2023 NFL Draft: Bijan Robinson Stands Alone Atop Updated Top 15 RB Rankings

RB11: Roschon Johnson (Texas)

This is where the draft order gets tricky. Grade-wise, 15-12 could be in any order and I’d accept it. The next chunk of prospects 11-7 also fall under this umbrella. The margins between each player are razor-thin.

That being said, we’ll start things out with the other Texas running back. Roschon Johnson is not quite the prospect Bijan Robinson is, but he doesn’t have to be to have a successful career in the league.

Johnson boasts a feature back frame and a natural feel for the game. He is patient and allows the offensive line to work, but once the hole forms, he responds quickly. The most impressive part of Johnson’s game is the way he pinballs off of on-coming tacklers. He is slippery and nearly impossible to tackle with a full head of steam.

Johnson’s athleticism leaves something to be desired. It shows up on tape, as Johnson rarely leaves defenders in his dust and is not the type of ‘ankle-snatcher’ others in the class are. Still, he is much more than a second fiddle to Bijan, and in due time, Johnson could find his way into a starting role in the NFL.

NFL Draft Grade: Late Day 2

RB10: Israel Abanikanda (Pittsburgh)

Israel Abanikanda is a former track star who uses this skillset to terrorize opponents on the gridiron. The Pitt star served as a change-of-pace threat for the Kenny Pickett-led squad in 2021, but in 2022, Abanikanda became the focal point of the offense.

Abanikanda used his special blend of speed and agility to rack up 1,431 yards on the ground and 20 touchdowns. Even more than the physical traits, Abanikanda has the mentality to dominate his opponents. He plays through the whistle and brings an edge to the backfield.

Abanikanda needs to be a little more consistent behind the line, as he is susceptible to reacting too soon and throwing off the timing of the play. Additionally, he did not do much pass blocking or pass catching. Teams will want to see more in this area before handing Abanikanda the keys to the car.

Abanikanda is the kind of guy you bank on being an even better pro than he was as a college player. A capable NFL coaching staff will put Abanikanda in a position to use his top-tier athleticism and earn a key role in an offense early in his career.

NFL Draft Grade: Late Day 2

RB9: Chase Brown (Illinois)

Chase Brown, and his twin brother Sydney, are two of my favorite players in the entire 2023 NFL Draft. Chase is another former track star, which was blatantly obvious when watching Brown run in pads and out of them.

The Illini starting running back tallied 1,643 yards and 10 touchdowns, spearheading an offensive unit that held its own week in and week out in the vaunted Big Ten. Brown thrived at running around defenders rather than barreling through them.

A lack of physicality is the one major knock on Brown. He is a strong guy willing to mix it up in the pile but far too often was driven backward rather than forward. This resulted in no gain or loss of yards when it easily could have been a positive play.

Brown started seeing more targets in 2022, which led to career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. He must continue cleaning up in pass protection, but the ability to be an every-down back is there. Brown is a noted hard worker, and I wouldn’t bet against him earning a starting role in training camp.

NFL Draft Grade: Late Day 2

RB8: Zach Evans (Ole Miss)

Zach Evans has the widest range of outcomes for any running back in this portion. The term “boom-or-bust” is overplayed, but for a prospect like Evans, it feels fitting. The Ole Miss standout has failed to stay injury-free in his collegiate career, even dating back to his TCU days.

When looking at Evans on the field, the decision to bet on him becomes an easier pill to swallow. Simply put, Evans possesses every trait necessary to be a bonafide superstar in the NFL.

He has the size of a bell cow, the sheer athleticism to take any snap to the house, and boasts a deceptive mean streak that takes tacklers by surprise. Evans is capable of lowering his shoulder and putting someone in the dirt just as easily as he can make one-cut and go flying by them.

On top of the injury history, Evans hasn’t proven his pass-catching prowess in college. The traits are there, so I project Evans to see substantial action in the passing game, but it will remain a question mark until he proves it. The risk is valid, but the talent is immeasurable.

He is worth a day-two selection. The Ole Miss star is one of those prospects where you trust the process and the talent. Evans is oozing superstar potential.

NFL Draft Grade: Late Day 2