Running backs are the heart of the ground game in the NFL. The draft is the time for teams to compensate in areas they may lack in and bring in fresh talent. Without a ground game, teams are relying on their quarterback alone to create offense. Coming out of college, lots of fresh faces will be looking to make an impact and make a name for themselves in the league. With that, these are 10 college running backs to keep an eye on in the 2024 NFL draft.
10. Ray Davis – University of Kentucky
Davis, a fifth-year senior for the Kentucky Wildcats, put up his second 1,000-yard rushing season in 2023. Averaging 5.7 yards per carry, Davis took the ball on 14 trips to the end zone last year while helping lead his team to a close Gator Bowl loss against the University of Clemson. With many teams looking to fill holes in the running back room, Davis could find a home at the next level on a hustle-needy team.
9. Will Shipley – University of Clemson
On the other side of the Gator Bowl, certified white boy Will Shipley averaged an exact five yards per carry in 2023 with 827 yards on 167 carries. Shipley had a down year from his 1,000-yard season in 2022, which is largely what brought his hype even higher.
8. MarShawn Lloyd – University of Southern California
Quarterback Caleb Williams’ steed on the ground was exactly who the team needed him to be as a USC Trojan. Lloyd put up 820 yards and nine touchdowns on 116 carries for an average of 7.1 yards per carry. A reliable back, both as a backup and the starter for head coach Lincoln Riley, Lloyd is a back that will be a trooper for any franchise that takes him.
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7. Bucky Irving – University of Oregon
Irving is the product of a high-octane offense. Averaging 6.3 yards per carry, Irving put up 11 touchdowns and 1,180 yards in an Oregon offense that put up numbers against everyone. The 5’10 running back could be a difference-maker for anyone in the league looking to push the needle. As a player, he reminds me of former Tulane product and Tennessee Titan Tyjae Spears.
6. Audric Estime – University of Notre Dame
Estime had a mind-boggling 210 carries in 2023 with 1,341 yards and 18 touchdowns to pair. While he was the team’s workhorse in the ground game, Estime exploded onto the scene for the best single season of his career. Prior to 2023, the Fighting Irishman only put up a combined 980 yards in his career. In the right system, Estime can be a great running back in the NFL.
5. Braelon Allen – University of Wisconsin
Allen is the Badgers’ shield. When you need four yards, you give the ball to Allen. In 2023, Allen produced 984 yards and 12 touchdowns on 181 carries. The 6’2, 245-pound running back is sturdy on his legs and shows flashes of Wisconsin’s last great running back — Jonathan Taylor.
4. Jaylen Wright – University of Tennessee
Wright is another player who bumped up his skillset year by year throughout his collegiate career. The Tennessee Volunteer has all the skills on the ground that translate to the next level effectively. He may not pop off for long gains, but Wright is a nose-down runner who gains every yard he can.
3. Trey Bensen – Florida State University
Benson was a large part of the Seminoles’ undefeated season run in 2023. Bensen rushed for 905 yards and 14 touchdowns on 156 carries. Averaging 5.8 yards per carry, Bensen is a secure runner with an eye for the endzone. Whether or not FSU should’ve been in the college football playoffs is one discussion, but to be robbed of more Trey Bensen is a whole other discussion.
2. Blake Corum – University of Michigan
Michigan does not win a national championship without Blake Corum. The Big Blue back rushed a jaw-dropping 258 times in 2023, totaling 1,245 yards and 27 touchdowns. Corum’s a two-time 1,200+ yard receiver whose best days are ahead of him in the NFL. Whichever team lands Corum is sure to have a winner on their hands.
1. Jonathan Brooks – University of Texas
Brooks proved himself to be the best, most reliable running back in 2023. Playing behind Atlanta Falcons and UT alum running back Bijan Robinson could either help or hurt a player, and Brooks rose to the occasion. Brooks took 187 carries for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023. He’s in line as the next great UT running back in the NFL.
