2024 Draft: Reviewing RB Class
Likely buried on the depth chart, some rookie picks hope to contribute in 2024.
In this, the second in a series on the state of running backs, we look back at RBs selected in the 2024 draft. Over the next few days, we look ahead to a 2025 class that seems loaded with runners and even further ahead to the high school recruiting classes of 2025 and 2026, players who should be in the NFL draft in about 2029 and 2030.
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It was no secret that the 2024 draft class lacked elite running back talent. However, quality backs could contribute right away as middle-round draft selections. Unfortunately, most of the talent went to teams that had already solidified the position on their roster.
This makes it interesting to look at who may be the top runners during their rookie campaigns. In Detroit in April, the largest crowd in draft history did not hear a running back’s name until midway through the second round, when the Carolina Panthers traded up with the Indianapolis Colts to select Jonathon Brooks with the No. 46 pick. In all, there were 20 backs selected in this year’s draft. Three more were selected in the third round, and then the remaining sixteen went in the fourth (7), fifth (5), and sixth rounds (4).
Looking at the needs and depth charts of their teams, here’s how I rank these rookie backs, heading into their team’s off-season training.
Houston Texans, Round 6, Pick No. 205
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB4
Jawhar Jordan has a major problem in Houston. He is far down the Texans’ depth chart, and second-year offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik will want to build off his 2023 season momentum and continue to develop a C.J. Stroud-led-passing attack not seen in Houston since the days of run-and-shoot Warren Moon. Stroud, the 2023 Rookie of the Year winner, is one of the most dynamic young passers in the league. The Texans also brought in veteran players Stephon Diggs and Joe Mixon, a running back, this offseason to strengthen their firepower on offense. All of this does not bode well for a rookie Jordan, a rookie sixth-round selection who most likely will have to fight for a roster spot when the real games begin.
Jacksonville Jaguars, Round 5, Pick No.167
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB4
Since Keilan shares the same last name as ex-Longhorn great Bijan Robinson, who emerged as the NFL’s best rookie back last year, the Jaguars maybe thought they were getting a steal. Keilan Robinson enters the offseason down the depth chart, behind starter Travis Etienne Jr., second-year back Tank Bigsby and journeyman RB D’Ernest Johnson. The Jaguars have also invested $275 million in QB Trevor Lawrence and extended TE Evan Engram (three years, $41.25 million) this offseason. They also improved the wide receiver room by signing former Buffalo wideout Gabe Davis (three years, $39 Million) in free agency and used their 2024 first-round pick on LSU standout Brian Thomas Jr. Now they have last year’s high-profile free-agent signing Christian Kirk returning from an injury sustained last season. This means that Robinson will need to make his mark somewhere on special teams if he is going to make it on the 53-man roster.
Atlanta Falcons, Round 6, Pick No. 186
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB3
The Atlanta Falcons enter the 2024 season with a new coaching staff, with head coach Raheem Morris and former Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Zach Robinson. During his years with the Rams, Robinson helped develop (do we dare say future HOFer) Matthew Stafford and produce record-breaking wide receivers in Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.
Not only might McClellan struggle for touches in a likely pass-happy offense, but he also has two tremendously gifted running backs, Tyler Allgeier and Bijan Robinson, to contend with. Barring injury, the latter is going to limit the playing time of any Atlanta backup running back.
Isaiah Davis, South Dakota St.
New York Jets, Round 5, Pick No. 173
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB3
Davis enters the NFL with a solid collegiate resume. He was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference (MVFC) Co-Offensive Player of the Year after leading the FCS in rushing yards (1,578) and touchdowns (18) in 2023. Sure, there have been some notable MVFC grads who made their marks in the NFL — two-time NFL MVP Kurt Warner (Northern Iowa) and Western Illinois wide receiver Don Beebe (who played in six Super Bowls) come to mind — but Davis is not even the best rookie running back on the Jets roster. That honor goes to Braelon Allen, whom New York selected one round ahead of Davis. Both rooks will contend for playing time behind Breece Hall.
