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
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
RB7: Sean Tucker (Syracuse)
For most of the 2023 NFL Draft process, Sean Tucker has been a mainstay in my top five running back rankings. So, why is he sitting at No. 7 overall on this list?
The answer to this is not simple. Tucker’s camp was notified of a medical red flag that popped up during his NFL Combine exams. While it is still undisclosed, and I will not speculate on someone’s health, it is impossible to ignore how much this impacts Tucker’s NFL Draft stock.
Tucker was unable to work out at the event and has only been able to provide a “Pro Day” consisting of numbers tracked by his team. Mix this uncertainty into the on-field weaknesses and it leads to Tucker falling down the board.
Still, I don’t think Tucker’s tumble should last very long. The Syracuse star needs more consistency on a snap-to-snap basis, but oh boy, the good snaps are fun. Tucker is as explosive as they come, and he is the definition of a home run hitter out of the backfield.
Tucker is at his best when working in space. Whether it be designed runs to the outside or swing routes, Syracuse tried to get the ball to its star in several different ways. However, Tucker is also quite impactful when working between the tackles.
Two-thirds of his career rushing yards came after contact. This stat highlights Tucker’s ability to fight through contact and bounce off one-person tackle attempts. In 2022, Tucker was tasked with creating even more out of nothing, as his line failed to create space for him to operate.
He possesses top-tier traits as a pass catcher, but he’ll never reach these heights if he doesn’t commit to better blocking. Tucker missed his assignment several times on tape and got his quarterback in sticky situations because of it. This is not the way to win over an NFL signal-caller.
The risks are valid, especially with how clouded his medical situation is at the moment. If Tucker is cleared for action, an NFL team will take him on day two of the draft. I would happily pull the trigger in round three.
NFL Draft Grade: Mid-to-Late Day 2
RB6: Devon Achane (Texas A&M)
Devon Achane continues the trend of track stars turned running back. Achane won Track & Field Athlete of the Year in 2020 before enrolling with the Aggies to star as a member of the football squad.
Achane’s speed translated to the field immediately, as he became one of the best spark plugs in the entire country. As a true freshman, Achane netted 48 total touches on offense and posted 461 yards. He also fielded punts for A&M and continued this role in year two.
Achane carried more of the load in the backfield in 2021, jumping from 43 rushing attempts to 130. His production jumped even more in his final season on campus, as Achane ran the ball 196 times and caught 36 passes.
His dual-threat ability, combined with the best breakaway speed in this class, paints Achane as a potential game-breaker in the NFL. He displays great vision and is like a stick of butter when a defender tries to wrap him up.
Achane’s footwork is impeccable when working in a cluster, and his unparalleled burst allows him to accelerate when he finds a running lane. Achane is also uber-competitive, even for his meager size.
Speaking of size, this keeps Achane from earning a spot in my top five. I believe in his talent, but I have a hard time seeing a three-down role in his future. Achane lacks the raw power necessary for goal-line work and will never be an above-average pass protector at his size.
For a player who projects best with the ball in space, it could be tricky for offensive coordinators to do this if Achane is a liability as a blocker on third down. Still, the NFL is full of savvy play callers, and Achane boasts a skillset made for this era of football. He is worth a day-two selection — size be damned.
NFL Draft Grade: Mid Day 2
RB5: Zach Charbonnet (UCLA)
Zach Charbonnet is the most well-rounded runner in the field. He is the prototypical size for a feature back and displays exceptional vision and patience behind the line of scrimmage. Charbonnet always runs hard and racks up broken tackles like a college kid racks up bar tabs.
He eclipsed 2,500 total rushing yards in two seasons as a starter for the Bruins. Furthermore, Charbonnet hauled in 60 passes in that same span, netting another 500+ yards through the air. Oh yeah, how can I forget the 27 touchdowns, too?
So, why in the world is Charbonnet RB5 instead of RB1? A few reasons. Firstly, he has a long track record of lower-body injuries, dating back to high school and his time with Michigan. The medical world has come a long way, and Charbonnet only missed a couple of games with the Bruins, so perhaps this is overblown.
Next, as good as Charbonnet is at everything, he isn’t the best in the class at any one thing. He encapsulates the “Jack of all trades, master of none” trope. But this doesn’t have to be a bad thing. Getting a sure thing like Charbonnet is worth a day-two pick every time.
