RUNNING BACK
TOP 5 QB VIDEO
1
Bryce Young
2
CJ Stroud
3
Hendon Hooker
4
Dorian Thompson-Robinson
5
Jaren Hall
1
Trey Benson
RB | FLORIDA ST. | 6'1 | 223
Benson is a physical back who punishes defenders at the point of attack and has a knack for making plays. He’s a determined runner who operates very well in open space, can hold his own between the tackles, and has elite ball security. Benson is a highly productive red zone back who has a natural way of making things happen. He lacks patience and vision, sometimes getting caught in the thick of things—but still finds a way to produce. He’ll need some technical refinement, but Benson should be a key contributor at the next level. He may struggle behind a bad offensive line, but in the right situation—he can be a critical weapon.
Grade: Round 2
Leonard Fournette
2
Braelon Allen
RB | WISCONSIN | 6'2 | 238
Allen is a violent runner who consistently invites contact. He uses his outrageous frame to wear down defences and fight for extra yardage. Allen has a natural ability to break tackles and doesn’t waste time hitting the gap. When he finds open space, Allen is a fast downhill runner, but lacks the initial burst and agility between the tackles. He’s a willing and capable pass-protector who can do damage in any physical task. At just 20 years old, with great production in his college career, Allen is an intriguing prospect. His willingness and ability as a physical runner will position him as a primary runner in the NFL.
Grade: Round 2
Derrick Henry
3
MarShawn Lloyd
RB | USC | 5'9 | 210
Lloyd is a highly exciting prospect with elite burst and acceleration. His elusiveness and footwork enable him to break tackles consistently. Lloyd has great vision and anticipation—he’s decisive but also very creative. He’s able to effortlessly navigate the field and find a way to make big plays. He doesn’t offer much of a physical element, but makes up for it with his ability to find space. His ACL tear 2021 ACL tear and ball security could play a factor in his stock, but Lloyd is a natural playmaker who can be an exciting three-down back at the next level.
Grade: Round 3
Doug Martin
4
Audric Estime
RB | NOTRE DAME | 5'11 | 227
Estime is an overwhelmingly powerful back who runs with a sense of urgency. He actively seeks out contact and can create extra yardage after contact. Estime is a no-nonsense runner who is highly decisive and determined. He’s not overly explosive or fast, but moves very well for his size and style. Estime is a reliable and willing pass-protector who excels in any physical endeavour. He’s not going to offer much as a versatile piece, but Estime is a motivated and trustworthy volume runner who can take the life out of you. He will be a quality professional who can perfectly fit into a prioritized rushing attack.
Grade: Round 3
LeGarrette Blount
5
Bucky Irving
RB | OREGON | 5'10 | 195
Irving is a home-run hitting back who is a nightmare in open space. His quickness and agility are evident on tape, and he’s able to hit his top speed right away. Although undersized as a traditional workhorse, Irving is highly competitive and welcomes contact. He adds a ton of value as a pass-catcher and could further benefit from an expanded route tree. Irving sometimes tries to get too creative, but his ability to create magic and occasional gambles are usually positive. Seeing the trajectory of modern NFL offences, and the success of similar backs, Irving is in a great position to become a weapon at the next level.
Grade: Round 3
Jerrick McKinnon
6
Jaylen Wright
RB | TENNESSEE | 5'11 | 210
Wright is an explosive and energetic runner with a ton of exciting tools. His top-end speed and acceleration are impressive. Wright is a dynamic back who excels in open space and has demonstrated a sense of creativity and elusiveness. He’s a willing pass-protector who—although lacks true mass and size—is willing to invite contact. Wright could use some fine-tuning in his vision and add some more mass to his frame, but he is a fun prospect who fits the modern way of the NFL.
Grade: Round 3
Rashaad Penny
7
Blake Corum
RB | MICHIGAN | 5'8 | 213
Corum is an experienced runner with great production. His legs are always moving and he finds a way to gain extra yardage. His mentality and demeanour makes him someone you want in the locker room. Corum is patient, decisive, and smart. His short-area burst and will-power make him an effective runner in short yardage. However, Corum lacks home-run speed, his frame may not support his style, and he doesn’t offer much as a pass-catcher. These limitations, combined with his age and injury history may limit his longevity and upside in the league. While his potential as a game-changer is unlikely, I think Corum can be a trustworthy/productive back early on.
Grade: Round 3
Maurice Jones-Drew
8
Jonathon Brooks
RB | TEXAS | 6'0 | 207
After taking a back seat to Bijan Robinson and Roschon Johnson in 2022, Brooks’ season was cut short with an ACL tear. He is a smooth back with good contact balance and can break tackles and evade defenders with minimal movement. Brooks lacks elite athleticism and home-run speed, but finds a way to make big plays happen. He is patient, decisive, and typically stays on track with his rushing plan. Brooks adds value as both a pass-catcher and in pass-protection. His injury will be something to monitor, but Brooks has the makeup to heavily contribute to an effective rushing attack.
