Evaluating the Best Running Back Prospects for the Draft

21 November 2025

Let’s face it — the running back position isn’t what it used to be. With offenses getting flashier and quarterbacks stealing the spotlight, the role of a running back has shifted. But don’t let box scores fool you — elite RBs still matter. They may no longer be top-five picks, but on draft day, a powerful RB can still turn heads and change the fate of a franchise.

So, what makes a running back stand out in today’s NFL? Vision? Burst? Pass-catching ability? Honestly, it’s all that — and then some. In this article, we’re diving deep into the top running back prospects for the upcoming draft. Who are the game-changers? Who’s flying under the radar? And who has that “it” factor you just can’t teach?

Let’s break it down.

Why the Running Back Position Still Deserves Attention

Sure, we’ve all heard the “don’t draft a running back in the first round” argument. But here's the truth: when the right RB lands in the right system, they become the heartbeat of an offense. Think Derrick Henry steamrolling defenses. Or Christian McCaffrey doing, well… everything.

Running backs bring balance, control the clock, and give young quarterbacks a safety valve. So while some GMs play it safe, others know the value behind a game-ready RB. That’s why evaluating these guys correctly is absolutely crucial.

What Traits Make a Great RB Prospect in Today’s Game?

Before we get to the names, let’s talk traits.

Today’s RBs aren’t just grinders. They’re hybrids. They need to do it all — ground and pound, catch in space, block, and blaze past defenders. Here’s a rundown of the key traits scouts are obsessed with:

- Vision & Patience: Can they read blocks and hit holes without rushing it?
- Burst & Acceleration: Can they explode through gaps and create separation?
- Contact Balance: Do they bounce off tackles or go down on the first hit?
- Receiving Ability: Are they a threat in the passing game?
- Pass Protection: Can they protect their QB on third down?

Now, let’s meet the RBs who check most (if not all) of these boxes.

The Front-Runners: Top Running Back Prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft

1. Blake Corum – Michigan

Strengths: Vision, compact power, short-area burst
Stats: Over 20 rushing TDs, back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons

Blake Corum is a human bowling ball with a turbo engine. This guy’s built like a fire hydrant — small, stocky, hard to bring down. What makes him special is how quickly he sees holes develop and shoots through them like a pinball.

Need a short-yardage hammer? Corum’s your guy. But he’s not just about power — he’s crafty between the tackles and changes pace like a seasoned vet.

NFL Comparison: Maurice Jones-Drew with a bit more juice.

2. Raheim "Rocket" Sanders – Arkansas

Strengths: Size-speed combo, downhill runner, pass-game potential
Stats: Over 1,400 rushing yards in 2022, plus multiple 100-yard games against SEC defenses

Rocket Sanders isn’t just a cool nickname — it fits. At 6’2” and over 225 pounds, he’s a freight train. But what separates him is his surprising finesse. He can shift gears smoothly and catch the ball better than most backs his size.

He’s still improving his vision, but when he gets going, defenders are making business decisions.

NFL Comparison: A younger, more polished Latavius Murray.

3. Trey Benson – Florida State

Strengths: Elusiveness, breakaway runs, post-contact yardage
Stats: Averaged over 6 yards per carry, multiple long TD runs

If you like home-run hitters, Trey Benson should be on your radar. He’s got that rare ability to shake tacklers in a phone booth and then outrun everyone 40 yards down the field. What’s also underrated is how elusive he is — defenders just can’t seem to square him up.

His acceleration after making his cut is lightning quick, and that makes him deadly in zone-blocking schemes.

NFL Comparison: Jamaal Charles with more lower-body strength.

Rising Stars: Mid-Round Sleepers With High Ceilings

4. Braelon Allen – Wisconsin

Strengths: Power, durability, downhill explosion
Stats: Three straight 1,000+-yard seasons

Here’s the classic Big Ten bruiser every team loves — except Braelon Allen isn’t just a power back. Yes, he’s built like a linebacker playing RB (because he actually used to be one!). But what he brings to the table is rhythm and consistency.

Is he flashy? Not really. But he's dependable, tough, and eats up early downs like it’s breakfast.

NFL Comparison: A more agile A.J. Dillon.

5. Will Shipley – Clemson

Strengths: All-purpose back, special teams ability, quick feet
Stats: Over 1,000 rushing yards, 200+ receiving yards and return duties

Shipley is the definition of versatile. Want a return man? Done. Need a 3rd-down back who can motion into the slot? Yep. He’s slippery, smart, and super efficient.

What scouts love most? His football IQ. He’s always in the right spot — whether it’s picking up blitzes or cutting back on a stretch play.

NFL Comparison: Austin Ekeler-lite.

Underrated Playmakers Worth Draft-Day Attention

6. MarShawn Lloyd – USC

Lloyd isn’t a household name yet, but that might change soon. He’s compact, explosive, and runs with a chip on his shoulder. After transferring from South Carolina, he showed he belongs in a high-tempo offense.

He’s got vision, balance, and enough burst to turn a 5-yard gain into 25. Definitely a day-three steal in the making.

7. Jaydn Ott – California

This kid has untapped potential. Great patience, reads blocks like a chess player, and quietly put up strong numbers on a struggling Cal team. If he lands in the right offense, he could turn heads quickly.

Key Questions Teams Ask When Drafting a Running Back

Is the RB "Scheme-Proof"?

Some backs rely too much on a specific blocking scheme (like zone vs. gap). The elite ones? They produce everywhere. Scouts love versatility, so every time an RB shows he can thrive in multiple formations, his stock skyrockets.

Can He Be a Three-Down Back?

Being a bell-cow back is rare these days, but if you find one? Jackpot. Teams ask: Can he stay on the field for every play? Can he run inside, run outside, catch the ball and block on third down?

That’s the gold standard.

What’s His Mileage?

Let’s be real — tread on the tires matters. If a back has 700 carries in college, GMs might hesitate. Fresh legs equal longer careers. Low-usage but high-efficiency backs? Scout gold.

Draft Day Fit Matters More Than Ever

You’ve heard it before — “It’s all about fit.” And it’s true. A dynamic RB in the wrong scheme can flame out. But pair the right runner with the right coach and offensive line? Magic happens.

Think Breece Hall with the Jets before the injury, or how Alvin Kamara flourished with Sean Payton. So when analyzing these prospects, think beyond their stats. Think about where they’d fit best.

Some quick fits:

- Blake Corum to the Patriots: Old-school grit and reliability? Perfect.
- Rocket Sanders to the Ravens: Imagine him next to Lamar. Yikes.
- Trey Benson to the Dolphins: Speed + McDaniel = fireworks.

Final Thoughts: Who’s RB1?

It really depends on what you’re looking for. Need a plug-and-play starter? Corum and Sanders are polished and ready. Want a long-term weapon with pass-game upside? Trey Benson or Will Shipley could shine.

But remember, the RB position is no longer one-size-fits-all. Today’s teams use committees, packages, and motion to maximize RB usage. The best prospects are the ones who can adapt, stay healthy, and deliver in clutch moments.

So, who’s the best running back in this year’s draft?

Well, like a good cutback — it depends on the lane.