Running back has become an increasingly marginalized position as far as the NFL draft goes lately, with only a solitary back being selected in the top round over the past two years - and that pick (Clyde Edwars-Helaire KC) barely made it -- at number 32. https://twitter.com/accnetwork/status/1574483521627996179?s=61&t=TZ8-UvZE-4cQYcsjYr4Cmw. There are quality running backs in the 2023 draft class that will produce one way or another in the NFL early in their careers. Your favorite teams, topics, and players all on your favorite mobile devices. Robinson earned a four-star rating from ESPN and received offers from every top college in the country before signing on to don the burnt orange and white. His hands are superb, and his ability to create after the catch is remarkable. On paper, and from the tape, it looks like this could rank as one of the best ball carrier groups to ever come through the draft. Gray may never be the lead back in the NFL due to his narrow frame (510, 210 pounds). Through flashes in 2020, Tucker showed that he could be a difference-maker for the Orange offense. After transferring to Alabama, Gibbs became the focal point of the offense. Thats a ridiculous average of 6.6+ yards per carry but it highlights his limited usage. CFB CFB Breaking Down Top 10 RBs In College Football Ryan Fowler June 10, 2022 Share Although the 2022 running back class found itself lacking a headliner throughout the draft process, the 2023 class of college football ball carriers is an embarrassment of riches and superstar talent at the position. Similar to Gibbs, Tuckers best trait at the next level will be his pass-catching prowess. With the 2022 NFL Draft just around the corner, Maurice Jones-Drew takes a look at this year's running back class, ranking the top 36 prospects at the position. As a sophomore, Robinson assumed the top spot on the depth chart, accounting for more than 1400 total yards and 15 touchdowns. Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs lead our top 10 2023 NFL Draft running back prospects, but who comes in behind them in the rankings? Abanikanda played sparingly with Kenny Pickett in 2021, but after a re-shuffling of the deck with Pitt, the game-breaking running back became the primary focus of the offensive game plan in 2022. Much of Tuckers allure stems from his long speed and easy acceleration. The class of 2023 is loaded from top to bottom with stars at each position. 6/22/22: After entering the transfer portal, Evans landed with Ole Miss, and he could be a star in Lane Kiffin's offense. The Texas RB is a weapon wherever he lines up. He had 364 rushing yards and four touchdowns as a freshman. Next year's group of quarterbacks already looks more impressive than 2022's, but a defensive player is in the running to be the no. I rarely see the first tackler bring Brown down. All picks and predictions are suggestions only. Only one player garners a first-round grade right now, but a slew of others hold a round two or three grade. His size will be a knock, as will his lack of patience as a runner. Gibbs should be the next franchise running back that comes off the board early on day two. https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-ranking-running-back-bijan-robinson-jahmyr-gibbs-blake-corum/, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The 2023 NFL Draft running back has a chance to be special. I understand those that are lower than this on Achane, but the upside far outweighs his size concerns when picking on day two. Typically, I subscribe to the running backs arent worthy of first-round capital belief. Go Charbonnet has really helped his stock this past year and his move to UCLA proved to be an excellent move. His ceiling is MJD, and his floor is Darren Sproles, making Deuce Vaughn one of the safer picks in this class. Weve passed the halfway point of the 2022 football season, which means the predraft process isnt that far off. The one-year wonder label is a real one and something that Abanikanda must work to shed. He makes up for what he lacks in contact balance and brute force with open-field balance and elusiveness. Combined with his vision and footwork, its no wonder he often finds daylight. Although he checks all the boxes athletically, Abanikanda has work to do when it comes to the nuances of the position. Evans usage is still wildly inconsistent, but he has produced 692 yards on only 114 carries, giving a glimpse of what the numbers could look like with the brunt of the workload. FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 25, 2022. My favorite trait of Browns is his ability to hit one cut and then re-accelerate immediately, leaving his defender looking silly. INDIANAPOLIS, IN - JANUARY 10: University of Georgia running back Kenny McIntosh #6 of the Bulldog football team makes a juggling catch against the Crimson Tide from the University of Alabama during the 2022 College Football Playoff Championship game between University of Georgia and University of Alabama at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022. As we head into the homestretch of the 2022 campaign, here's an updated look at how. Here is the 2023 NFL Draft prospect watchlist: Running Backs. Simply put, the kid is a special talent. I will bang the table for three backs in the top 10, and Zach Charbonnet is one of them. Whether from an H-back or