Position: RB
Honorable Mentions
1. Bijan Robinson
Description: There really are not any glaring weaknesses to Bijan Robinson’s game, and he should be a dominant starting running back almost immediately once the season starts. He has the proper combination of burst, speed, and elusiveness to be a breakaway threat every time he gets his hands on the ball. At 6’0” and 220lbs, he will not be worn down easily and can be useful blocking in passing situations. He can be caught running upright at times, which limits his ability to lower his shoulder and run through a defender to pick up tough yards. But make no mistake about it, Robinson is a special prospect at the position and will likely have a large impact, both for his team and in fantasy football, for the next five years at least. He is one of the best overall players in the draft.
2. Jahmyr Gibbs
Description: If a team is looking to address the running back position and not do it in the first round, they will be looking closely at Jahmyr Gibbs. One of the best assets to his game is his receiving ability, which plays well in the modern NFL. He ran a 4.36 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine, so he is a homerun threat every time he touches the ball, especially when you factor in his vision and agility in the running game. The biggest concern for Gibbs is his size and how that will impact his ability to be a three-down back in the league. He was 5’9” and 199lbs at the combine, which could indicate some difficulty in pass protection. Even if that turns out to be the case, Gibbs will be successful on a team that utilizes him in the passing offense, as well as running the ball, and for the price of an entire round cheaper than Bijan.
3. Zach Charbonnet
Description: Zach Charbonnet is another running back in this class who has the combined skillset necessary to have teams dream on the upside of a three-down back. He has a 6’0” and 214lb frame, and in the running game uses his size well to work through defenders who think they can arm tackle him. He has excellent vision and patience to let his blocks develop, although he can spend too much time dancing behind the line of scrimmage. He also is more of a build-up speed type of player, rather than an explosive player. He ran a 4.53 40 yard dash, so the breakaway speed is not quite there. His pass-catching is above-average, which could keep him from being taken off the field in passing downs. Ultimately, he does possess the ability to become a three-down player in the NFL, especially if the team taking him has a change-of-pace speed back as well.
4. Tank Bigsby
Description: Tank Bigsby is a talented runner, who may have some untapped potential in the receiving game. At 6’0” and 210lbs, he ran a 4.56 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine, so he is a bigger-bodied back coupled with a lack of that extra gear when it comes to speed. Although he does have a track background, so perhaps the Combine was not the best demonstration of what he does on a football field. What he can do is be a very good north to south runner, and his size allows him to break arm tackles. His footwork is impressive, allowing him to create quick cuts to elude defenders and put himself in better position to break off long runs. Auburn’s offense did not give him much of an opportunity to participate in the receiving game, so to count on him as a three down back is premature until given a chance to prove it.
5. Tyjae Spears
Description: The Belle of the Ball in regards to the offseason draft process was Tyjae Spears, who boosted his stock tremendously with an impressive Senior Bowl. He is listed at 5’10” and 201lbs, and ran a 4.54 40 yard dash time at his Pro Day. Spears drew a lot of attention for his speed, agility and quickness, and at the Senior Bowl specifically was praised for his toughness. He scored 19 touchdowns in his final season at Tulane, so he definitely shows a nose for the endzone. However, in order to be a three down back at the next level, he needs to get a larger sample size in pass-catching work, so a team can know if he is capable of it. The same applies to his ability to be a pass blocker; he needs to be given the opportunity to prove he can contribute in the passing game before being anointed as a three down back. He may need to contribute on special teams as well early on, perhaps as a returner, until he gets his opportunity to prove himself on offense at the next level.