#01 - Trey Benson RB Florida State
Positives
+Fantastic positional growth year of year. His vision and patience is most improved, loved seeing him following his block allowing them to set up and attacking the angles they provided
+Elite top end speed to go for house calls on any play
+Acceleration is also an elite trait
+Lower half provides elite power and balance giving ability to fight through tackles and recover with ease
+Sharp cuts
+Takes great pride in ball security will switch to boundary arm
+Soft hands; I believe his role as a receiver will expand if he can clean up the other half of the equation as a passing down back
Areas of Improvement
-Terrible leg injury early in career. Will be heavily reviewed by teams medical staffs
-Needs to get lower at a more consistent rate
-As of this moment he is a below average pass protector at college level which will only be more difficult at the next. Without improvement it could limit his overall usage
Quick Hit
Benson is one of my favorites in this draft, and I see him being a three-down back one day in the NFL. His combination of size, athleticism, and tackle-breaking ability is coveted, and his potential as a receiving threat puts him over the top. While he doesn't have many college miles on him, teams will have concerns over his long-term outlook due to his injury from years ago. Based on his play and the unfortunate state of how running backs are viewed, I don't believe this will be a big issue.Red Flag: In 2020 he tore his ACL, MCL, Meniscus', and a tendon in his hamstring
Grade: (83.975) - 3rd Round Grade
#02 - MarShawn Lloyd RB USC
Positives
+Superb change of direction; very creative runner, high level elusiveness
+Patience to pace player doing a great job of letting blocks set up, identify the crease and attack when open
+Great burst and long speed
+Powerful back, but saw more of this at South Carolina
+Potential as effective pass catcher; tape flashes some great moments
Areas of Improvement
-Ball security is extremely poor, this must be fixed if he ever wants to consistently see the field at the next level
-Slightly below average pass protector and underutilized in the pass game
-Running style led to inconsistent power, showed more pre-USC season
Quick Hit
Lloyd is an incredible watch that each community of media/scouts, and fans seem to be conflicted on. I am on the team that thinks he is very good. A patient, paceful player behind the line of scrimmage, Lloyd knows and takes advantage of his blocks and then uses his stellar burst and speed to attack the predicted opening. Lloyd is more balanced than one would have predicted, bringing great lateral mobility and power. The power needs more consistency than what he displayed this past season, but his previous performance shows it's all there. Ball security is a huge question mark and will be a coaching point for him at the next level.Grade: (81.3) - 3rd Round Grade
#03 - Jaylen Wright RB Tenneesse
Positives
+Average blocking skill with above average mind for it
+Plenty of functional strength, elite balance
+Long speed that surprises defenders
+Burst is there but needs to be more consistent
+Enough lateral mobility in combination with his contact balance to break tackles at an advanced rate
+Plus patience at all levels of field
+Plus ability as a pass catcher
Areas of Improvement
-Vision must improve and will hopefully with reps and coaching, can sometimes miss cutback opportunities
-Mostly a linear athlete, at full steam he isn't going to make many play altering moves
-While he has functional strength, he isn't someone who is going to bulldoze through people and looses more head-to-head one on ones then you'd like
Quick Hit
Jaylen Wright's youth and limited playing time provide ample room for projection, given his existing skill set. As a strong, explosive athlete with elite contact balance, he possesses the potential to create big plays consistently. Wright's trajectory suggests he could excel as both a proficient pass blocker and a reliable NFL receiver, positioning him to potentially evolve into an NFL-level three-down back. Continued development and refinement of his vision will be crucial as he hones his already impressive abilities.Grade: (81) - 3rd Round Grade
#04 - Bucky Irving RB Oregon
Positives
+Electric runner; he has sweet feet and is just so slippery against loose tackles
+I do not care about his size; he shows you how he plays and he plays tough, physical football. Will battle through tackles, stays on his feet, and has a proper stiff arm
+His ability to chain movements at the blink of an eye is jaw dropping
+Vision and patience have vastly improved
+Top notch receiving ability will be high level difference maker on Sunday's
Areas of Improvement
-Gambler; he can still abandon the play design early to take chances, it worked in college but he will have a more difficult time in the pros
-Long game speed was inconsistent and underwhelming
-Liability as a pass blocker
Quick Hit
We just went through this with Jahmyr Gibbs; give me what they have put on tape over the potential concerns that may arise due to their size. For Irving, he hits nearly every check mark you'd want in a running back. He is a sudden back who's a move or two away from a game-changing play both as a runner and a receiver. He adds to that dynamic ability by playing above his weight class, bringing physicality and a nice stiff arm to keep defenders away from his body. At the end of the day, is he going to be a bell cow back? No. But how many offenses truly look to operate that way anymore?Grade: (80.1) - 3rd Round Grade
#05 - Blake Corum RB Michigan
Positives
+Highly intelligent back who intends on effecting both the run and pass games. You can routinely see him scanning and processing pre-snap+Definitive runner who can quickly diagnose and attack openings
+Has the quickness to efficiently change direction and bounce runs outside and has the burst to get around the corner to beat the first man or two cleanly
+Protects the football
+Size will remain concern but willing and effective pass protector; he will challenge defenders
+Plays with a finishers mindset at the goal line
Areas of Improvement
-Smaller back whose game speed won't match timed speed. Breakout runs may be far and few between at next level due to his shorter strides-Inability to break tackles with consistency due to a distinct lack of power and balance for someone with his compact frame
Quick Hit
Corum is a running back who has a role to play in every offense. He is a smart, decisive runner who will get you the designed yards and be consistent. He plays hard and shows no fear as a goal-line back and as a blocker. He is someone you want in the locker room and will likely be there for a long time. He's just not going to be a game-changing or lead back.Red Flag: Full meniscus tear, MCL sprain, and bone bruise essentially ended 2022 season and likely factored in his return to Michigan that year.
