Ranking the Top 30 Running Backs in the 2024 NFL Draft

Patriots Football Now continues to provide updates and rankings on potential New England Patriots targets in the 2024 NFL Draft. There have been four NFL mock drafts so far (with more on the way) and a “Weekley Wednesday” seven-round Patriots mock draft.

Running back is not a position the Patriots will target early in the draft. They have Rhamondre Stevenson returning and have added Antonio Gibson in free agency. However, it would not be surprising to see a Day 3 addition to the running back room.

There are no running backs projected to go in Round 1 this year. But while there might not be the high-end prospects of years past, there is a deep pool to choose from. It would not be a surprise if any number of this year’s prospects emerged as the premier back of the group. A look at the top 20 running backs available in the 2024 NFL Draft…

Day 1 Prospects

None. The run on running backs should begin at some point on Day 2. One or two may go in the second round, but Round 3 is where the run should start, and on into Day 3.

Day 2 Prospects

No. 1 – Trey Benson, Florida State

This draft class does not boast of a clear top-ranked runner in the group. The top three running backs could all have laid claim to being head of the class. Trey Benson combines athleticism with production better than any other back, earning him the No. 1 ranking here. Over the past two seasons, he rushed for 1,899 yards and 23 touchdowns. Benson had zero fumbles over 316 college carries. He averaged 6.13 yards per attempt during his two seasons at Florida State. Benson caught 20 passes for 227 yards and a touchdown last season. He was also solid in pass protection. Benson solidified his spot among this group’s elite at the NFL Scouting Combine. The 6-foot-0, 216-pound back ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds.

No. 2 – Jonathan Brooks, Texas

Brooks was the first running back off the board in last week’s seven-round NFL mock draft on Patriots Football Now. He went in Round 2 (No. 56 overall) to the Dallas Cowboys. Jonathan Brooks is a difficult evaluation because of medical concerns, which the public does not have access to. He tore his ACL last season on Nov. 11. If he has made a full recovery, he is as good as anyone available. Brooks amassed 1,425 yards from scrimmage and scored 11 touchdowns in 11 games last season. He previously had a minor role in the Longhorns offense, redshirting in 2021 and backing up Bijan Robinson in 2022.  He is a smooth runner who looks effortless, even when cutting. At 6-foot-0, 216 pounds, Brooks arguably has the highest ceiling of any running back in the class.

No. 3 – Jaylen Wright, Tennessee

Jaylen Wright is impressive. He only had 137 carries in 2023 (11.5 per game) but made the most of them. He finished with over 1,000 yards, averaging 7.4 yards per carry. Wright stands 5-foot-10.5 and weighs in at 210 pounds. The Volunteers running back solidified himself as a Day 2 pick at the NFL Scouting Combine. He ran a 4.38 40-yard dash. Wright also registered the best broad jump among the running back group at 11’2″. His combination of production and athleticism puts him in this top-tier of backs.

Day 3 Prospects

No. 4 – Blake Corum, Michigan

While some players in this group (including the ones on either side of Blake Corum on this list) made a splash at the NFL Scouting Combine, Corum made his biggest impression on the field. He finished in the Top 10 of Heisman Trophy voting each of the past two seasons. In three seasons as a starting running back for Michigan, Corum rushed for 3,660 yards and 56 touchdowns. His 58 career rushing touchdowns are 19 more than anyone else on this list (Marshall’s Rasheen Ali). Corum does not possess ideal size and athleticism (5-foot-8, 205 pounds, 4.53 40-time) but his production is undeniable.

No. 5 – Isaac Guerendo, Louisville

The star of the NFL Scouting Combine among the running back group, Isaac Guerendo’s combination of size and speed makes him an intriguing prospect. Guerendo made the most of his opportunities at Louisville, rushing for 810 yards on just 132 carries (6.1 yards/carry) and scoring 11 touchdowns. He also had 22 receptions for 234 yards. Guerendo turned heads at the combine, running a blazing 4.33 in the 40-yard dash. It was the fifth fastest time for a running back in combine history and fastest for one as big as Guerendo (6-foot-0, 221 pounds).