in-line position, Kincaid can win as a run blocker, as well, which should earn him a top-75 draft slot. Sean Tucker 55 yards to the house! Gibbs is a true Junior who previously played his first two seasons with Georgia Tech, flashing a dual-threat skillset that makes him such a unique prospect. Where Vaughn separates himself from Sproles is his ability to churn his legs between the tackles. Corums contact balance is flawless, routinely bouncing off of would-be tacklers like a pinball. Demonstrated the ability to track the ball over his shoulder. Abanikanda has already run the ball 207 times for 1207 yards in nine games, chipping in 17 touchdowns to boot. Good flexibility and balance to adjust to the poorly thrown pass. The added responsibility can sometimes wear on a player, but Corum has handled it very well. How Good is this RB Class? This is in order per Mike Farrell's top five. Send feedback and thoughts to @ShanePHallam. That is not a statement that is made lightly, as we have already highlighted the bevy of pass-catching running backs in this class. Corum obliterates tackling angles with lateral quickness and sudden, decisive cuts. All aboard theAchane! Normally, that sentence would be a cause for concern. Flori. The senior might not be as versatile as a pass catcher as Zach Evans or Jahmyr Gibbs, but he's the best pure runner in the class alongside Bijan Robinson . Chris Rodriguez Jr. is one of the most underrated prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. The top running back in the 2023 NFL Draft is Bijan Robinson of the Texas Longhorns. That being said, these are my top ten running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft class as of today. Chase Brown is witnessing a breakout season of his own in 2022. Derrick Henry, Jonathan Taylor, Nick Chubb, Dalvin Cook, and Joe Mixon all came off the board in the second round of the NFL Draft. His vision is an underrated asset, and the burst out of the backfield will be a weapon for whichever NFL team selects him. ( @CapitalOne) pic.twitter.com/Nk4CZ35Z3b. But dont get it twisted; Charbonnet has the contact balance and lateral suddenness to hit a hole and pick up a chunk gain. His low center of gravity and short-area explosiveness make him one of college footballs shiftiest RBs. During his first season in Austin, Robinson burst onto the scene as a true freshman. None of them came off . Selecting Izzy beyond the first three rounds. Former Florida State defensive tackle declares for 2023 NFL Draft. The middle rounds always produce quality players at the position, too, so expect the trend to continue. 43 3 11. Oklahoma has five-star QB Jackson Arnold committed for the 2023 class. If you don't see your guy here - or don't like where he's ranked - relax. @chasebrown____ x @IlliniFootball pic.twitter.com/Fe7nn864iJ, Illinois on BTN (@IllinoisOnBTN) October 15, 2022. Check it out below! This kid is big time., BIJAN ROBINSON, WHAT A RUN pic.twitter.com/oxWpxlfplT. Serving as the lead back in a Sean McVay-ish offensive scheme resulted in a stellar stat line for the Wildcat veteran. As far as top-tier talent,. The 2023 running back class may be better and deeper than this one. His uncanny creative instincts and processing speed are simply unparalleled. Mandatory Credit: Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman via USA TODAY NETWORK. Rodriguez has not been much of a pass catcher in college, mainly due to the scheme. Corum is one of the best runners between the tackles in this class and thrives on reading his blockers and seeing lanes open before they actually do. Hes toted the rock 227 times for 1349 yards and an astonishing 17 touchdowns. Cartavious "Tank" Bigsby was one of the highest-ranked running backs in the 2020 recruiting class, and that talent showed on the field during the 2020 season. Matt breaks down his top 8 running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft. 1) Saquon Barkley, New York Giants. All Rights Reserved. The superstar running back missed 42.9% of the games from 2019 to 2021. Evans has impressed team sources with his speed and running ability. Along with his solid rushing ability, he is a natural hands catcher who runs good routes, and he understands . 2023 NFL draft: Updated 1st-round order after Week 13 2023 NFL draft 4 days 317 shares 2023 NFL mock draft: 2-round projections to be thankful for Mock Drafts 2 weeks 2023 NFL mock. The content on this site is for entertainment and educational purposes only. Who earned their way onto this list, and who just missed the cut? Give him a hole to burst through or a pass in space, and hes making the most of it. Achane wins with a quick first step and amazing acceleration. Hes a quality receiver with soft han Gray runs with violence; hes capable of thrashing through tacklers, and Gray has the natural balance to withstand contact. We'll go in-depth with the more detailed lists just before the season. For the season, he has already rushed for over 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns helping to . The way it looks now, the 2023 running back draft class has an embarrassment of riches the Cowboys could tap into if they are planning on moving on from both Ezekiel Elliott and Tony. 3 running back in the 2023 NFL Draft class. 