Will we see the return of the first-round running back in the 2023 NFL Draft? That remains to be seen, but the talent is there to crack the top 32 picks. And in the rounds that follow, there is plenty of value. With over half of the season in the rearview mirror, here are the top 10 running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Top 10 Running Backs in the 2023 NFL Draft
10) Eric Gray, Oklahoma
Eric Gray is one of the most dynamic rushers in the 2023 NFL Draft. He makes up for what he lacks in contact balance and brute force with open-field balance and elusiveness. His straight-line speed leaves some to be desired, but the Oklahoma RB can make grown men look silly with the ball in his hands.
Gray may never be the lead back in the NFL due to his narrow frame (5’10”, 210 pounds). But with impressive lateral agility, start/stop ability, and overall fluidity, he can check in as a change-of-pace option. Give him a hole to burst through or a pass in space, and he’s making the most of it.
9) Sean Tucker, Syracuse
You may need to see an ophthalmologist if you aren’t pleased after watching Sean Tucker play football. The Syracuse product isn’t much of a power back, but you don’t have to be when you can outrun most defenders. Much of Tucker’s allure stems from his long speed and easy acceleration.
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Combined with his vision and footwork, it’s no wonder he often finds daylight. Syracuse has shifted him out to the slot more than before this season, displaying his receiving prowess. And although Tucker has his issues in pass protection, he owns three-down upside in the league.
8) Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
I will bang the table for three backs in the top 10, and Zach Charbonnet is one of them. Just turn on his highlights, and you will know exactly why. Are you back? Alright, let’s fan girl together for a second. At 6’1″ and 220 pounds, he easily checks the size box.
He’s less “make you miss” and more “run through you,” which lends to his north-south style. But don’t get it twisted; Charbonnet has the contact balance and lateral suddenness to hit a hole and pick up a chunk gain. Add in his ability as a pass catcher and protector, and you have the makings of an NFL RB.
7) Zach Evans, Ole Miss
A true freshman is outperforming Zach Evans. Normally, that sentence would be a cause for concern. But that true freshman is Quinshon Judkins — possibly the best RB in the country not named Bijan Robinson. So take Evans’ inability to lock down Ole Miss’ RB1 role with a grain of salt.
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If Evans declares this year, he may finish his collegiate career with less than 300 carries and just over 2,000 yards. That’s a ridiculous average of 6.6+ yards per carry but it highlights his limited usage. The tools — top-end speed, strong build, and fleet-footedness — are there, but decision-makers will have questions about his durability and bell-cow ability.
6) Devon Achane, Texas A&M
All aboard the Achane! (Devon, that is.) The Texas A&M RB’s game is predicated on one word: speed. Uncoachable, god-given speed. He can flip the field on any given play, whether as a rusher or kick returner. And on any given Sunday, he’s a threat to take multiple touches to the house.
Achane’s size (5’9″, 185 pounds) restricts his projection, but his skill set and physical gifts are tailor-made for today’s NFL.
5) Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh
If you didn’t know Israel Abanikanda before the season, you definitely did after his 320-yard and six-touchdown performance against Virginia Tech. At just 20 years old (he doesn’t turn 21 until next October), he’s proven to be a complete ball carrier.
Outside of passing up opportunities to bounce to the edge and refining his ability on passing downs, there isn’t much not to like about Abanikanda. He has the size, athletic package, and mentality to not only survive in the pros but thrive.
A ban I kind of want to place in this year’s draft? Selecting Izzy beyond the first three rounds.
4) Tank Bigsby, Auburn
If the draft was based on names, Tank Bigsby would be the 1.01. Nevertheless, his game doesn’t fall too far behind. The Auburn RB exhausts runs of their full potential with explosiveness and sheer physicality. But his trump card is his ability to plant his foot, change directions, and dart upfield.
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Bigsby is a scheme and situation-diverse runner that can produce with whichever team selects him. And like his first name (Tank, not Cartavious), he’ll turn gaps into craters at a moment’s notice.
3) Blake Corum, Michigan
At 5’8″ and 200+ pounds, Blake Corum isn’t the biggest nor fastest back in the class. However, nearly every other aspect of his skill set is a coach’s dream. His low center of gravity and short-area explosiveness make him one of college football’s shiftiest RBs.
Corum obliterates tackling angles with lateral quickness and sudden, decisive cuts. His loose and fluid hips allow him to change directions instantly and string multiple moves together. But what’s most exciting is the Michigan RB’s combination of vision and patience — a deadly duo that always puts his offensive line in a position to succeed.
2) Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
The Derrick Henrys and Nick Chubbs of the world are becoming a dying breed. The NFL is all about operating in space now, so it’s a good thing Jahmyr Gibbs has a doctorate in aerospace engineering.
His elite twitch, flexibility, and lightning-quick feet provided a foundation for the astronaut to navigate debris and incoming objects. Akin to Jamaal Charles and Alvin Kamara, Gibbs is a back that wins in space and has legitimate upside as a receiver.
1) Bijan Robinson, Texas
Death, taxes, and Bijan Robinson as the RB1 in the 2023 NFL Draft. That’s been the sentiment since Robinson landed in Austin, Texas, and all he’s done since is reinforce it. Typically, I subscribe to the “running backs aren’t worthy of first-round capital” belief. Robinson is the rare prospect that transcends it.
The Texas RB is a weapon wherever he lines up. His uncanny creative instincts and processing speed are simply unparalleled. Everything you need to know about his ability as a ball carrier is in this clip. That’s top-15 talent regardless of position.
Honorable Mentions
- Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State
- DeWayne McBride, UAB
- Kendre Miller, TCU
- Chase Brown, Illinois
- Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota
- Chris Rodriguez, Kentucky
- Travis Dye, USC
- Camerun Peoples, Appalachian State
- Roschon Johnson, Texas
- Travis Dye, USC
- Jaleel McLaughlin, Youngstown State