No. 6 – MarShawn Lloyd, USC

A torn ACL forced Lloyd to miss his freshman year, which was at another USC, South Carolina. He then played two seasons for the Gamecocks in a reserve role before transferring to the University of Southern California in 2023. The offense was built around QB Caleb Williams, but Lloyd averaged 7.1 yards per carry when he got the ball. MarShawn Lloyd finished the season with 820 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. He also made some big plays in the passing game, averaging 17.8 yards on his 13 receptions. He ran a 4.49 40-yard dash while standing 5-foot-9 and weighing a solid 220 pounds. A lot to like about Lloyd.

No. 7– Ray Davis, Kentucky

Ray Davis was one of the toughest players to evaluate. He played two seasons at Temple before transferring to Vanderbilt. After two seasons at Vanderbilt he transferred again. in his lone season at Kentucky, David registered his second straight 1,000-yard season (he also had 936 as a freshman at Temple, nearly hitting the 1K mark at three different schools). He finished the 2023 season with 1,452 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns. His receiving talent makes him a rare every-down back in this group. Davis is only 5-foot-8 but a sturdy 211 pounds. He ran a 4.51 in the 40. The floor for Davis is likely a reliable third-down back.

No. 8 – Will Shipley, Clemson

Shipley made an instant splash on the scene at Clemson. He came in as a five-star prospect and scored 11 touchdowns as a true freshman. Will Shipley’s sophomore season was even better. He made first-team All-ACC three times in one season (running back, all-purpose player, return specialist). Shipley accounted for 1,182 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns in 2022. It is always concerning when players seem to lack improvement during their college careers. It is hard to argue that Shipley got better each season. He has a good initial burst. At 5-foot-11 and 206 pounds, it is hard to see him taking the pounding of a primary back. He might be best suited as a third-down receiving back (think Shane Vereen, James White, etc.) with the ability to run as well.

No. 9 – Bucky Irving, Oregon

Irving’s size is a concern, but his production is not. Bucky Irving stands 5-foot-9 and weighs 192 pounds. He ran a disappointing 4.55 at the combine, which was surpassed by many of the bigger backs. But in his two seasons with Oregon (after transferring from Minnesota) he produced. He had back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons for the Ducks. His totals over those two seasons were 2,950 yards from scrimmage and 21 touchdowns. Irving’s size limits him as a blocker in the passing game as well. But he has an excellent change of direction and can be a solid contributing player in the NFL.

No. 10 – Audric Estime, Notre Dame

Like Blake Corum, Audric Estime’s measurables do not necessarily match his production (although the two backs are built much differently). Estime stands 5-foot-11 and weighs 221 pounds. His 4.71 time in the 40-yard dash was a definite disappointment. Although he does not appear to be a burner on film, he looks faster than he showed in Indianapolis. Estime was great for the Fighting Irish in 2023. He rushed for 1,341 yards and 18 touchdowns. He has a nose for the end zone, having scored 30 times over the past two seasons. Although he doesn’t project to be a three-down back, he can be a useful runner.

No. 11 – Braelon Allen, Wisconsin

Allen is a difficult prospect to project. On one hand, he has all the physical attributes one would look for in an elite NFL running back. He stands 6-foot-1 and weighs 235 pounds. He did not run the 40 at the combine, saying he would run it at his Pro Day. However, Allen did not run there either. Furthermore, Allen did not improve in college. His most impressive tape is from his freshman campaign. Prospects opting not to test, and trending in the wrong direction entering the NFL, are always cause for concern. He finished his Wisconsin career with 3,494 yards, 34 touchdowns, two MVP awards in bowl games, and was second-team All-Big Ten three times in three seasons.

No. 12 – Tyrone Tracy Jr., Purdue

A wildcard in the rankings comes in the form of Purdue Boilermakers running back Tyrone Tracy, Jr. He began his college career as a wide receiver. His fifth season on campus (2023) was his first full season as a running back. Tracy rushed for 716 yards and eight touchdowns. He has excellent speed (4.48 in the 40) and decent size (5-foot-11, 209 pounds). He is new to the position and that shows up on film at times. Just the same, Tracy is a very good athlete (40″ vertical) and could be a capable utility player for an NFL team as a Day 3 selection.