4. The lack of blazing speed, paired with his issues as a third-down blocker, might knock him further down the board than he deserves when the 2023 NFL Draft comes around. All the top-end talent saves this class. Zach Evans passes the eye test. Power is the best way to describe his game. He has ideal size fo A compact runner, Bigsby has a rare blend of balance, agility and instincts. This drought of high-running back sections may be coming to an end in 2023 thanks to Texas Longhorn Bijan Robinson - he's a dominator at every level of the game. But with impressive lateral agility, start/stop ability, and overall fluidity, he can check in as a change-of-pace option. Tucker arrived at Syracuse as a three-star recruit with minimal offers. Bijan Robinson, Texas. Blake Corum is doing his best impression, and might even be a better player than his former teammate. His 225 carries for 1378 yards ranked among the best in the conference, and Rodriguez even found the end zone ten times. Akin to Jamaal Charles and Alvin Kamara, Gibbs is a back that wins in space and has legitimate upside as a receiver. Every day, get free NFL updates sent straight to your inbox! "In my mind, I'm going to be in the fourth quarter when we get to next week. His straight-line speed leaves some to be desired, but the Oklahoma RB can make grown men look silly with the ball in his hands. 2023 NFL mock draft: Who's climbing up the board? Thats top-15 talent regardless of position. It is a popular sentiment from armchair GMs that the running back position does not matter anymore. We've compared players 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/2023-nfl-draft-running-backs-watch-list-bijan-robinson-jahmyr-gibbs-zach-evans-tank-bigsby/, 2023 NFL mock draft: 2-round projections heading into bowl season. 4. 2021-2023 Runningback Draft Grade Comparison Cody Carpentier's Rookie Runningback Draft Grades 2021-2023 - past classes stay unchanged Code: Underworld for a Deposit Match bonus up to $100, Start Drafting in the "Best Ball Mania 3" Tournament Today! While we did not have a single first-round running back selected in this year's draft, the 2023 class could have two selected on day one. Robinson will be a game-changer as a runner and as a passer, with his hands being some of the best in the entire class, regardless of position. rookie rankings + full profiles: pat. Strengths Demonstrated the ability to track the ball over his shoulder. Are you back? Hassan Haskins set school records during Michigans CFB Playoff run last season. Pro Football Network, LLC. Draft grades are in constant flux and will be adjusted as more tape, info, and measurables are released. #NFLDraft #NFLDraftRB #DeuceVaughn NFL Draft 2023 RB Class: Deuce Vaughn - Ourlads.com Senior Draft Analyst Dave Syvertsen breaks down the 2023 NFL Draft run. The Texas running back has the most buzz that anyone at the position has had since Saquon Barkley was at Penn State. Round two has become the ideal spot to find a franchise running back. He possesses an ideal frame and athletic profile for an NFL running back, but Abanikanda is not without his concerns. Has produced wherever he has played an Gibbs is an extremely talented runner and one of the most malleable talents the league has seen in a long time. Although the 2023 running back class is one dripping with elite talent and three-down production in names like Alabama's Jahmyr Gibbs . One of those players is Jahmyr Gibbs from the University of Alabama. Gibbs is an elusive runner that can shake the best of defenders out of their cleats. However, he bounced back in 2022. Still, with an early day three selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Israel Abanikanda is worth the shot every time. I fall somewhere between the two extremes and acknowledge that Evans can climb the ranks with an impressive workout process leading up to the 2023 NFL Draft. by Andrew Harbaugh July 9, 2022 The 2022 running back group has some solid rookie talent in it. NFLMocks Midseason NFL Award Ceremony: Patrick Mahomes Wins MVP, Sauce Gardner Earns DROY, and Much More! 1 . . Bijan Robinson is an impressive athlete with ideal size and power for a traditional workhorse back. He is nearly impossible to tackle in a one-on-one situation, and the burst he brings to the table is unmatched in the 2023 NFL Draft class. It will be interesting to see the number he posts in the 40-yard dash. Tucker has nearly doubled his career high with 35 catches in only ten games so far this season, showcasing the versatility to scouts everywhere. Running back, UCLA In a historically loaded 2023 running back draft class, UCLA star runner Zach Charbonnet is a legit top-5 prospect at the position. You may need to see an ophthalmologist if you arent pleased after watching Sean Tucker play football. Death, taxes, andBijan Robinson as the RB1 in the 2023 NFL Draft. Dec 4, 2022 2:17 PM EST The Bruins have bolstered their future backfield. See his 2024 Rankings as well! The Syracuse product isnt much of a power back, but you dont have to be when you can outrun most defenders. Barkley is the RB5 for the year, averaging 16.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. He is savvy and knows when to be patient and when to get aggressive to make a big play on his own. His athletic profile is special, so get him in the building and allow the coaching staff to do their job by tapping into his unfound potential. Copyright 2019-2022. His 2018 draft class produced three busts at quarterback (Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, and Josh Rosen) and arguably the best quarterback in the NFL, Josh Allen. