Running back Rankings ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft
My newest and largest big board of the year is out now. I shared my top 200 players in the 2024 NFL Draft, and now I'll be releasing my positional rankings for each position. The RB position isn't considered one of the stronger groups in this year's draft class. Seven QBs landed on my top 200 big […]
My newest and largest big board of the year is out now. I shared my top 200 players in the 2024 NFL Draft, and now I'll be releasing my positional rankings for each position.
The RB position isn't considered one of the stronger groups in this year's draft class.
Seven QBs landed on my top 200 big board, but below are my top 15 QBs in this year's class.
2024 NFL Draft RB Rankings
1. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
Some may be shocked to see Braelon Allen as my top RB, but he's been atop my RB rankings all offseason long. His best collegiate season came during his freshman year, where he set his career highs with 1,268 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. Many may find it worrisome that he didn't improve on his freshman stat line, but I do think it's important to note that his numbers stayed pretty consistent during his time at Wisconsin by rushing for 1,242 yards his sophomore year for 11 touchdowns and then 984 yards last season with 12 touchdowns.
I think Allen possesses two critical elements as a prospect that you simply can't teach. First, his age: he just turned 20 years old in January, so he will remain 20 for nearly all of his rookie season. With the RB position being devalued over the last couple of seasons, a RB who will still be 24 years old at the end of his rookie contract is very valuable. Secondly, his combination of size and speed: Allen is 6'1" and 235 LBs with 31.25" arms. Many doubt Allen's long speed, but I think some of those concerns are a bit overblown.
Unfortunately, he didn't perform any speed drills at the combine, but I expect he probably would have ran the 40-yard dash in the ballpark of a 4.50. And I think people will be shocked at what he will be able to do at the next level. I think he's one of the few RBs in this class who projects as a true three-down starter, and if I were a team with a need for a starting RB, Allen would be at the top of my draft board.
2. Trey Benson, Florida State
3. Jonathon Brooks, Texas
4. Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
5. Rasheen Ali, Marshall
6. MarShawn Lloyd, USC
7. Blake Corum, Michigan
8. Audric Estime, Notre Dame
9. Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
If you want a RB who can catch the ball out of the backfield, look no further than Dylan Laube. You see RBs all the time who have the skill set to project as a solid pass catcher at the next level, but not many have proved it in college quite like Laube. On top of leading New Hampshire in rushing last season, he was also their leading receiver with 68 catches, 699 yards, and seven touchdowns. Laube can be a legit dual threat at the pro level and someone who could be drafted higher than people expect as a result. I also think he could be a solid option as a returner with the new rules established this offseason changing the format for kick returns in the NFL.
10. Will Shipley, Clemson
11. Tyrone Tracy, Purdue
12. Ray Davis, Kentucky
13. Dillon Johnson, Washington
14. Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
15. Kimani Vidal, Troy
16. Cody Schrader, Missouri
17. Bucky Irving, Oregon
18. Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State
19. Blake Watson, Memphis
20. Daijun Edwards, Georgia
Top 200 prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft
A top 200 big board for the 2024 NFL Draft