Grade: (79.325) - 3rd Round Grade
#06 - Jonathon Brooks RB Texas
Positives
+One cut back whose vision expands and becomes even more effective at the second level
+Good flexibility and elasticity
+Has the long speed to pull away from defenders
+Plus strength, power and balance are true difference makers; his tape is littered with defenders being carried while wrapped around him
+More reps are need to be definitive but solid potential as a pass blocker and can be an option in passing attack.
+Wide frame makes him look bigger than he is
Areas of Improvement
-Questionable acceleration
-Patience can sometimes turn into late decision making
-Doesn't press the crease with confidence consistently
-Play style does not match size; questions will rise about his ability to keep up this style of play for full season
Quick Hit
Brooks is a tough-nosed runner who earned the job this season and provides much more value than just your standard bruising back. He brings solid lateral movement to find openings, long speed to give your team big plays, and is a viable pass catcher out of the backfield. Limited reps leave him with more to develop, specifically behind the line of scrimmage, and his ability to be a lead back all season long at his size and style of play is a big question mark this cycle.Red Flag: Tore ACL at the end of draft year
Comp: Rhamondre Stevenson
Grade: (78.1) - 4th Round Grade
#07 - Isaac Guernedo RB Louisville
Positives
+Elite speed both timed and on tape
+Nice footwork; he does a real nice job of executing cuts at his top speed.
+Very fluid and he can just plant and go
+Significant power and contact balance
+Plus receiver and highly effective via dump offs and swing routes
Areas of Improvement
-History of soft tissue injuries which isn't surprising given size and athletic ability
-Lack of experience; significant lack of reps has hinder the development of the decision making aspects of playing the running back position. I won't say he lacks vision, but he is certainly raw
Quick Hit
Guerendo is a raw running back who has all the talent in the world top tap into. His speed alone is stellar but combine withy his size its astronomical. The power and balance he displays are fantastic and his footwork, the ability to cut at top speeds is unbelievable. On top of all of this he is an effective receiver out of the backfield. Give him time and watch him become your lead back.
Red Flag: Long history of hamstring injuries and a Lisfranc that ended a previous season
Comp: Marion Barber
Grade: (77.65) - 4th Round Grade
#08 - Audric Estime RB Notre Dame
Positives
+Power runner who displays great hip flexibility to get low and punish tacklers+Size and speed are great combination
+Strong burst
+Great hurdler
+Above average vision, scheme and coaching allowed him to play with patience and trust his blocks to set up
Areas of Improvement
-Limited opportunity in passing game
-Poor pass protector
-Struggles to decelerate, he is a ride or die linear mover once he gets going
Quick Hit
Estime is powerful runner who can get low to punish tacklers or fly high when they commit to early. The power comes from a thick frame but also a maxed out conversion from his quick burst. His scheme and coaching has allowed him to develop an above average vision and patience but I have question marks as he moves to the next level if he can maintain the same level of consistency. Once he gets moving he is strictly on a linear path. He could become a useful option in the passing game just like James Conner has but he will need to improve as a blocker before he starts getting time on the field for these situations.Comp: Cedric Benson
Grade: (76.475) - 4th Round Grade
#09 - Jawhar Jordan RB Louisville
Positives
+Gets to his top speed well
+Still has good cutting ability at top speed
+Undersized back that plays with better balance and power than size would suggest
+Footwork and vision behind line are high level traits
+Potential to be game breaker in passing game
Areas of Improvement
-Size is such a major concern
-Skill set and production would suggest higher usage in passing game then he obtained this past season
Quick Hit
Jordan is just one of those guys I am always searching for on tape. I want that easy speed, the guys where there is no visual ramp up to there top speed and want them to look like relaxed runners as they get past their competition. I know his time speed says he's slower, but I think his game speed is much higher. Jordan is destined to have a much better NFL career than college if the coaching staff utilizes at his maximum potential.
