The 2024 NFL Draft presents an exciting quarterback class full of notable names. It is led by USC’s Caleb Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and dynamic dual-threat quarterback.
At the top of the class, Williams is followed by Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., who would have been the best pass-catcher in the 2023 NFL Draft. Now as a draft-eligible junior, he’s the crown jewel for any team in need of help at the position.
Here are the top running backs in the class.
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1. HB JONATHON BROOKS, TEXAS
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 56
Brooks is an ideal blend of size, speed, strength and agility. Though limited in snap totals, he has good vision in both gap and zone run schemes. If he can get back to form following his torn ACL, he has all the goods to be a starting running back in the NFL.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
2. HB JAYLEN WRIGHT, TENNESSEE
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 71
Wright is an NFL-caliber athlete for the running back position. His youth is both a positive (lack of mileage) and a negative (lack of consistent RB vision), but he has succeeded in both gap and zone-blocking concepts and has top-tier pass protection ability for three-down potential in the NFL.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
3. HB BLAKE CORUM, MICHIGAN
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 75
Corum was not as efficient in the individual metrics of running back play after his meniscus tear, but the traits of an effective back were present in 2023, specifically toward the end of the season. He lacks elite overall athleticism but is precise, sees the field well, has good contact balance and brings good third-down abilities, which should yield a contributing role in the NFL.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
4. HB BUCKY IRVING, OREGON
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 84
Irving might not have the look of a running back that teams will automatically covet on draft weekend, but his tape shows an incredibly efficient player in both the run and pass games.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
5. HB TREY BENSON, FLORIDA STATE
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 86
Benson brings NFL build and athleticism to the table in all categories of explosiveness, but he is too focused on his athletic abilities and needs more patience in order to maximize his athletic gifts and be more than a committee running back.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
6. HB RAY DAVIS, KENTUCKY
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 102
Davis might not have the build and long speed of a back drafted in the top 50, but his vision, feel for space/blocking and one-cut ability make him an efficient ball carrier with good hands in the passing game. This should make him a mid-round selection and potential starter.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
7. HB MARSHAWN LLOYD, USC
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 105
Lloyd is a starting NFL-caliber athlete for the running back position. If he can improve his vision to see space before it opens up, he can be an impact starter.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
8. HB AUDRIC ESTIME, NOTRE DAME
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 114
Estime’s power profile should yield some sort of committee work at the NFL level, as he is built for it. However, his lack of finesse and speed likely limits him to a short-yardage specialist.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
9. HB BRAELON ALLEN, WISCONSIN
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 129
Allen is a super-sized running back prospect and will likely be a mid-round pick due to that and his age alone. However, his decision-making and feel for space leave much to be desired when separating his success from his offensive line.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
10. HB WILL SHIPLEY, CLEMSON
PFF BIG BOARD RANK: 133
Shipley can bring a lot of versatility to a team as a runner, receiver and special teammer. He is elusive and quick with a skill set fit for a zone-blocking scheme, but right now, his lack of strength and power hold him back from being a true offensive weapon.
Three-year grades and scouting report: Available in the PFF big board