Denver Broncos, Round 5, Pick No. 147
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB4
The one bit of camp news out working in Estimé’s favor are rumors that Denver’s current RB1 Javonte Williams may be on the chopping block. Even if Williams is out of the way, Estimé still must contend with veteran receiving back Samaje Perine and lightning-in-a-bottle Jaleel McLaughlin. There are a lot of “doesn’t haves” to mention when it comes to Estimé, most notably elite speed or size. It doesn’t seem he’ll have much of a chance to make an impact in his rookie season, other than prove naysayers wrong and find himself a roster spot.
San Francisco 49ers, Round 4, Pick No. 129
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB3
Had the New York Giants or Dallas Cowboys made a play for Guerendo on draft day, he would easily be in the top five on this list. Instead, he gets to sit behind Christian McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell. Granted, both of those players have been known to be somewhat injury-prone in their careers, and Guerendo enjoyed an impressive camp in May. But Guerendo himself has a history of injuries (Lisfranc and hamstring) in college, playing in a total of just 11 games from 2019 to 2021. A likely scenario could see him becoming the team’s full-time kick return specialist. Considering the new kickoff rules and Guerendo’s athleticism, he will often put the 49ers’ high-powered offense in great field position.
Baltimore Ravens, Round 5, Pick No. 165
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB4
Upon first look, Ali is almost in the same boat as Audric Estimé. The difference is that the Ravens are a run-first offense and have a newly signed 30-year-old Derrick Henry at the top of the running back chart. Behind him sit Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell, who is recovering from a knee injury that cut short his 2023 season. Ali is recovering from a torn bicep injury sustained in the 2024 Senior Bowl. In an outstanding 2021 season, he led the FBS with 25 total TDs, resulting in a first-team USA Conference selection and Team MVP honors. Following a leave-shortened 2022, Ali rebounded in 2023 and nabbed second-team All-Sun Belt honors.
Philadelphia Eagles, Round 4, Pick No. 127
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB3
These next four players could be interchangeable in their rankings. Shipley will spend his rookie year watching a rejuvenated Saquon Barkley, who comes over from NFC East rival, the New York Giants. Reliable veteran backup Kenneth Gainwell will also contend for touches. Shipley has elite quickness and explosiveness and could become a home-run hitter on this team with the ball in his hands.
Detroit Lions, Round 4, Pick No. 132
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB4/5
The focus of these projections is how much these players will contribute to their team’s running back position. Considering the Lions already have two dynamic backs in David Montgomery and 2023 first-round phenom Jahmyr Gibbs, it is highly unlikely that rookie Vaki makes an impact from scrimmage this year, doubtful even that he leapfrogs coach favorite Craig Reynolds on the depth chart. What the dual-threat Vaki does bring to the table is versatility — he played on both sides of the ball at Utah — so it’s quite possible he makes some noise on special teams for the Lions this season.
Green Bay Packers, Round 3, Pick No. 88
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB3
Lloyd made a case to be one of the top running backs entering this year’s draft class. Green Bay just signed a high-profile free agent in Josh Jacobs (formerly Raiders), then parted ways with Aaron Jones. This maneuvering leaves only AJ Dillon as Lloyd’s competition to become RB2. Lloyd has the power to overtake Dillon in short-yardage and goal-line situations, and he and Jacobs could form a dynamic 1-2 punch in those grind-it-out divisional games typical of the NFC North.
Buffalo Bills, Round 4, Pick No. 128
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB2
Much like his name being shortened from Re’Mahn Walter Zhamar Jamar Davis to Ray, Davis finds himself on a shortened roster in Buffalo. Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, and Nyheim Hines departed via trade or free agency, meaning that a seat for Davis at the Bills’ table will be even less crowded than his own household, which holds 14 siblings. The overhauling of the Buffalo receiving corps will ask more this season of James Cook and the running game, a shift that should give Davis plenty of opportunities to eat.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Round 4, Pick No. 125
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB2
Rachaad White became a dual threat out of the backfield last season, when he fell only 10 rushing yards short of 1,000. He also hauled in 64 of 70 targets in the passing game for an additional 549 yards. The addition of Irving will allow White to focus on being a two-down back, with Irving assuming the third-down back role.