Grade: (76.125) - 4th Round Grade
#10 - Braelon Allen RB Wisconsin
Positives
+Rarely seen size for the position+Natural power with nice ability to drop pads to bounce and bull through defenders
+Strong vision, will always look to manipulate his free defenders
+Very young
+Willing pass protector who has flashes
+Fine hands
Areas of Improvement
-Stop/Start ability is non-existent-Lacks short area quickness to make some necessary backside cuts when he sees his opening
-Needs to work on ball security
-Linear athlete whose top speed leaves you wanting more
Quick Hit
I don't see him living up to a lot of these media folks potential because of the lack of athleticism. What Allen does bring is size, power, and good zone scheme intelligence. These alone will get him a shot in the NFL for a long enough time to make a mark.Grade: (75.375) - 4th Round Grade
#11 - Will Shipley RB Clemson
Positives
+Plays will an engine that burns hot+Adequate quickness for the position
+Burst, pad level, footwork, and core allow him to play with nice contact balance.
+Plays off his offensive line very well; he is patient, presses the crease to manipulate the second level and utilize there momentum against them. Does a great job running between the tackles
+Fine route runner with better hands
Areas of Improvement
-Lacks game changing speed-Awful pass blocker
-Overall not someone who will be breaking many tackles at the next level
-Playing hard is his greatest trait, his physical ones are close to fair than good
Quick Hit
A dual-threat back whose best traits are his heart and his head. Shipley does well to use his blockers and manipulate the first and second level of the defense and while he has displayed some nice contact balance he doesn't have the mass or displayed the natural ability to power through NFL talent. He is a nice back who I think will hold his own at the next level, he's just not going to be the "guy" and thats absolutely fine.Grade: (74.425) - 5th Round Grade
#12 - Ray Davis RB Kentucky
Positives
+Skilled and experienced pass blocker+Shiftiness to make small effective cuts
+Above average vision, scheme helped him be decisive
+Underutilized in passing game, does alot of things at an above average level, good hands
Areas of Improvement
-Doesn't have a standout trait to mark him as this type of player-Age is certainly a factor
-Lacks the burst and the next level open field gear
-Needs to do better to play aggressively and finish his runs
Quick Hit
Davis is far from a bad running back, but he's far from a difference maker. I do believe he can be that type of guy who stays in the league a long time because he's solid in every area of the position and his ability on passing downs will be coveted in todays offenses. Good blockers stay in the league for a long time.Red Flag: Toe injury ended his 2021 season early in year
Grade: (72.7) - 5th Round Grade
#13 - Tyrone Tracy RB Purdue
Positives
+Return man potential+Above average quickness
+Good speed to get past defenders at the second level
+Nice contact balance and power for size
+Converted WR with not man reps
Areas of Improvement
-Smaller than listed in college-Age, will turn 25 during rookie season
-Lack of reps shows in his decision making as a runner behind the line of scrimmage
Quick Hit
Tracy spent many of his days in college as a wide receiver and is coming out as an older prospect and a running back. This was a better option than making the transition while in the league. While his age says old his play says highly inexperienced. He's a project with an unfriendly age whose traits could become useful.Grade: (69.725) - 7th/PFA Round Grade
#14 - Dylan Laube RB New Hampshire
Positives
+Nice balance of power and lateral mobility+Adequate speed for type of player
+High level receiving ability; he has the hands, ball tracking, and displayed nice route running
+Special teams performer, both kick and punt returner
Areas of Improvement
-Short strider-Ineffective at breaking tackles
-Tended to bounce or bail runs early and often
-Competition level
Quick Hit
I certainly understand the interest as both the tape and the tape back up just how dynamic of a receiver he was at a lower collegiate level. But I see the increase of competition to be a steep incline for a back who wasn't a dominating running back at his level. His special teams contributions will significantly improve his chances of having a career in the National Football LeagueGrade: (67.6) - 7th Round/PFA Grade
#15 - Carson Steele RB UCLA
Positives
+Potential to be solid blocking back+Good size
+Power runner who falls forward
Areas of Improvement
-Poor athlete with limited change of direction abilities that may make it impossible to hit cutback lanes at the NFL level-Poor stop/start ability
-Impatient runner who attacks head on
-Heralded as a receiving threat but far underutilized at UCLA and produced measly results from receiving opportunity
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