2024 NFL Draft | Rookie Running Back Rankings: Jonathon Brooks, Jaylen Wright, Marshawn Lloyd and More

1. Jonathon Brooks, Texas

If not for a torn ACL in 2023, there would be no debate about who would be the first running back draft in the 2024 NFL Draft. Even coming off the knee injury he is the consensus RB1 in this class, however, he does now come with some risk.

Granted, this isn't a top-heavy running back class, but there is still a deep pool of talent and Brooks is the leader of the pack. It would be a shock if he weren't the first back taken on Day 2 of the draft.

With just 238 career carries in college, he still hasn't even come close to reaching his ceiling and even with the ACL injury, he shouldn't have much wear-and-tear on his legs.  

2. Trey Benson, Florida State

While Benson could tweak his style a bit to become a more decisive and punishing runner, there is no lack of natural ability. He displays rare speed and explosiveness for a back his size.

When watching his film he clearly isn't the most polished runner, nevertheless, his physical traits are outstanding and his approach only needs a slight adjustment for him to become a star. 

3. Jaylen Wright, Tennessee

Wright is the speedster in this class and has the ability to be a true three-down game-breaker. What he lacks in experience and vision he more than makes up for in athleticism and upside.

He is fast, really fast. In practice, he was recorded running 23.6 MPH. His game will need to develop due to some issues with fumbles and decisiveness, but this is a swing-for-the-fences kind of pick. 

4. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin

At 235 pounds, Allen is a monster. He has the potential to be a devastating between-the-tackles back who can wear down a defense and get the tough yards. The concern is that he is probably only a two-down back. Still, in this class and in today's NFL, that's more than enough value for a Day 2 pick.

His acceleration isn't elite, but once he gets going, he builds speed and is tough to bring down. If a team needs their big-back roll filled, this is as good an option that we'll see come into the league this year. 

5. Marshawn Lloyd, USC

Lloyd is an impressive athlete who has the potential to be an impact starter in the NFL immediately. It's shocking to see his speed and elusiveness in that body. The guy is built like a power back and runs like a speed back. 

6. Tyrone Tracy Jr., Purdue

Remember what we all hoped Antonio Gibson would turn into before he let us all down? We now get a second chance with Tracy. He was a four-year wide receiver at Iowa before coming to Purdue and transitioning to a running back where he ran very well.

His performance at the 2024 NFL Combine was also off the charts. There is a real chance this doesn't work out, however, that's a shot we'd be willing to take. 

7. Bucky Irving, Oregon

Irving had a disastrous combine, but we don't put as much stock in that as many others do. He was one of the most elusive backs in the country the last few seasons and is fun to watch. Don't be surprised if he becomes one of the best pass-catching backs in the NFL.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a running back with better college film as a pass-catcher. The issue is he is undersized which will likely limit his volume on the next level.  

8. Audric Estime, Notre Dame

At just 20 years old, Estime looked great down the stretch last season, taking massive strides as a running back. The 221-pound power back should have an easy transition to the NFL.

Despite a subpar 40 time at the NFL Combine, his film shows a faster player than his 4.71 time. He also has solid hands so if he can develop as a route runner he could become a three-down back if needed to be.  

9. Blake Corum, Michigan

We are lower than most on Corum, but it's for good reason. First, he'll be turning 24 this season so he's already starting to get old for a running back. He also lacks high-end athleticism and saw his advanced metrics fall off a cliff this season.

This looks like a fundamentally sound back who produced behind an elite offensive line but lacks the talent to excel on the next level.  

10. Ray Davis, Kentucky

Davis could emerge as a surprise star in the NFL. He is excellent at creating yards after contact and proved to be a valuable pass-catcher. These are the kind of guys who come into the league as afterthoughts and are all of a sudden piling up numbers.  

11. Will Shipley, Clemson

Shipley is another versatile back with high-end pass-catching ability. He's not an incredible runner but is a serviceable back who brings a ton of value in passing game and on special teams.