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds. Richard Young Lehigh Senior (Lehigh Acres, FL) RB. They boast similar frames, and if you squint your eyes, Darren Sproles highlights look just like Deuce Vaughns. His size concerns could force a slip into day three, but that would be a mistake, in my opinion. Find out where your favorite Runningbacks stacks up against the 2023 class and view expert mock drafts. 2. To hear his name early on day two, Tucker must show improved timing as a runner, as he can miss holes entirely by being too patient. You'll now receive the top The Draft Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. While Allen signed a long-term deal with the Buffalo Bills last offseason, the Ravens will . His ability to accelerate and his good top-end speed allow him t Hes solid in blitz pickup, and Ibrahim consistently showed the ability to anchor against bigger players. The NFL is all about operating in space now, so its a good thing Jahmyr Gibbs has a doctorate in aerospace engineering. These numbers can be attributed to his Big Ten-leading carries, but a closer look at the tape shows why Brown can be a contributor at the next level. Will we see the return of the first-round running back in the 2023 NFL Draft? Class of 2023 running back Isaiah Carlson has verbally committed to UCLA football, he announced Sunday on Twitter.. This kid may be the best player in the sport. The biggest concerns around Chase Brown, for me, start and end with his pass blocking or lack thereof. Our four analysts give their current top fives, plus their combined overall top-10 ranking for the 2023 class. However, a few of the top dogs have the kind of all-around skill sets NFL teams should covet in the 2022 NFL Draft.. Editor's note: PFF's 2021 NFL Draft Guide is loaded with three-year grades, advanced stats, player comparisons, 2021 NFL Scouting Combine data, 2021 Reese's Senior Bowl . That remains to be seen, but the talent is there to crack the top 32 picks. 5-11 / 200. He has never handled a bell-cow role but is touching the ball more in 2022 than he ever has before, and still looks just as good. A third straight pass-catching specialist checks in at No. D'Andre Swift, JR, Georgia. 33 in the world. If he tests well (which I expect), and can quell some of the concerns around his size/blocking, there is a chance the Crimson Tide standout sneaks into the backend of day one. The top running back in the 2023 NFL Draft is Bijan Robinson of the Texas Longhorns. Now that the 2022 NFL draft is officially in the books, its time to turn the page and look ahead to next years class of top prospects. At 58 and 200+ pounds, Blake Corum isnt the biggest nor fastest back in the class. 8 running back in the 2023 NFL Draft. 2023 NFL draft: Updated 1st-round order after Week 13, 2023 NFL mock draft: 2-round projections to be thankful for, 2023 NFL mock draft: New 2-round projections at the mid-season mark, 2023 NFL mock draft: Big risers, fallers at QB in new 2-round projections, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds. 2023 NFL Draft RB Rankings (Shane) - NFL Draft Countdown 2023 NFL Draft Rankings 2023 NFL Draft RB Rankings (Shane) by Shane Hallam August 15, 2022 0 1775 Share 0 2023 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings are updated weekly. Guys like Austin Ekeler were not even drafted at all. The Illinois running back rushed for 98 yards this past weekend, marking his lowest total of the year. The last player in this top ten is another prospect witnessing a breakout season in 2022. He has the size, athletic package, and mentality to not only survive in the pros but thrive. At GT, Gibbs posted career-high numbers in 2021 with 746 rushing yards and 35 receptions out of the backfield. So take Evans inability to lock down Ole Miss RB1 role with a grain of salt. Please check your email for a confirmation. No one should expect to make money from the picks and predictions discussed on this website. The tools top-end speed, strong build, and fleet-footedness are there, but decision-makers will have questions about his durability and bell-cow ability. Most media scouts consider D'Andre Swift the best running back in the draft class, and his fit into the NFL is obvious. 1. Gibbs has improved as a true runner between the tackles, but where he impacts the game the most is as a pass catcher and a runner out in space. His nine touchdowns are more than he ever had in a season with the Jackets. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! NFL Draft Buzz is on the lookout for new contributors who would like a chance showcase their perspectives on the NFL draft. Get the latest NFL Draft prospect rankings from CBS Sports. A ban I kind of want to place in this years draft? We've passed the halfway point of the 2022 football season, which means the predraft process isn't that far off. