Running back is a position that seems to be becoming less and less important in today’s pass heavy offense. We’ve even seen some of the top players at the position come together to find a solution to franchises undervaluing them.
That’s not to say though that teams aren’t always looking for the next top young running back. We still see several go in the first round every year. For this list we will go over 5 Young NFL Running Backs Who Will Become STARS…And 5 Who Are BUSTS
Become a Star: Bijan Robinson
Bijan has already started his campaign to be one of the top rushers in the league. In just his rookie year he’s on pace to break 1,000 rushing yards and is a top candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Every week there is some sort of highlight on Robinson showing off his insane agility and ability to make defenders miss. With the Falcons spending the with overall pick in the 2023 draft they’ve gotten exactly what they were looking for in their offense.
Become a Bust: Najee Harris
For his rookie year in 2021, Harris already made his first Pro Bowl after putting up 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns. Unfortunately for Najee it seems like the Steelers don’t utilize him the way they should.
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At the end of week 8 in 2023, Najee had just 100 attempts on the season which puts him on pace for just about 200 at the end of the season. For a running back in just his third year and shown flashes of greatness he should be the workhorse of the offense. Ife he becomes a bust most of the blame should be put on Pittsburgh’s playcalling.
Become a Star: De’Von Achane
Achane is an absolute speed demon who finds himself right in the middle of one of the most high powered offenses in the entire league. By the end of week seven in 2023 he has three of the top 10 fastest ball carrier speed in the NFL.
Miami has a way to capitalize on all of his strengths and other teams don’t seem to have an answer. As a third round pick in the 2023 draft Achane has all of the elements it takes to be a star running back.
Become a Bust: Jahmyr Gibbs
The Lions spent their twelfth pick in 2023 on the running back out of Alabama. Many believed he would be a huge part of the offseason at the start of the season. So far he has been underutilized with David Montgomery getting more carries.
This could become a situation eerily similar to the Stellers and their use of Najee Harris mentioned above.
Become a Star: James Cook
After a slow rookie season in 2022, Cook has found himself being the main feature back for the Bills. By the end of week eight he surpassed his total attempts by almost 20. He’s also proven he can be a factor in the pass game which has become crucial in today’s game.
Currently on pace for his first 1,000 yard season don’t be surprised if you start seeing his name in the conversation for top 10 at the position.
Become a Bust: Breece Hall
After starting red hot his rookie year he was only able to play in seven games after tearing his ACL and sidelining him for the rest of the season. That’s certainly not the most ideal injury for a player so young as it can lead to chronic knee pain and knee instability.
Of course we don’t know for sure what will happen in the future with Hall but it cannot be ignored that he suffered such a major injury so early into his career.
Become a Star: Kenneth Walker II
After going in the second round in 2022 to the Seahawks he experienced his first 1,000 yard season in his rookie year. So far he is following up 2023 with a very similar season on pace for another 1,000 yards. He also finished second in Rookie of the Year votes.
If Walker can just develop a little more in the passing game he would become a much more complete running back and would be extremely hard to stop.
Become a Bust: Clyde-Edwards Helaire
Helaire is already in his fourth season and a lot of people would already consider him a bust even though he’s still on his rookie contract. That thought certainly isn’t an overreaction though as he gets less opportunities every season. With lots of injuries including lingering ankle problems he might not be in the league much longer.
With the emergence of Isiah Pacheco in 2022 the Kansas City backfield has become harder and harder for Helaire to gain more chances.
Become a Star: Travis Etienne
A first round pick in 2022 he averaged 5.1 yards a carry and gained 1,125 rushing yards. Also a threat in the receiving game Etienne is already on the cusp of stardom. It won’t be long until he becomes a unanimous top 10 running back.
The Jaguars certainly don’t regret using their first round pick to reunite Etienne with his college quarterback, Trevor Lawrence.
Become a Bust: Saquon Barkley
It’s rare enough to see a running back drafted within the top 10 so when the Giants took Barkley with second overall selection in 2018 they expected greatness. In terms of selection spot and production he;s been underwhelming. He has never led the league in any major stats and has battled through several injuries.
He is still a serviceable running back but definitely never developed into what he should have.
