
MORE NFL DRAFT: SN's 7-round mock | Top 140 big board
NFL Draft 2023 running back rankings
1. Bijan Robinson, Texas (5-11, 215 pounds)
Robinson is the rare complete package with his power and big-play ability, buoyed by his speed, quickness, vision and pure will. He is very nimble for his size to help him change directions and shoot into open field. He also is reliable as a receiver to confirm he can be dangerous on three downs.
Mock draft projection: Lions, first round
2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama (5-9, 199 pounds)
Gibbs stands out as a total gamebreaker because of speed, quickness and explosiveness as a compact back. He change the pace but also finish well with power and burst. Gibbs can handle three-down work as well.
Mock draft projection: Eagles, first round
3. Devon Achane, RB, Texas A&M (5-9, 188 pounds)
Achane brings great speed and open-field juice as a choice change of pace. He won't offer much in the power running game at first but he makes sense for many teams as a third-down and situational dasher.
Mock draft projection: Titans, third round
4. Roschon Johnson, RB, Texas (6-0, 219 pounds)
Johnson was overshadowed by Robinson's stellar work with the Longhorns, but in the pre-draft process, he got more attention for his upside as a classic power back. He fits well as an early-down hammer for someone who can also deliver in short yardage and the red zone.
Mock draft projection: Bills, second round
5. Tank Bigsby, Auburn (6-0, 210 pounds)
Bigsby offers another tough power runner and, like former SEC East rival Gibbs, he possesses some gamebreaking qualities, too. He the potential to be a Nick Chubb light.
Mock draft projection: Falcons, third round
6. Zach Charbonnet, UCLA (6-0, 214 pounds)
Charbonnet is a system-adaptable power runner who reads his blocks well and can make some big plays after breaking through initial contact. He's hard to bring down and can be a plus swing backup.
Mock draft projection: Seahawks, third round
7. Zach Evans, Ole Miss (5-11, 202 pounds)
Evans has the profile of a deft receiving specialist for the NFL to build on his limited work there in college but he also can stand on his speedy, quick running.
Mock draft projection: Chargers, third round
8. Tavion Thomas, Utah (6-0, 237 pounds)
Thomas is an efficient power runner who follows his blocks well. He has some top-level shiftiness made to thrive in a zone-blocking scheme.
Mock draft projection: Bears, fourth round
9. Eric Gray, Oklahoma (5-9, 207 pounds)
Gray can continue the booming Sooners pipeline from the position. He has some Rhamondre Stevenson-like qualities in terms of open-field quickness and strong receiving skills. He can develop into a Kareem Hunt-like on-field producer.
Mock draft projection: Browns, fourth round
10. Tyjae Spears, Tulane (5-10, 201 pounds)
Spears is a high-upside change-of-pace back. He should continue to build on his open-field running and short-area receiving skills in the NFL. He can end up as another Alvin Kamara type.
Mock draft projection: Saints, fourth round