Grade: Round 3
Dalvin Cook
9
Dylan Laube
RB | NEW HAMPSHIRE | 5'10 | 207
Laube is a versatile and coordinated back with rave reviews from his teammates and coaches. He’s not your traditional ground runner, but Laube makes his money as a pass-catcher and versatile weapon. He’s a highly nuanced and developed route runner who can be a consistent target out of the backfield. Laube has live feet and understands how to control his body. His performance at the Senior Bowl confirmed his on-tape dominance. Laube’s frame might limit his durability as an every-down power back, but I think he can carve out a valuable role in the NFL.
Grade: Round 3
Danny Woodhead
10
Dillon Johnson
RB | WASHINGTON | 6-0 | 218
Johnson is a well-rounded back with a very complete prospect profile. His production at Washington was off the charts, consistently showing up against top-tier competition. Johnson is a tough back with good vision. He is a smart player who utilizes physicality. For an impressive between-the-tackles back, Johnson is very good in the pass game. He’s a willing blocker who can do a bit of everything. Johnson’s athleticism and top-end speed aren’t elite, but it’s definitely adequate. It’s hard not to like Johnson—he’s an immediate impact player who can handle the load for a team
Grade: Round 3
Kerryon Johnson
11
Ray Davis
RB | KENTUCKY | 5'10 | 216
Davis is a sturdy and compact RB with a ton of experience. He has great vision and runs with a decisive and no-nonsense style. Davis has a low centre of gravity and invites physical contact. He is surprisingly elusive and adds a ton of value as a pass-catcher. Davis is smart and reliable and knows how to play the game properly. However, his age, previous usage, and lack of elite athleticism question his range as a prospect. I do believe Davis is one of the more pro-ready players at the position—enabling him to make an immediate impact. In a similar trajectory to his comparison—Dameon Pierce—this might decrease as he goes.
Grade: Round 3
Dameon Pierce
12
Will Shipley
RB | CLEMSON | 5'11 | 210
Shipley is a versatile back who makes his money as a uniquely utilized weapon. He is a crisp and fundamental player with great vision in open space. Shipley’s start/stop speed is excellent, he’s able to control his movements with ease, but lacks straight home-run speed. He’s not a physical runner, and likely won’t add much as a grinder on the ground. Shipley is better suited outside the tackles, as a pass-catcher and finesse runner. His ball security needs to improve and his lack of traditional production will limit his value, but Shipley should be able to find a productive role on a more modern NFL offence.
Grade: Round 3
Rex Burkhead
13
Cody Schrader
RB | MISSOURI | 5'9 | 214
Schrader is a compact RB with good pad level and a low center of gravity. His biggest draw is his vision and ability in short-yardage situations. Schrader is easily able to navigate traffic and pick up the hard yardage. He can get skinny in congested lanes and find a way to break loose. Schrader adds additional value as a pass-catcher, where he effectively understands where to be on the field. He almost seems a bit too comfortable in traffic at times—failing to show his creativity and ability to avoid defenders. I think Schrader can carve out a role in short-yardage situations, and contribute as a change of pace back.
Grade: Round 4
Jaylen Warren
14
Blake Watson
RB | MEMPHIS | 5'9 | 195
Watson is a quick and elusive back with an outstanding technical foundation. He’s a decisive yet patient runner who always seems to run the optimal path. For his size, Watson possesses great contact balance and finds a way to fall forward and fight for extra yards. He’s an instinctive back who adds additional value as a pass-catcher and versatile weapon. The obvious knock for most people is his size - but in the modern NFL, I don’t see this as a problem. Watson is one of the biggest sleepers at the position and could make a huge impact in the right scheme.
Grade: Round 4
Kyren Williams
15
Emani Bailey
RB | TCU | 5'9 | 206
Bailey is a versatile back with a ton of likeable traits. He can get skinny between the tackles and fit through small windows. Although Bailey’s frame is undersized on paper—he plays well beyond it, consistently inviting contact and competing in the trenches. He’s a slippery athlete with good contact balance. Bailey has impressive vision and knows how to adjust on the fly. He adds additional value as a pass-catcher. His true speed and size may limit his range as a prospect, but Bailey should be a quality back in the NFL.
Grade: Round 4
Isaiah Pacheco
16
Daijun Edwards
RB | GEORGIA | 5'10 | 201
Edwards is a compact and elusive back who looks like a ball of dynamite on the field. He has a very cool contrast of inviting contact in traffic while also evading it in open space. Edwards has a slippery sidestep and looks very explosive as a downhill runner in the open. He adds value as a pass-catcher and knows how to produce dynamic plays. I love Edwards’ tape—my only concern is that his frame won’t support his play style and he might struggle in a less dominant circumstance than Georgia. Nonetheless, Edwards is a fun playmaker with a ton of likeable traits who can be an impact player at the next level.