His production is everything you look for, and the steady play makes for an easy projection to the NFL. Charbonnet is a starting running back on Sundays, no doubt, but he just may never be the best at the position. He reminds me so much of Dameon Pierce, and I believe Charbonnet can have a similar impact in year one.
NFL Draft Grade: Mid Day 2
RB4: Tank Bigsby (Auburn)
Tank Bigsby fits many of the same things I said about Zach Charbonnet, but with a few key differences. First and foremost, Bigsby is a better athlete. He is shiftier, shows more breakaway speed, and runs through defenders like they made a “yo momma” joke.
Bigsby also dealt with the worst supporting cast in the entire SEC. His tape was tough to watch because Bigsby regularly got hit immediately after the handoff. But he did show me something on a handful of these plays. He is called Tank for a reason, after all.
Even with minimal help from the offensive line, Bigsby still created yards out of nothing. He uses underrated agility and his trademark strength to shake defenders and move the pile. Bigsby’s legs never stop moving, and he has a trait that most great running backs have — he knows how to fall forward.
As simple as that sounds, the best NFL bell cows know how to grab those extra couple of yards at the end of a run — so does Tank. His ability as a pass blocker is better than fans think, and he shows untapped potential on the passing-catching side of things.
Bigsby is not without his faults. Although he can block, consistency is lacking in this area. On one snap, Bigsby uses adequate technique to pick up a blitz. On the very next snap, he gets pushed back into his quarterback due to sloppy footwork and hand usage. NFL coaches will want more predictability on a snap-to-snap basis.
Still, with Bigsby’s blend of strength, athleticism, and tenacity, he has all the makings of a superstar in the league. If he lands somewhere with a decent offensive line and a head coach that commands consistency, expect Bigsby to be a leading rusher early in his career.
NFL Draft Grade: Mid Day 2
RB3: Tyjae Spears (Tulane)
I doubt you’ve seen Tyjae Spears in the top three of most running back rankings out there. That is okay… I will lead the way for the Spears bandwagon!
Spears first gained attention as a complimentary piece in the Tulane offense. In 2022, he was given the reins of the backfield and put together one of the best seasons in school history.
Spears toted the rock 231 times on the ground for 1,586 yards and 19 touchdowns, leading the Green Wave to a program-altering victory vs. USC in the Cotton Bowl. Spears ended his collegiate career on an eight-game streak of 100+ yards, with more than a handful of plays that brought my jaw to the floor.
He is arguably the most elusive back in the class, as his tape is littered with dozens and dozens of broken tackles. Spears made defenders look silly with his ability to cut on a dime and then instantly re-accelerate to top speed. Few on the planet have this type of burst.
Furthermore, Spears excels as a runner between the tackles. Even without an ideal frame, he knows when to lower his shoulder to barrel through contact. His vision is superb, and his high football IQ jumps off the screen when Spears surveys from the backfield.
The best part of Spears’ game is his patience. There are times when Spears’ momentum comes to a complete stop as he assesses which way to go. It reminds me of the old Madden games when you had one slow-mo play per game — Spears has an unlimited amount at his disposal.
He is not a perfect prospect, however. Spears is lean, and this presents a risk as an every-down back. His frame will allow for added pounds, but he will need some time to bulk up.
Also, Spears is more than capable as a pass catcher, but the volume isn’t there for a guy with the traits he has. This lack of usage is primarily due to pass blocking, or lack thereof. Spears quelled these concerns a bit by showing up to the Senior Bowl and stonewalling several pass rushers in drills.
He doesn’t come without risk, but Tyjae Spears’ upside is worth an early day-two selection. He has true franchise running back potential, and fantasy football will make him a household name as a rookie. The ascension has just begun for the Tulane superstar.
NFL Draft Grade: Early Day 2
RB2: Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama)
Jahmyr Gibbs began his collegiate career with Georgia Tech before transferring to Alabama and etching himself as the next name in a long line of successful running backs in Tuscaloosa. The decision to move proved to be the best of Gibbs’ life.
After a couple of productive seasons with the Yellow Jackets, including 1,213 rushing yards and 59 receptions, Gibbs took his game to another level vs. SEC completion. He set career highs across the board in rushing attempts (151), rushing yards (926), touchdowns (7), and receptions (44). Aside from Bryce Young, Gibbs is the only reason Alabama moved the football.
