It has become a popular trope to devalue the running back position. While talent is always available on day three of the NFL Draft, the top-end options in the backfield are still worthy of top-100 picks.
One particular running back in this class could go inside the top 10 selections. Another handful should come off the board on day two, as the group boasts upwards of a dozen prospects with legitimate starting potential.
2023 NFL Draft: Bijan Robinson Stands Alone Atop Updated Top 15 RB Rankings
In a league as pass-happy as the current NFL, it is crucial to have a running back capable of punishing defenses through the air. Most of the names on this top 15 can impact the game in multiple ways, not just between the tackles.
Without further ado, who is the best running back in this class? How many will go on the first two days of the draft? Let’s peel back the layers and see what we find.
RB15: Kenny McIntosh (Georgia)
Kenny McIntosh took over the top spot on the depth chart in 2022 and made the most of it. He ran for 829 yards on 149 attempts, finding the end zone 10 times. Additionally, McIntosh was a threat in the passing game. He chipped in 43 receptions for more than 500 yards.
The ability to stay on the field every down is the most enticing thing when projecting McIntosh to the NFL. He runs hard and never shies away from lowering his shoulder and barreling through tackles. The Bulldog standout should bring the same intensity to Sundays and profiles as an early day-three prospect.
NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3
RB14: Kendre Miller (TCU)
Kendre Miller is coming off an impressive season himself. Zach Evans (more on him later) departed for Ole Miss, opening up the RB1 spot at TCU. Miller took hold of the starting role in 2022 and never looked back.
Miller recorded 1,399 yards and 17 touchdowns on the ground, serving as a primary piece to one of the most high-powered offenses in the country. He helped lead the Horned Frogs to a National Championship appearance, proving to be a reliable hand in the backfield.
Miller is a gifted runner, but he doesn’t move the needle as a pass catcher — or blocker. His 31.2 pass-block grade from PFF is abysmal, and he’s never caught more than 16 passes in any season. The lack of versatility knocks Miller down the board, but expect a team that runs a zone-heavy scheme to take the TCU star on day three.
NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3
RB13: Deuce Vaughn (Kansas State)
Deuce Vaughn gets knocked for his size, and it is easy to see why. He is 5-foot-5 on a good day and weighs 179 pounds soaking wet. His height is the shortest in the history of the NFL Combine.
While teams will surely take note of his underwhelming size, Vaughn’s play style will win folks over. He plays at 100 mph at all times and possesses some of the best cuts in the entire class.
The Kansas State star ran for 1,400+ yards in each of his last two seasons while also finding the end zone 27 times. Vaughn is just as effective through the air, with back-to-back 370+ yard seasons.
Vaughn brings production that few of his peers can match. However, he also boasts a size profile that no one has ever matched. Betting on Vaughn to be an every-down back is a risky proposition, but his contributions as a change of pace back make his floor safe and worth an early day three pick.
NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3
RB12: DeWayne McBride (UAB)
UAB is not known as a football powerhouse for NFL talent, but DeWayne McBride bucks against that trend. The superstar running back posted these jaw-dropping numbers in his final season on campus: 1,713 rushing yards and 19 touchdowns.
McBride wins with his power, punishing on-coming tacklers by lowering a shoulder and blowing through them. His leg strength is impressive, and it is highlighted when McBride continues churning the pile even after being wrapped up.
McBride’s lack of pass-catching production and elite top-end speed will cause a few teams to look away. But, McBride is instinctual enough and physical enough to still be a premier early down back in the NFL.
McBride may never be a “new age” bell cow, but when you draw comparisons to Nick Chubb in terms of run style, perhaps it shouldn’t be ruled out. Chubb is not much of a pass catcher but is always toward the top of running back rankings — for good reason. McBride can compete for snaps as a rookie.
NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 3