Grade: Round 4
TBD
17
Jahwar Jordan
RB | LOUISVILLE | 5'10 | 185
Jordan is a smaller back with great vision and decisiveness. He has a natural feel for the game, consistently reading things correctly and making a decision right away. Jordan is slippery and elusive, evading contact with minimal movement. To put it simply, he’s very smooth. Jordan understands the nuances of the game and it shows up on film. Although he moves very well—his acceleration isn’t the same as some of the other smaller archetype backs, potentially limiting his range as a prospect. Expect Jordan to be a contributing player who can handle more work than expected.
Grade: Round 4
Ty Chandler
18
Jabari Small
RB | TENNESSEE | 5'11 | 213
Small is a compact and well-rounded back who brings a nice blend of versatility. He plays with a good pad level, consistently delivering contact and falling forward for extra yardage. Small is a patient runner with good vision. He’s decisive and doesn’t dance around too much. Small adds value as a surface-level pass-catcher and blocker, making him a plug-and-play guy at the next level. He lacks acceleration or top-end speed, but his ability to do different things well can make him a trustworthy committee back at the next level.
Grade: Round 4
TBD
19
Isaiah Davis
RB | SOUTH DAKOTA ST. | 6'1 | 220
Davis is a well-built and compact running back who excels between the tackles. His biggest asset is his vision. Davis consistently finds ways to avoid traffic and navigate the field. It almost looks dominant at times—he has a knack for maneuvering. This is a tough evaluation: was it too easy with the competition, it sometimes looked like it on film. Davis is patient and creative yet decisive. He’s the total package on film as an early-down runner. Davis has yet to show much as a blocker or contributor on third down, and his burst is far from elite. It’s hard to tell what Davis truly is right now, but his patience, vision, and build gives me confidence that he’ll be a successful early down back.
Grade: Round 4
Chris Rodriguez Jr.
20
Jase McClellan
RB | ALABAMA | 5'11 | 212
McClellan is a pro-ready and experienced back with a well-rounded skillset on the ground. He has a strong and compact build and can handle things between the tackles. McClellan shows good patience and vision, rarely getting overly creative and causing negative yardage. Although he isn’t the most athletic or mobile, he shows a good elusive sidestep that allows him to navigate gaps. He hasn’t shown much as a pass-catcher yet. McClellan is nothing special from an upside standpoint, but he’s a smart player who can create positive yardage on the ground.
Grade: Round 5
Zach Evans
21
Michael Wiley
RB | ARIZONA | 5'11 | 207
Wiley is an experienced college back who is at his best in open space or catching passes. He shows a solid athletic ability with a good initial burst off the carry. Wiley has shown he can effectively run the route tree and do damage in the pass game. His ability as a pure workhorse runner is nothing to write home about, and he never put up great production on the ground. However, his ability as a pass-catcher, blocker, and change-of-pace back could help him carve out an impact role at the next level.
Grade: Round 5
TBD
22
Kimani Vidal
RB | TROY | 5'8 | 215
Vidal is a powerful back who a thick frame and low centre of gravity. He lacks true home run speed, but when he gets downhill in open space, he’s sneaky explosive. Vidal is a tough player who enjoys the dirty work and is willing to produce in the trenches. His contact balance is a concern and he often gets knocked off his spot. Vidal lacks twitch and elusiveness and is more of a one-dimensional physical runner. His ability between the tackles doesn’t give me enough to draft him with legitimate capital, but he could be an early-down depth back in the NFL.
Grade: Round 5
TBD
23
Frank Gore Jr.
RB | SOUTHERN MISS. | 5'8 | 195
Gore Jr. is a compact and sturdy back with excellent balance. He is an elusive runner who understands how to make people miss—but is also physical and determined, seeking out contact. Gore Jr.’s quick feet and acceleration enable him to thrive in open space and add value as a pass-catcher in the screen game. However, Gore Jr. doesn’t have the size to be a pile mover between the tackles and lacks the athleticism to provide upside in other areas. I see Gore Jr. as a depth back who can keep the ship moving if called upon.
Grade: Round 5
TBD
24
Miyan Williams
RB | OHIO STATE | 5'9 | 226
Williams is a compact back with a well-rounded skillset that could carve him out a role in the NFL. He’s an experienced pass-protector who can willingly and effectively pick up the blitz. Williams has great contact balance and can effortlessly break tackles. He adds additional value as a pass-catcher and has been productive in the screen game. His upside in the league may be hindered by his lack of true speed, but Williams has a nice set of traits that could allow him to thrive in a versatile third-down back role.
Grade: Round 5
Mark Ingram
25
Rasheen Ali
RB | MARSHALL | 6'0 | 209
Ali is a well-rounded back with outstanding production in the red zone. He’s a patient runner with good footwork. Ali is a controlled mover who doesn’t try and do too much and always seems to be in tune with why he’s making a certain movement. He has average burst and mobility. Ali struggled with ball security during his collegiate career. He’s a quality back who doesn’t have too many glaring holes, but I struggle to see his standout trait or purpose/role. Ali could be a solid depth back, but I’m not sure he’ll find an impact opportunity.