Who are the best running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft? Brooks, Corum...

Jonathon Brooks, Texas Longhorns

Brooks spent the first two years of his college career as backup to Bijan Robinson - who now plays for the Atlanta Falcons - but once he became a starter he exploded into life, dominating the Longhorns’ running game. In the 2023 season, he rushed for 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns. Brooks can also serve as a good receiver from the backfield. From 25 receptions last year, he registered 286 receiving yards for one TD. The disadvantage that the University of Texas graduate has is that his 2023 campaign ended abruptly due to a torn ligament in his right knee.

Blake Corum, Michigan Wolverines

From 2022, the Michigan graduate was in charge of the Wolverines’ running attack, totalling 2,708 rushing yards for 45 touchdowns in that time. Despite not being all that tall, Corum’s impressive physique makes him a powerful runner; indeed, he showed off his physical prowess at the Scouting Combine, leading all running backs with 27 bench-press repetitions. The 23-year-old was named offensive MVP in Michigan’s 34-13 victory over the Washington Huskies in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Trey Benson, Florida State Seminoles

In a four-year college career split between the Oregon Ducks and the Florida State Seminoles, where Benson truly shined was in North Florida. Having recovered from the serious knee injury he suffered with the Ducks in 2020, he ran for 1,896 yards and 23 touchdowns in his two years with the Seminoles. Benson could be one of the best of his generation at catching the ball out of the backfield if his quarterback looks for him as an escape valve.

Jaylen Wright, Tennessee Volunteers

Wright is one of the Draft’s outstanding running-backs thanks to his explosiveness and athleticism. In the 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine, the Volunteers graduate recorded the second best time of all RBs, clocking 4.38 seconds. His role evolved over time at Tennessee and his college career ended with 2,468 yards and 18 touchdowns from scrimmage. A quarter of his carries in 2023 were for 10 or more yards.

Braelon Allen, Wisconsin Badgers

Allen is one of the youngest players to declare for the Draft, as he will turn professional at barely 20 years old. The University of Wisconsin graduate is one of the most physical running backs among NFL prospects, but his disadvantage is that he runs with the ball away from his body and is prone to fumbles. In each of his first two years with the Badgers he surpassed 1,200 rushing yards, but in his final college year he only reached 984.

When is the 2024 NFL Draft?

Held at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit, Michigan, the 2024 NFL Draft is to take place from Thursday 25 to Saturday 27 April 2024.