Top Five Senior Bowl Running Backs Competing for 2024 NFL Draft Capital Heading Into Day Two of Practices
The first day of Senior Bowl practices is in the books as nearly 150 NFL Draft prospects compete to earn their spot in the league. It's time to take a look at how things stack up among the best players at the running back position. Coming into the week many NFL Draft experts already had […]
The first day of Senior Bowl practices is in the books as nearly 150 NFL Draft prospects compete to earn their spot in the league. It's time to take a look at how things stack up among the best players at the running back position.
Coming into the week many NFL Draft experts already had a fairly firm grasp on what to expect from the top running backs in this Senior Bowl group, but when the best face off against the best consensus can change quickly.
So, the question is, who are the top five among the 10 running backs competing here in Mobile, Alabama this week as we head into the second day of practices?
MarShawn Lloyd, USC
MarShawn Lloyd was already considered the best running back at the Senior Bowl by many NFL Draft experts, but he's about to lock that in for good. Not only did he flash on a couple run plays in 11-on-11, he also made some "wow" plays in his 1-on-1 receiving drills.
Lloyd led all power conference running backs in the nation with 8.2 yards per touch on his way to more than 1000 yards in his first season with USC last fall. If he continues to look like the 5-star stud we knew he could be coming into college we may have a stellar starting NFL running back with explosive abilities on our hands.
Ray Davis, Kentucky
A few years ago this would have been impossible, but Ray Davis seriously produced over 1100 yards from scrimmage for not one, not two, but three different schools in college.
Davis ran angry and caught every pass thrown his way on day one of Senior Bowl practice. He was the epitome of consistency and execution all day long.
His final season production profile was 99th percentile among all running backs in the nation thanks to his elite mix of workload volume, receiving production, and overall efficiency. At 5'8", 220 pounds he not only dominated as a runner for Kentucky in 2023, he also accounted for nearly 12% of the Wildcats receiving yards too. This do-it-all weapon is trending in the right direction this week and has the college profile to match.
Rasheen Ali, Marshall
Rasheen Ali was a later addition to the Senior Bowl, but it's clear he belongs after one day at practice. The run game was stifled for the majority of both American and National Team practices, but not when Ali had the ball. He showed vision, bend, and burst all in one play here.
His strong performance shouldn't surprise those who have followed him throughout college. He exploded for over 1700 yards from scrimmage (with 45 receptions) back in 2021, and would have likely done the same in 2022 if not for an injury that ended his season after just three games.
After dominating the Sun Belt again in 2023 and winning day one of Senior Bowl practices he's likely climbing up NFL Draft boards into early day three discussions.
Cody Schrader, Missouri
Despite leading the SEC in rushing in 2023 and all of Division II before that, Cody Schrader still needs to prove himself to some skeptics at the Senior Bowl, but he's off to a great start.
It was tough sledding for all the running backs today, but Schrader's decisiveness and surprising speed helped him get to the second level a few times on day one of Senior Bowl practice.
Schrader took some time to get up to SEC speed in 2022 with lower efficiency marks, but after a full offseason of preparation he annihilated the competition in 2023. Over 1800 yards from scrimmage. 14 touchdowns. Excellent contact balance and decision making.
It's hard to believe that a running back who just finished eighth in the Heisman voting would have so little hype at this point in NFL Draft season, but Schrader can change that with more showings like today.
Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
How many players lead their team in rushing, receiving, kick off return, and punt return yards? The answer is a resounding, "not very many at all," to say the least, but that's exactly what Dylan Laube did at New Hampshire in his final season.
It was no surprise to see him find success at the Senior Bowl after being so dominant throughout his collegiate career, even if it did mostly come against lower level competition. Here he is posting perhaps the best outside run on the day, showing off his pro-worthy wheels.
It may come as a surprise, but Laube was actually the fourth fastest player among all National Team players during the first practice according to Zebra Technologies' player tracking data. There are usually physical questions with small school players, but if he continues to succeed at the Senior Bowl and tests well at the NFL Combine he might just be drafted way higher than anyone expects.
Be looking for more content like this all week long and throughout NFL Draft season from the A to Z team. If you have any questions or comments feel free to reach out to me directly @FF_TravisM on X.