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Illinois | NFL Draft Scouting Report, 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Bryce Young in Pole Position for the No. But that true freshman is Quinshon Judkins possibly the best RB in the country not named Bijan Robinson. right through the 2023 draft in April . Tuesday afternoon, fifth-year senior running back Jarek Broussard officially declared for the 2023 NFL Draft via Twitter. A true freshman is outperforming Zach Evans. Everything you need to know about his ability as a ball carrier is in this clip. Texas has a huge transfer class coming in for the 2022 season . There is a massive difference between not being worth a day one pick and not mattering. His vision is strong, and he is more elusive than I expected before digging into the All-22. Brown opened his season with nine straight 100-yard games, which sounds a lot like my old running back on the NCAA video games from back in the day. Akin to Jamaal Charles and Alvin Kamara, Gibbs is a back that wins in space and has legitimate upside as a receiver. The scheme has become more run-oriented and less pass-happy, which naturally cuts down on his ability to make plays through the air. Robinson is a do-it-all guy whose skills were fully displayed in Austin last season. His loose and fluid hips allow him to change directions instantly and string multiple moves together. Good flexibility and balance to adjust to the poorly thrown pass. Uncoachable, god-given speed. The areas for concern are real with Corum. Bigsby is a scheme and situation-diverse runner that can produce with whichever team selects him. OFFENSIVE TACKLE Dawand Jones, Ohio State (6-8, 359) Here's the first look at the 2023 NFL Draft with 15 of the most promising prospects at every position among those who will be eligible - three years out of high school. While he has a ways to go as a potential three-down back receiving minimal targets in space, as teams hunt for bell cow talents who can shoulder a heavy workload, Abanikanda has become a massive name to follow. Pittsburgh Panther feature back, Israel Abanikanda, is one of the hottest names on the NFL Draft trail. Not only is that 6th all-time for the Aggies, but his 20.31 currently ranks him No. Elusive, pogo stick-quick back with excellent initial burst and very good long speed. Evans jukes defenders out of their shoes when he gets the ball in space, and he is never shy to lower the shoulder and barrel through a potential tackler. By Dustin Lewis Dec 9, 2022 12:25 AM EST. lightning-quick feet provided a foundation for the astronaut to navigate debris and incoming objects. (Devon, that is.) Devon Achane is one of the most fun players to watch in the 2023 NFL Draft. Go Aspiring college or profootball journalist? What @blake_corum is doing to all these tackle attempts#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/scrjyAq7ei, Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) November 5, 2022. His tape doesnt show defenders tracking him down, but it also doesnt show much of him blowing by defenders either. Corum also runs with an edge that allows him to create holes out of nothing by barreling through defenders. For more information, please read our Legal Disclaimer. MaxPreps National Football Editor Zack Poff takes a look at the top 10 running backs in the Class of 2023 on 247Sports composite rankings as of Feb. 9. Zach Evans is polarizing in the NFL Draft community. With over half of the season in the rearview mirror, here are the top 10 running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft. The former MVP is in the final year of his rookie deal. I have talked to folks that have him ranked in the top three, and I have spoken with others that have him outside of their top ten. In order to explore the depths of the class, USA Today High School sports is going position-by-position to. SEATTLE (AP) Pete Carroll was really thrown for a loop when the NFL added a 17th game to the schedule last season. Admittedly, Vaughn looks like the spitting image of Sproles as a pass catcher. Sean Tucker continues the trend of elusive backs by checking in as the No. He is playing just as well in 2022, averaging over 100 yards per contest. His straight-line speed will not blow you away, but as long as he checks in somewhere around 4.5, it will not hurt the grade too much. One concern with Achane is his meager size. If a player is not listed: a) they fall just outside of the top 15 b) I have not watched enough to confidently rank them yet. But his trump card is his ability to plant his foot, change directions, and dart upfield. He makes up for what he lacks in contact balance and brute force with open-field balance and elusiveness. After a historic rookie season, Barkley has struggled to stay healthy. 4. Teams now generally undervalue the position and have come to the consensus opinion that quality can be had later in the draft and still provide production on the field. Tucker is a difficult assignment because he can beat you in many ways. He had no. To be a starting bell-cow running back in the NFL today, you must be able to adequately pass block, haul in passes, and dice defenses up on the ground. At 5-foot-9, 185 pounds, there are valid concerns about Achane holding up throughout 17 games in the NFL. He has the prototypical size (6'0" 220lbs), the rushing production, and the pass-catching ability that has been on display since his freshman year. Junior running back Dillon Johnson is entering the transfer portal after rushing for 488 yards and three touchdowns this . And if he were in the 2022 Class, he would have been a near-lock for the 1.01 in rookie drafts and