Gibbs possesses the best acceleration in the class, although Achane and Spears may have some issues with that claim. On tape, Gibbs looks like Alvin Kamara when accelerating. He reaches the next gear with ease and looks like he is gliding downfield while defenders are exerting 100% energy just to keep pace.
This acceleration leads to breakaway runs and some highlight reel jukes. When Gibbs gets out in space and builds a head of steam, the only thing you can do as a tackler is hope he trips.
Between the tackles, Gibbs shows elite vision and patience. He allows gaps to develop and explodes through the hole for massive gains. Furthermore, Gibbs handles contact well for a player of his stature. He bounces off tackles and keeps moving forward.
The best trait Gibbs brings to the NFL is his prowess as a pass catcher. Few running back prospects in the past five years can rival the route tree of Gibbs. He plays the screen perfectly, runs option routes of the backfield, and always comes out of his breaks clean. Polished is the best way to describe Gibbs as a route runner.
Still, the stature I spoke of is a concern nonetheless. Gibbs weighs less than 200 pounds and could face trouble staying healthy and carrying the brunt of the load. He proved capable of handling a tough SEC schedule, but the NFL is a completely different world.
Aside from health, Gibbs also will struggle to handle pass rushers coming off the edge. He knows how to chip block, which will save him from the dog house, but his technique as a form blocker is lacking.
The good far outweighs the bad with Gibbs. Players his size have become NFL bell cows before, and there is little reason to believe the Alabama star can’t do the same. He is as exciting of a player as there is in the country; whichever team takes him on day two will be stoked. Who knows… maybe he even sneaks into day one?
NFL Draft Grade: Fringe Day 1
RB1: Bijan Robinson (Texas)
No surprise here. Texas running back Bijan Robinson has been RB1 in the 2023 draft class since he was a senior in high school. Not often does a recruit with the hype of Robinson live up to expectations — or surpass them as he did.
Robinson was the No. 1 running back recruit in his class and took the Big 12 by storm in limited action as a freshman. In 2021, Robinson assumed more of the load, eclipsing the 100-yard mark six times, including a 216-yard outburst vs. TCU.
Robinson saved his best for last, setting career highs in rushing attempts (257), rushing yards (1,575), and touchdowns (18). He used an otherworldly blend of elite vision, top-tier patience, sky-high football IQ, and impressive pass-catching chops to dominate the collegiate level.
Expanding more, Robinson is the best pure runner in the class. He wins just as easily between the tackles as he does breaking outside. Robinson’s vision allows him to see holes before they form, and his explosiveness allows him to create holes of his own when needed.
The contact balance Robinson displays is phenomenal. He is a bowling ball as he moves upfield. Additionally, the Texas star knows how to make a defender touch grass after a juke. It’s hard not to chuckle at some of the broken tackles Robinson put on tape.
What makes Robinson such a surefire pick is his immediate three-down ability. Others in the class have the potential to fill a bell-cow role, but no one can do it from day one the same way Robinson can. He is polished, confident, and has been waiting for the chance to be the next franchise-caliber player at running back.
Robinson has dealt with a few nagging injuries, which are worth mentioning. He also has lapses in pass protection at times, but I chalk these up to concentration rather than a lack of technique. NFL coaching can clean this up, and a conditioning program will hopefully keep Robinson healthy and on the field.
In a draft class full of uncertainty up top, Robinson is a special case. He is the rare safe pick that also serves as a high-upside swing. At worst, you get an average starter in the league if injuries arise. At best, you are drafting the best running back in the NFL for the next half-decade.
“Running backs don’t matter” is a trendy saying that continues gaining more steam by the year. While there is some merit to not wanting a running back this early in the draft, you simply don’t pass on a talent like Bijan Robinson. I would take him anywhere in the middle of day one and dance my way up to the podium to announce the selection.
NFL Draft Grade: Early-to-Mid Day 1
NFL Draft Honorable Mentions:
-Eric Gray (Oklahoma)
-Keaton Mitchell (East Carolina)
-Mo Ibrahim (Minnesota)
-Evan Hull (Northwestern)
-Deneric Prince (Tulsa)
-Camerun Peoples (App State)
-Tiyon Evans (Louisville)
-Chris Rodriguez Jr. (Kentucky)
-Lew Nichols III (Central Michigan)
-Khalan Laborn (Marshall)