The 2023 NFL Draft is in the books, and we now know all 259 players that were selected. Which running backs did we see drafted in 2023, and which teams selected them? Let’s take a look at the full list below.
Which Running Backs Were Drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft?
Bijan Robinson, Texas | Atlanta Falcons
Round 1, Pick 8
It takes a special running back prospect to command Round 1 interest. To be mentioned in the top-10 conversation, you have to be even better than that. Robinson is in that tier as a prospect. Saying he’s generational as a runner sounds hyperbolic, but we truly haven’t seen an RB prospect like Robinson in years, and we won’t see anyone match him for a while.
Robinson is a top-three talent in the 2023 NFL Draft, without accounting for positional value, and a blue-chip prospect with his amalgamation of traits. At 5’11”, 215 pounds, he has the size and contact resistance to churn through congestion and take a workhorse’s volume. He’s a physical finisher who kicks off every other run with a jaw-dropping display of finesse and short-area instincts.
Click here to view the full Bijan Robinson Scouting Report.
Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama | Detroit Lions
Round 1, Pick 12
The positional value of running backs will always tip the scales of valuation when the draft comes around. But on Cummings’ board, Gibbs is a top 25 prospect and one of two running backs in the top tier at the position — with the other being Texas’ Bijan Robinson.
At 5’9″, 199 pounds, Gibbs is somewhat undersized and won’t ever be an elite threat against contact. But he does have solid density for his size, and his game is ultimately predicated on his elite twitch, agility, supremely loose hips, flexibility on his cuts, and his ability to explode upfield after levying cuts with lightning-quick feet.
Click here to view the full Jahmyr Gibbs Scouting Report.
Zach Charbonnet, UCLA | Seattle Seahawks
Round 2, Pick 52
While Charbonnet is competing with a far more talented class, he’s still a top-five back. He is one of the safest RBs a team can select, with an easily translatable skill set.
Still, franchises and fan bases want dynamic weapons at their skill positions, and Charbonnet doesn’t fall into that bucket. And honestly, his one-cut style, while still useful in a league that is moving to lighter boxes, is not rare. Plus, the value of running backs in the draft is lower than most positions.
But all it takes is one team, and Charbonnet could earn Day 2 draft capital. His collegiate production, intangibles, and downhill thumping project to a bell-cow role — something he proved he could handle with the Bruins.
Click here to view the full Zach Charbonnet Scouting Report.
Kendre Miller, TCU | New Orleans Saints
Round 3, Pick 71
Kendre Miller heads to the New Orleans Saints, where he has a chance to establish himself as the number two initially and then even push for the starting role over Alvin Kamara.
During his three-year career at TCU, Miller had 2,410 rushing yards on 361 carries, finding the end zone 26 times. He also had 29 receptions for 229 yards and a single touchdown.
Click here to view the full Kendre Miller Scouting Report.
Tyjae Spears, Tulane | Tennessee Titans
Round 3, Pick 81
Spears brings high-end explosiveness to the Titans, which allows him to clear congestion quickly at the second level. He is a twitchy ball carrier which was on display at the senior bowl. He has the creative instincts to draw defenders out of lanes with initial angles.
Click here to view the full Tyjae Spears Scouting Report.
Devon Achane, Texas A&M | Miami Dolphins
Round 3, Pick 84
Devon Achane has the ability to navigate traffic and use his smaller stature to his advantage, sitting in tight spots until daylight comes calling. His size isn’t ideal but he knows how to use it well. Along with vision comes patience, another one of Achane’s strong suits. If one gap closes he patiently anticipates when a new one will open.
Click here to view the full Devon Achane Scouting Report.
Tank Bigsby, Auburn | Jacksonville Jaguars
Round 3, Pick 88
Bigsby is a fleet-footed runner, with elite start and stop ability. His mix of vision and creative instincts help to maximize that trait. He has exceptional processing speed and can counter outside when the middle of the line caves, even during the exchange.
Click here to view the full Tank Bigsby Scouting Report.
Rounds 4-7
8) Roschon Johnson, Texas
Round 4, Pick 115 | Bears
9) Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh
Round 5, Pick 143 | Jets
10) Chase Brown, Illinois
Round 5, Pick 163 | Bengals
11) Eric Gray, Oklahoma
Round 5, Pick 172 | Giants
12) Evan Hull, Northwestern
Round 5, Pick 176 | Colts
13) Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky
Round 5, Pick 193 | Commanders
14) Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State
Round 6, Pick 212 | Cowboys
15) Zach Evans, Mississippi
Round 6, Pick 215 | Rams
16) DeWayne McBride, UAB
Round 7, Pick 222 | Vikings
17) Lew Nichols, Central Michigan
Round 7, Pick 235 | Packers
18) Kenny McIntosh, Georgia
Round 7, Pick 237 | Seahawks