will be regarded as a top 5 dynasty runningback right out of the gates. Nevertheless, his game doesnt fall too far behind. -Lew Nichols III, RB, Central Michigan (Early Day 3). All advice, including picks and predictions, is based on individual commentators opinions and not that of Minute Media or its related brands. Knowing when to attack a hole or when to be patient and let the play develop is a concern with his tape. He holds up well as a blocker, which makes him a franchise running back from day one. The NFL Draft Prospects to Watch In the 2023 Class. Reid: The quarterback, running back, wide receiver and defensive line groups all look promising, and it seems like the offensive class will be much stronger than the 2022 crop, but a lot can . He will likely go in the early first round which speaks to how great he is considering how devalued running backs are in the current NFL. At 61 and 220 pounds, he easily checks the size box. These concerns are enough to knock him down the list but not enough to dissuade me from placing him as the No. Abanikandas pass-catching numbers have taken a hit this season, but that is through no fault of his own. . The best word to describe Tuckers play style is electrifying. He has strong vision but too often lacks the patience and instead tries to barrel through the line of scrimmage, resulting in negative gains. Eric Gray is one of the most dynamic rushers in the 2023 NFL Draft. This is why those same teams have taken big swings on early-round running backs (Clyde Edwards-Helaire, James Cook). His ability as a pass catcher hasnt been used much in college, but the traits are there to be successful as a dual-threat running back. Build your customFanSided Daily email newsletter with news and analysis onNFL Draft and all your favorite sports teams, TV shows, and more. Here are the top running back prospects to watch for next years draft: (Photo by John E. Moore III/Getty Images), Sign up for the The Draft Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER. Thanks to the . Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky (Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports) His speed will be another knock on the resume, as Rodriguez rarely leaves defenders in the dust. He digs into the consensus RB1 Bijan Robinson out of Texas and compares him to the fantasy football values of Breece Hall, Najee Harris and Saquan Barkley. Evans transferred to Ole Miss to assume the top spot in a Lane Kiffin-coached offense, resulting in the best numbers of his career to this point. In terms of talent, he is a first-rounder, but with how running backs slide in NFL drafts, he could end up being a second-rounder in the 2023 NFL Draft. Brown isnt going to win a foot race with some of his peers at the position, but he has a knack for pulling away from defenders the more momentum he gets behind him. I would happily take Corum in the middle of day two and slot him in as my starter as a rookie. His tape shows him running away from crowds like he stole the last roll at Texas Roadhouse. Even the teams with star quarterbacks need help from the run game. Rodriguez wins by trusting his offensive line and allowing them to create the space for him to operate. Gets to top speed quickly. He is extremely quick, a nightmare to tackle in space, and has great vision. The Derrick Henrys and Nick Chubbs of the world are becoming a dying breed. 42 overall recruit in the 2023 class and the . The top of any list of running back prospects for the 2023 NFL Draft is the Texas standout Bijan Robinson. CHASE BROWN. 96. Robinson will be the top running back selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. Robinson is the rare prospect that transcends it. Oct 1, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson (5) walks into the endzone for a touchdown against the West Virginia Mountaineers during a game at Royal Memorial Stadium. Sproles, as impressive as he was in the NFL, never showed an ability to handle the load as an RB1. Super informed fan? In 2021, he proved that those flashes could be manifested into a full season of jaw-dropping and awe-inspiring play. Doesn't possess elite breakaway speed, but is fast enough to gain yardage in chunks when Rodriguez finds a seam. He owns incredible vision and seemingly can see the holes in the line before they develop. Jahmyr Gibbs is SO SHIFTY. Please check your email for a confirmation. This former five-star recruit has ideal size at 6-0 220, explosive speed, the power to move the pile along the with the natural instincts you look for at the position. The fact that he has never handled a workload regardless of why is something that will be viewed as a negative by most. After three running backs went in the first round of the 2018 class, four running backs even heard their names called in the first round during the subsequent four drafts. His elite twitch, flexibility, and lightning-quick feet provided a foundation for the astronaut to navigate debris and incoming objects. He can flip the field on any given play, whether as a rusher or kick returner. Has produced wherever he has Gibbs is an extremely talented runner and one of the most malleable talents the league has seen in a long time. At just 20 years old (he doesnt turn 21 until next October), hes proven to be a complete ball carrier. Rodriguezs motor will earn him favor from many scouts, as he runs like a bull in a China shop every snap. Keeping this in mind, lets get this rolling with the best running back prospect in the draft! If your team is lacking an elite quarterback like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or Lamar Jackson, then running back is a necessity to keep the offenses moving. 