No. 13 – Dylan Laube, New Hampshire

Laube is the FCS version of Will Shipley in a lot of ways, and not merely because of their skin color. He is an all-purpose back who can also handle return duties. His elusiveness is impressive. It is always hard to predict how these skills will translate when the competition gets better, but Dylan Laube did not look out of place at either the Senior Bowl or the NFL Scouting Combine. For a full write-up, check out NFL Scouting Combine Spotlight: Dylan Laube.

No. 14 – Dillon Johnson, Washington

Dillon Johnson played three seasons for Mississippi State with moderate production before transferring to Washington. He earned the starting job for the Huskies and made the most of it. Johnson finished the 2023 season with 1,195 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns. Washington did not use Johnson as a receiver as much (24 receptions on the year) but he has proven he can do it. Johnson caught 113 passes for MSU from 2021-to-2022. He is 6-foot-0 and 217 pounds. His athleticism was unimpressive at the combine. It is hard to say how much of this can be attributed to his late-season injury. But Johnson is worth a Day 3 selection based on his production and receiving skills.

No. 15 – Daijun Edwards, Georgia

With the success of Bulldogs running backs in the NFL, nobody should be sleeping on Daijun Edwards. In his film, he appears tough to tackle. This is a combination of good footwork and patience, with a forward lean. He rushed for 881 yards in 2023 (5.4 yards/carry) and 13 touchdowns. Edwards does everything good, but nothing great. Those players are often selected in Round 7 and fight for roster spots in training camp. This is the likely path for Edwards as well. He will be given a chance to succeed and will need to make the most of it.

No. 16 – Rasheen Ali, Marshall

Rasheen Ali exploded on the scene in 2021. He rushed for 1,401 yards and 23 touchdowns. However, Ali suffered an ACL tear that cut his 2022 season short after only three games. He rebounded nicely in 2023. Ali rushed for 1,135 yards and 15 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he suffered another injury at the Senior Bowl. Ali ruptured a biceps tendon. It is unclear how long his recovery will take, but it is possible he could spend his rookie season on IR.

No. 17 – Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State

Yet another running back with film and testing that do not match up. Isaiah Davis received the highest grade from Pro Football Focus of any running back in 2023. He received a 94.9. Daivs rushed for 1,578 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2023. Over the past two seasons, the Jackrabbits back rushed for 3,029 yards and 33 touchdowns. Competition will be a question, and SDSU featured two offensive linemen who will be drafted this year. but the production is undeniable. He has good size at 6-foot-0, 218 pounds. Davis looks like a top prospect on paper, and he may become just that. But his film often shows him picking up large chunks of yardage by bouncing outside, something he may not have been able to do against tougher competition in college, or in the NFL. His 4.57 speed is adequate but does not suit the style he often played. If Davis commits to a more decisive, straight-ahead approach he could still be an NFL player.

No. 18 – Jase McClellan, Alabama

McClellan is similar to Braelan Allen in some regards. It didn’t feel like he improved as much during his college career as much as one would expect. Jase McClellan has lead-back size at 5-foot-10 and 221 pounds. He had 890 yards rushing and eight touchdowns in 2023, the highest totals of his four-year career for the Crimson Tide. McClellan was a Top 50 recruit coming out of high school and is still just 21 years old. He has potential that has yet to be fully realized. Whether it ever will be remains to be seen, but he’d be worth the gamble late on Day 3.

Nos. 19-to-30 – Undrafted Free Agents

Beyond the 18 players listed above, these running backs have enough upside to be worthy of an invitation to camp as a UDFA. If any of the above players are not selected (a distinct possibility) they would warrant invitations as well. Some of these running backs below, regardless of this evaluation, are likely to be drafted. If so, simply inviting the next person on the list is the way to go.

Kimani Vidal, Troy
Frank Gore Jr., Southern Mississippi
Kendall Milton, Georgia
Jaden Shirden, Monmouth
Jawhar Jordan, Louisville
Miyan Williams, Ohio State
Michael Wiley, Arizona
Blake Watson, Memphis
Keilan Robinson, Texas
Carson Steele, UCLA
Emani Bailey, TCU