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    FantasyPros Staff | Tue, Feb 27th 2024, 3:39am EST

2024 NFL Draft Prospects: Emani Bailey, Jawhar Jordan, Audric Estime

Could we see a running back selected in the top 50 of the 2024 NFL Draft? Certainly, we could. Right now, though, it doesn’t seem likely. Currently, it feels like we’ll see a mid-to-late second day run on halfbacks that will carry over into the beginning of Day Three. Many people already know plenty about Jonathon Brooks, Blake Corum and Bucky Irving. But what about the underrated/lesser-known backs? Below you will find six such running backs that are currently flying under the radar.

Under-the-Radar RB Targets

Emani Bailey (RB – TCU)

One of the surprising film studies I’ve had in recent weeks was Emani Bailey from TCU. When watching the tape, he immediately popped due to his contact balance and how he always fell forward. Additionally, his size allows him to lower his center of gravity with ease and get skinny through the hole.

While his size (5-foot-9 and 207 pounds) will come into question, he plays hard and is a tough runner with adequate burst. Bailey should find a role as a pass-catcher at the next level as well. He had 25 receptions this season and was able to average 7.5 yards per reception this past season. Prior to this season, he was used sparingly behind Kendre Miller and was part of a rotation at Louisiana that featured Elijah Mitchell in 2020. However, he showed this season he could carry a workload for an offense.

In addition to playing football, Bailey also ran track in high school. His personal record for the 100-meter dash was 11.04 seconds. We’ll see how that translates to his athletic testing at the combine. For now, Bailey projects as a rotational back with a versatile skill set that should provide a change of pace to an offense.

Jawhar Jordan (RB – Louisville)

An older player, Jawhar Jordan turns 25 in August. That shouldn’t force teams to hesitate when selecting him. Playing 26 games over the last two seasons, Jordan showed he can be a productive player when given the correct role. With 320+ carries over the last two seasons, he was able to generate over 1,900 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.

Additionally, Jordan appears to be an adequate pass-catcher when running swing routes. At 5-foot-10 and 185 pounds, his wiry frame will come into question. However, he runs much harder than his size would indicate. He looks comfortable when running in a zone scheme and has shown he knows how to bend, bounce and break runs. His lateral quickness is effective and his long speed is good enough to take it all the way.

In high school, he was a sprinter on the track and field team and his personal record for the 100-meter dash was 10.62 seconds. If he tests well, teams could look at his speed and elusiveness as a benefit to become a returner on special teams. Much of the way Jordan is built and plays the game is reminiscent of Kenneth Gainwell. He’ll need to get stronger and remain healthy to carve out a significant role in a team’s backfield. With that, there’s much to be desired for him to earn some type of role in the NFL.

Audric Estime (RB – Notre Dame)

There’s not many big bodied running backs that have the athleticism Audric Estime possesses. While the 5-foot-11, 227-pound back won’t beat defenders in a foot race, he’s shown he can change direction and hurdle defenders consistently. As his lateral movement isn’t as fluid as other backs, it’s still encouraging to see Estime plant his foot in the ground and change where he’s going while having defenders in his face.

This season, Estime had over 1,300 rushing yards. His 18 rushing touchdowns were tied for third-most in the NCAA. His 6.4 yards per carry bested any running back with over 200 carries. Coming off this career year, teams could look at Estime as a potential three-down back in the NFL.

Age shouldn’t be a factor for him as he doesn’t turn 21 until September. There could be a scenario where a team values his youth and upside. For now, he’s best projected to run between the tackles with his downhill running style. To start his career, he could split a backfield with another talented back.

2024 NFL Mock Drafts

Here are a few early predictions for the 2024 NFL Draft. We’ll continue to add our 2024 NFL Mock Drafts leading up to the start of Round 1.

2024 NFL Draft Coverage

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