2022 DRAFT OUTLOOK: Hall can safely be counted on as a No. Four-star running back Rueben Owens II committed to Texas A&M on Wednesday, mere hours after decommitting from Louisville.The Texas native is the No. The Auburn RB exhausts runs of their full potential with explosiveness and sheer physicality. Follow @CarpentierNFL 3. Difficult to bring down Tucker finishes runs well and flashes the ability to get small and squeeze through traffic. Which might push him into the first round of the 2023 NFL draft, as many would have you believe right now. As a freshman, he appeared in seven games, amassing 35 carries for 193 yards and 1 reception for 22 yards. Bijan Robinson is an impressive athlete with ideal size and power for a traditional workhorse back. When the Chiefs or Bills, for example, become stagnant it can be traced back to an inability to run the football. Robinson will be the 1.01 for many 2023 rookie drafts, including any in which I have the first selection. And although Tucker has his issues in pass protection, he owns three-down upside in the league. #PL34SED, Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) September 4, 2022. Kendall Milton, Georgia Standing at 6'1, 220 pounds, Kendall Milton is a large human. It is scary to think about where this Alabama team would be without Jahmyr Gibbs; he is that important. Spartans beat the Fighting Illini with a score of 23-15. This year's running back class is largely unproven after many players missed out on full seasons in 2020. If Evans declares this year, he may finish his collegiate career with less than 300 carries and just over 2,000 yards. Syracuse has shifted him out to the slot more than before this season, displaying his receiving prowess. 2022 Minute Media - All Rights Reserved. Alright, lets fan girl together for a second. Justice Haynes Buford (Buford, GA) He already has career highs across the board with a couple of games remaining and is the odds-on favorite to come off the board first at running back. Techie with an interesting slant on player evaluation? And in the rounds that follow, there is plenty of value. Rather than just using a guy to run between the tackles, many teams are looking for more versatile pieces. 2 Fantasy running back right away, but his path to being a top-12 guy will depend heavily on how quickly he can convince his coaches to . . He is built like a brick house but is shifty as can be with the ball in his hands. Deuce Vaughn can do that. Thats been the sentiment since Robinson landed in Austin, Texas, and all hes done since is reinforce it. It took the fifth-year running back time to make his mark, but thanks to Liam Coen and Will Levis, Rodriguez became a household name in the SEC in 2021. He is uber-talented and looks like an NFL running back any time he touches the football. Using his impressive athletic profile, paired with impeccable timing and vision, Robinson only got better in 2022. In ten games, the shifty running back has 774 rushing yards and 40 receptions to his name. The Seminoles get their star running back to return in 2023. . Comment The 2023 NFL Draft has tons of potentially elite talent, but the best position group from top to bottom is the running back class. The Texas A&M RBs game is predicated on one word: speed. Early 2023 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings: Texas' Bijan Robinson headlines the class San Antonio, TX, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson (5) scores on a 21-yard touchdown run against the Colorado Buffaloes during the fourth quarter of the Alamo Bowl at the Alamodome. Of course, those ten all have to be on the right team to have the chance to earn a job. A big back with McIntosh does a nice job with recognition as a pass protector and gives good effort. If the draft was based on names, Tank Bigsby would be the 1.01. With Haskins off to the NFL, Corum went from an elite RB2 to the man in the backfield in Ann Arbor. He spent two years in the TCU program but never logged more than 100 attempts on the ground or ten catches during the stint. Zach Evans runs ANGRY @OleMissFB | @Runzekerun01 pic.twitter.com/CWeG06EHon, SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 30, 2022. The 2023 NFL Draft quarterback class is projected to be stronger than the 2022 crop, so contending dynasty managers looking to figure out a succession plan for an aging starter at quarterback. Achanes size (59, 185 pounds) restricts his projection, but his skill set and physical gifts are tailor-made for todays NFL. 2-ranked running back in the country (behind only Robinson) and the top recruit in the state of Texas. And on any given Sunday, hes a threat to take multiple touches to the house. 2022 season/2023 NFL Draft outlook A five-star recruit, Evans was the No. Add in his ability as a pass catcher and protector, and you have the makings of an NFL RB. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports By Michael Renner We've compared players post combine 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. The only true downside for Robinson as a prospect is his lack of elite top-end speed. Hes less make you miss and more run through you, which lends to his north-south style. Outside of passing up opportunities to bounce to the edge and refining his ability on passing downs, there isnt much notto like about Abanikanda. The short-area quickness he possesses is as impressive as any prospect in the class. During his first season in Austin, Robinson burst onto the scene as a true freshman. Top 10 Running Backs in the 2023 NFL Draft. Vaughn is the best pass catcher at running back in the 2023 NFL Draft. During his time with the Aggies, Achane has produced at a high clip on the ground (6.5 ypc) and reeled in 60 catches over his last two seasons. One reason Brown hasnt been used as much as he could as a pass catcher is that he cannot consistently be trusted in pass protection. 2023 Rankings Chris Rodriguez Jr. went beast mode pic.twitter.com/8IJJsGumOA, SEC Network (@SECNetwork) September 4, 2021. As we head into the homestretch of the 2022 campaign, heres an updated look at how we stack the top running back prospects in this years class: Sign up for the The Draft Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. Jahmyr Gibbs started his collegiate career with the Georgia Tech Yellowjackets. Unfortunately, there is a reason for his uninspiring counting numbers. NFL Draft NFL What We Can Expect from 2023 Running Back Class Ryan Fowler May 13, 2022 From early down thumpers to pass-catching specialists, the 2022 class is one of the deepest classes for potential running back value. Green Bay Packers: Christian Watson Breakout Is Huge For The Offense, 2023 NFL Draft: Quentin Johnston, Zay Flowers Rank High on Top 10 WR Rankings, The Greatest Trade For Every NFL Team In History, Ranking The Greatest NFL Head Coaches from All 32 Teams, this Alabama team would be without Jahmyr Gibbs, Pistons vs. Clippers Prediction and Odds for Thursday, November 17 (Back L.A. With No Hesitation), Mock Draft: QBs Go 1-2-3, Bijan Robinson Joins Cowboys, and Packers FINALLY Take First-Round WR in NFL Draft, 2-Round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: Will Levis To Detroit, Bucs Go RB. 1) Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens. Turns the corner Hes decisive once Corum locates a hole and gets through quickly. And like his first name (Tank, not Cartavious), hell turn gaps into craters at a moments notice. MORE: Top 10 Wide Receivers in the 2023 NFL Draft. Just turn on his highlights, and you will know exactly why. Robinson earned a four-star rating from ESPN and received offers from every top college in the country before signing on to don the burnt orange and white. pic.twitter.com/ukQGNpiUTH, CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 15, 2022. For other positions: QB RB WR TE OT OG/C EDGE DL LB CB S Devon Achane, Texas A&M Aggies Achane hasn't been the starting running back, but he has played a lot over the last two seasons. It did not take long for the rest of the country to see that they had missed out on a needle mover at running back. His top-end speed isnt as big of an issue, given how much Corum succeeds in short-area situations. Evans has dealt with some nagging injuries in his career and his rawness as a runner leads to a lack of trust from the coaching staff. This 2023 NFL Draft class is particularly strong at running back. 2023 has what I see as ten bonafide starters. Bijan Robinson (Texas) Nov 25, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson (5) runs during the second half against the Baylor Bears at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. He will not be much of a pass catcher at the next level, which can knock him down some 2023 NFL Draft boards. The 2023 NFL draft already looks loaded with top talent on both sides of the ball, so lets get you acquainted with some of the names you need to know at every position heading into the 2022 college football season. Brown is doing it for real, though. If you didnt know Israel Abanikanda before the season, you definitely did after his 320-yard and six-touchdown performance against Virginia Tech. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports Simply put, Bijan Robinson is the most NFL ready running back since Jonathan Taylor. 1 Overall Pick, Stetson Bennett, QB, Georgia | NFL Draft Scouting Report. But whats most exciting is the Michigan RBs combination of vision and patience a deadly duo that always puts his offensive line in a position to succeed. 1. No, that is not a typo. That word shouldn't be used lightly, and it isn't in this case. However, nearly every other aspect of his skill set is a coachs dream. Most franchise running backs are taken after day one. While I agree that very few running backs ever earn a round-one grade, I would argue that they are increasing their value as the NFL continues to trend pass-happy. our analysts' running back rankings? The 2023 NFL Draft class looks to be loaded at the running back position. The Darren Sproles comparisons get lobbed at Deuce Vaughn constantly, and while I can see the vision, Maurice Jones-Drew feels like a more apt comparison. Top 10 Running Backs in the 2023 NFL Draft 10) Eric Gray, Oklahoma Eric Gray is one of the most dynamic rushers in the 2023 NFL Draft. 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