2024 NFL Draft Rookie Prospect Rankings: Running Backs (Fantasy Football)

As we approach the end of April, that means one thing and one thing only…the NFL Draft. With the 2024 NFL Draft just single-digit days away, we will soon find out which prospects are destined to join your favorite team. We’ll have you covered up to, through, and after the 2024 NFL Draft with all of our fantasy football and NFL Draft prospect coverage.

Check out my 2024 NFL Draft Guide and scouting reports to get you ready for this year’s draft.

Russell Brown’s 2024 NFL Draft Guide (downloadable PDF)

With that, here are my RB prospect rankings with brief notes on each for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Draft Prospect Rankings: RB

1. Blake Corum (RB – Michigan)

While it’s very tight in my running back rankings, I feel like the best back in the class is Blake Corum out of Michigan. Heavily used but incredibly productive during his collegiate career, Corum enters the NFL as one of the best downhill runners at the position. He runs with great contact balance and consistently runs through initial contact. While he may lack the long speed that other backs possess, he does have great lateral movement skills and has some of the best vision in the class. His running style reminds me of David Montgomery of the Detroit Lions. I think he can become a very productive running back in the NFL.

Check out my 2024 NFL Draft Guide and scouting reports to get you ready for this year’s draft.

Russell Brown’s 2024 NFL Draft Guide (downloadable PDF)

With that, here are my RB prospect rankings with brief notes on each for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Draft Prospect Rankings: RB

1. Blake Corum (RB – Michigan)

2. MarShawn Lloyd (RB – USC)

Despite limited touches (325 total touches) in college, MarShawn Lloyd enters the draft this year as one of its most dynamic playmakers. He’s explosive in the open field and has plenty of burst to bounce runs to the perimeter. Moving onto the NFL, he’ll need to be careful with how frequently he looks to bounce those runs as he’ll get into trouble against the speed in the NFL. He’s got the ability to slice defenders with his explosive jump cuts. There’s potential for him to become a three-down back in the NFL. For now, he should split backfield duties.

3. Trey Benson (RB – Florida State)

Trey Benson enters the draft as one of the better running back prospects. He’s got a good blend of size and speed and can run in a zone and gap scheme. He’s a patient runner and displays good burst through the second level. A high-cut runner who will be able to find success as a pass-catcher and who could immediately be a third-down option for an offense. I’d compare him more to T.J. Yeldon than some of the other running backs he’s been compared to. Overall, he should find a role in the NFL. His injury in 2020 could be concerning for longevity or a potential recurrence but I’d expect Benson to be drafted somewhere on Day 2 with high expectations to succeed.

4. Ray Davis (QB – Kentucky)

One of the older prospects in the draft this year is Ray Davis from Kentucky. He’ll be 25 years old during his rookie season in the NFL but that shouldn’t force teams to hesitate in drafting him. He’s a weapon in the passing game and could become a quarterback’s best friend with how effective he is at running angle and swing routes out of the backfield. There’s some hesitation with how he runs but he’s effective between the tackles and is good in space with quick feet and a flexible lower half. Listed as my 67th overall player, he could be drafted much later than that. I could see him outperforming his draft slot.

5. Jonathon Brooks (RB – Texas)

Jonathon Brooks not being higher on my list isn’t meant to be a hot take or anything other than the fact I’m concerned with his knee and running style. There are instances where he runs high through the hole and tends to take on contact rather than getting around it. That said, he’s patient and allows blocks to develop. He’s got an effective jump cut when getting upfield. Additionally, Brooks displays average-to-good burst when getting to the second level. Also, he’s shown the necessary lateral movement to make defenders miss in tight spaces. Overall, there’s much to be desired with the 20-year-old prospect who seems best suited for a team that emphasizes zone runs.

6. Bucky Irving (RB – Oregon)

It’ll be interesting to see where Bucky Irving gets drafted. His no-nonsense running style is intriguing and he has great change of direction ability with a flexible lower half. He’s shown he can bend and break on zone runs and he’s got the ability to run through contact. His testing at the NFL Combine could raise some concerns as he checked in at 192 pounds but isn’t overly explosive (29 1/2″ vertical) or fast (4.55 seconds in the 40-yard dash) but he does have the desired contact balance and willingness to fight for every yard. We could see him go somewhere on the second day of the draft. He may not have the size or speed to be an every-down player but teams should find a way to get him involved in the run and passing game.

7. Jaylen Wright (RB – Tennessee)

Nobody gets from 0-to-60 quite like Jaylen Wright does. He has the long speed to go the distance and can make it happen in the snap of a finger. This past season, he saw great improvements as a pass-catcher with 22 receptions for 141 yards. Meanwhile, this could lead an offensive coordinator to move him around formations on exit, orbit and jet motions out of the backfield and slot. He’ll need to work on his pad level and chip away at the short-yardage plays given to him by defenses rather than always looking for the big play. It’ll make him more efficient and lead to more positive gains at the next level. Ultimately, there’s much to be desired with his lateral quickness and burst through the second level that could make him a potential three-down back in the NFL.

8. Daijun Edwards (RB – Georgia)

Sure, Daijun Edwards didn’t test great but I’m a little surprised people aren’t talking about him more. He’s just an all-around good football player. Meanwhile, he’s one of the best blockers at the positions in this class with how he picks up blitzes and line stunts consistently. There are limitations within his game and what you see with him might be all you get with the 51 career games he’s played. He’s at his best when able to jump-cut and change direction but his lack of speed or explosiveness will limit how far some of his touches go on the field. Displaying a flexible lower half and good overall burst, teams can use him as a change-of-pace back with the option of utilizing his willingness to block defenders in the passing game.

9. Emani Bailey (RB – TCU)

Long speed will get questioned when discussing Emani Bailey from TCU. He only ran the 100-meter dash in 4.61 seconds but he’s at his best when running between the tackles. As he runs through the line of scrimmage, he’s able to lower his center of gravity as he gets skinny through the hole and falls forward for additional yardage consistently. His cuts are tight and aren’t as fluid as other backs in the class. Whether it be a zone or gap run, he’s experienced in both and should be able to find a role in short yardage or on third down early in his career due to his physical running style and ability to pickup blitzes consistently.

2024 NFL Draft Big Board Rankings: RB

Name	Position	School	POS Rank	OVR Rank	Grade
Blake Corum	RB	Michigan	1st	54th	2nd
Marshawn Lloyd	RB	USC	2nd	57th	2nd
Trey Benson	RB	Florida State	3rd	61st	2nd
Ray Davis	RB	Kentucky	4th	67th	3rd
Jonathon Brooks	RB	Texas	5th	68th	3rd
Bucky Irving	RB	Oregon	6th	75th	3rd
Jaylen Wright	RB	Tennessee	7th	78th	3rd
Daijun Edwards	RB	Georgia	8th	91st	4th
Emani Bailey	RB	TCU	9th	96th	4th