Bucky Irving and MarShawn Lloyd should be good value picks in the 2024 NFL running back draft class
By John Blair
2024 NFL Draft Class: Running back rankings No. 17-20
17. Donovan Edwards, Michigan
Draft Grade: Seventh Round: A running back who had one of the most disappointing years is Michigan's Donovan Edwards. This season he saw his rushing totals drop by 609 yards and yards per carry decrease by 3.6 yards per carry from last year. He did see an increase in receiving production though catching a career-high 30 passes. This lack of production and his lack of power as a runner are two reasons why he will fall to the late part of the 2024 NFL Draft. He may be able to find a role at the next level as pass-catching back at the next level though.
18. Frank Gore Jr., Southern Miss
Draft Grade: Seventh Round: The last running back to earn a draftable grade on my board is Frank Gore Jr. Gore who has rushed for 2,513 yards and 19 touchdowns is an elusive back that is a threat in the open field. He is also a reliable target out of the backfield having caught 27 passes this year. While scouts will be impressed with his ability to make defenders miss and soft hands they will have some concerns. The biggest concern will be his lack of size at only 5-foot-8 and 195 pounds. Another concern is he is not the most powerful runner who goes down on first contact too often. He also lacks the elite speed you want to see from a back his size.
𝗠𝗿. 𝟯𝗞
— Southern Miss Football (@SouthernMissFB) September 24, 2023
Frank Gore, Jr. has now surpassed 3,000 career rushing yards 🫡@stn_2lit | #SMTTT pic.twitter.com/8rGcHeZ6JK
19. Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
Draft Grade: Free Agent: A player who could earn a draftable grade with a good Senior Bowl week is Dylan Laube. What sticks out about his game is his versatility. Last season, he led the team in rushing yards with 749 yards and rushing touchdowns with nine. He also led the team and had the most receptions of any running back on my 2024 NFL Draft board with 68 receptions. However, his most impressive numbers come as a kick returner. The All-American kick returner averaged 31.1 yards per kickoff return and had one touchdown. If that were not enough he also averaged 11.3 yards with one touchdown on 16 punt returns.
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20. Daijun Edwards, Georgia
Draft Grade: Free Agent: Georgia’s Daijun Edwards is an overlooked back despite rushing for over 750 yards each of the past two seasons and leading the team this season with 818 rushing yards. Edwards is more of a physical running back than someone who is going to blow scouts away with his speed.