2024: Running Backs

Jonathon Brooks – RB - Texas – 82

Good base on him and nice burst. Not game breaking ability or any particular skill that jumps out, just a do-it-all back that can get 20 touches a game and be productive in the pass game. The ACL tear at the end of the year probably costs him some draft position. James Cook potential with shades of DeVonta Freeman.

MarShawn Lloyd - RB – USC - 81

Lloyd has really good tape at both South Carolina and USC. You can see him with and without space at those schools. Very nice burst allows him to exploit gaps and get better angles on would be tacklers. Balance is lacking for true tackle breaking ability and does not have home run speed but I think he’s got more in the tank than showed up on Saturday’s. He has a really good feel in the passing, just has an understanding of where to go against zone coverage. Could bring instant juice to an offense.

Braelon Allen - RB – Wisconsin - 80

When this kid was a freshman he burst onto the scene as the next great Badger back. Things never materialized from there and he did not take over the way I expected. Coaching changes caused a shift in offensive play style that did away with the ground attack that saw Melvin Gordon, Jonathan Taylor, and Monte Ball shine in Madison. Allen has tremendous upside and is a load to bring down. Breaking tackles is like a walk in the park to this guy. I could see him bringing an identity to an offense, but he needs a QB under center to be at his best. Braelon has good feet for his size, not breakaway speed like Derrick Henry, but I would like to see him get a chance in Tampa and balance out that offense.

Trey Benson - RB – Florida St. - 79

Looks taller than 6’0” because of an upright play style. Benson has low hips that allow him to move well laterally in tight spaces. Tack on a 4.39 in the 40 and a ridiculous 1.52 10 yard split and he has the traits to succeed in a one cut scheme. Like his patience, he reminds me a lot of T.J. Yeldon. Trey has the ability to be a 3 down back and could easily play like Sony Michel.

Blake Corum – RB - Michigan – 77

Incredibly productive player for the Wolverines. Corum has been on the radar for a few years now, and even coming off injury in 2023, he did not disappoint. Ludicrous 27 touchdowns in the National Championship campaign, Corum was the focal point of the Michigan offense and bell cow back. Short squatty player with outstanding balance, ability to move laterally and reset his feet for leverage and angles without losing balance. He’s a 0-60 in 2 step player which is essential to fitting through small gaps and he’ll be a difficult guy to find. Very reminiscent of Austin Ekeler without the power lifting chops. I don’t see him as a difference maker in the passing game, but he should be productive between the tackles.

Jaylen Wright - RB – Tennessee - 70

Operating out of a shotgun attack, Wright needs space or a gap to be effective. Not a tackle breaker, and doesn’t have a lot of wiggle in the hole or downfield, Jaylen’s value is capped by the situation around him. But give him a crease and those 4.38 jets take over and he can run by the 3rd level of the defense. Looks like a speed builder, not a ton of burst. Limited usage in the pass game, but appears to have solid pass protection skills and will be at his best on option routes and leak outs from the backfield.