New York Jets, Round 4, Pick No. 134
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB2
I hate to sound like a broken record, but Allen is another potential top-two candidate on this list if he were selected by a team more in need of a running back (*cough*, *cough*… Dallas Cowboys). Considering that Breece Hall is already nursing an injury this offseason, Allen could be one play away from significant playing time for the “J-E-T-S, JETS, JETS, JETS.”
Miami Dolphins, Round 4, Pick No. 120
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB3
Wright's potential is comparable to that of another former Tennessee Volunteer, Alvin Kamara. Believing Wright will be buried behind veteran Raheem Mostert and last year’s rookie sensation De’Von Achane frustrates those who believe in the rookie’s talent. Still, the combination of head coach Mike McDaniels's offensive creativity and two injury-prone backs could create an opportunity for Wright to make an impact at some point this season.
Los Angeles Chargers, Round 6, Pick No. 181
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB3
Vidal is in for an interesting season with the Chargers. New Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh received a hand-me-down running stable from older brother John (former Ravens Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins). Vidal led the Troy Trojans in rushing for four straight years and will be in the hunt to take over as RB2 if Dobbins doesn’t recover from his 2023 season-ending Achilles injury. Edwards has a long injury history, and has been sidelined this offseason with an undisclosed physical setback. This makes Vidal an intriguing rookie running back to watch for the Chargers this season.
Las Vegas Raiders, Round 6, Pick No. 208
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB4
The Raiders let free agent Josh Jacobs, the NFL’s rushing leader in 2022, sign with the Green Bay Packers. His departure left Vegas with third-year player Zamir White at RB1. The Raiders also signed Alexander Mattison from the Minnesota Vikings and have 10-year veteran Ameer Abdullah rostered.
His dual-threat abilities put Laube in the top five on this list. He has the makings to be an Austin Ekeler-type of player for the Raiders (make that pre-2023 Ekeler anyway). Deficiencies at the WR position (outside of Davante Adams) could mean more touches for a receiving back. Laube set a New Hampshire school record with 295 receiving yards against Central Michigan last season and then landed post-season recognition to close out his college career, including becoming a finalist for the Walter Payton Award (top player in FCS).
Los Angeles Rams, Round 3, Pick No. 83
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB2
Corum is coming off a season with the Wolverines in which he scored a TD in every game of Michigan’s national championship campaign. The Rams will want to utilize him to complement Kyren Williams, who put together a standout season in 2023. Considering Williams incurred a nagging foot injury that will keep him out of OTAs and minicamp this offseason, Corum could get an immediate look from head coach Sean McVay.
Carolina Panthers, Round 2, Pick No. 46
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB2
It was clear entering the draft that Brooks was the top running back in the class. This was validated when Carolina made him the first running back taken off the board, albeit on Day 2 of the draft. Because he is recovering from a season-ending ACL injury, Brooks sits at No. 3 on this list. Once he fully recovers, though, he may very well surface as the focal point of the Panthers’ offense, which would help lighten the load on second-year quarterback Bryce Young.
Arizona Cardinals, Round 3, Pick No. 66
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB2
If you allow for the cross-sport analogy, Benson joins an Arizona Cardinals team in definite need of a home-run hitter coming out of the backfield. With veteran James Conner taking on more of a short-yardage back role, Benson by season’s end could be competing with Marvin Harrison Jr. for Rookie of the Year honors. Yep, I did write that. Check back in January.
New York Giants, Round 5, Pick No. 166
Current Depth Chart Rank: RB3
Let’s just take the RB3 depth chart ranking with a grain of salt here. Devin Singletary is on his third team in three years (Bills 2022, Texans 2023), and Eric Gray’s 2023 totals of three fumbles and 60 total yards on 23 touches is not RB2 material either. Based on team needs and the quickest route to a starting role, Tyrone Tracy Jr. appears more and more like the rookie running back who will be at the head of the class as we enter the 2024 season. Do you want to argue? I’ll just quote the iconic comic-book character Dick Tracy: “You know, it’s legal for me to take you down to the station and sweat it out of you under the lights.”
However, we don’t need to go there if you provide any feed-forward remarks in the comments section!
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