Only two running backs were drafted within the first three rounds of the 2024 NFL Draft. While the position is becoming less coveted in the modern, pass-heavy NFL, that gave teams incredible opportunities to find value in talented running backs later in the draft on Day 3.
Let’s look at the running backs selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, evaluating their raw ability, and how it plays out for the team that drafted them.
Which Running Backs Were Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft?
Jonathon Brooks, Texas | Carolina Panthers
Round 2, Pick 46
Jonathon Brooks tore his ACL in November against TCU, and he might have been a first-round selection without that injury.
Brooks replaced Bijan Robinson’s production for the Texas Longhorns once he was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons last year. In 11 games, Brooks accumulated 1,139 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging six yards per attempt. He also caught 25 passes, racking up 286 receiving yards and an additional score through the air.
The Panthers made Brooks the first running back selected in the 2024 class, which will come with some inherited pressure, especially since Florida State’s Trey Benson was still available and widely considered the best RB in this class.
After Miles Sanders had an underwhelming season in Carolina’s offense, Bryce Young gets a talented player with RB1 potential to take some pressure off of him in his second NFL campaign.
Trey Benson, Florida State | Arizona Cardinals
Round 3, Pick 66
Trey Benson is the speedy back who served as the engine for FSU’s offense these last two seasons.
In 2023, Benson achieved career-high marks for touchdowns and receiving output, proving that he’s still a prospect on the rise. During his last season with the Seminoles, Benson racked up 906 yards and 14 scores. He also caught 20 passes for 227 yards and a score.
Pro Football Network NFL Draft Analyst Ian Cummings had Benson as his top running back in this class. In Benson’s scouting report, Cummings details that he believes the explosiveness and relentless physicality give Benson the tools to be a workhorse back in the NFL.
In Round 1, the Cardinals gave Kyler Murray a bonafide WR1 when they selected Marvin Harrison Jr. On Day 2, they found good value by adding the best RB in this class.
Blake Corum, Michigan | Los Angeles Rams
Round 3, Pick 83
Blake Corum is an exceptional RB prospect who fits Sean McVay’s offense like a puzzle piece. The only problem is that the Rams already have Kyren Williams. Of course, they like to rotate their backs and ride the hot hand, but there were other directions they could’ve gone in the top 100.
Corum famously set Michigan history with a touchdown in 25 straight games, capping his illustrious career with a National Championship in 2023. His vision and contact balance were no match for college defenders a season ago.
MarShawn Lloyd, USC | Green Bay Packers
Round 3, Pick 88
The Packers have already filled enough needs that they can start to look at luxuries like running back. And with the 88th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, they selected MarShawn Lloyd out of USC.
The Packers already had Josh Jacobs after signing the former Raiders standout in free agency, but Lloyd strengthens Green Bay’s rotation and gives them dynamism as a sparkplug. He’s a rocked-up 5’9”, 220 pounds, but he plays more like a finesse back — with the burst and agility to weave through lanes.
While Lloyd is a great change-of-pace option, he doesn’t bring quite the amount of receiving upside that the Packers could’ve gotten with other options on the board. He also has fumbling issues, as well as a medical history to take into account.
There are risks with this pick, but Lloyd’s upside is worth the gamble late in Round 3.
Jaylen Wright, Tennessee | Miami Dolphins
Round 4, Pick 120
The Miami Dolphins aggressively traded into this spot to draft the speedy Jaylen Wright. In his final year with the Vols, Wright rushed for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns on 137 carries, good for an impressive 7.4 yards per attempt.
Wright’s scouting report details him as a player who can become an immediate spark plug in the run game for an offense in need of a change-of-pace back, and the Dolphins fit that bill.
In Miami, Wright might not have the same volume because the Dolphins have Raheem Mostert, De’Von Achane, and Jeff Wilson Jr., who all flashed throughout the 2023 season.
Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Round 4, Pick 125
A smaller back, Bucky Irving had excellent production in college as a ball carrier and as a pass catcher, earning himself this selection in Round 4.
After a successful freshman season at Minnesota, Irving transferred to Oregon, where his production boomed during his sophomore year with the Ducks, rushing for 1,357 yards and 10 scores. In 2023, Irving led college football with 56 receptions to go with 1,593 total yards and 13 scores.
While Rachaad White was good for Tampa Bay last season, Irving gives freshly extended Baker Mayfield a reliable and explosive checkdown option as a receiver out of the backfield.
Will Shipley, RB, Clemson | Philadelphia Eagles
Round 4, Pick 127
Will Shipley was named one of the most intriguing backs in this class because of his versatility as a ball carrier, receiver, and returner.
The Swiss Army Knife had his final college season mangled by injuries, but Shipley still managed to rush for 827 yards and five touchdowns while receiving for 244 additional yards and two touchdowns.
KEEP READING: Wide Receivers Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft
Before the draft, Shipley’s scouting reports said that an NFL general manager would take a chance on his production, pedigree, and raw talent. The Eagles landed the versatile playmaker to work behind Saquon Barkley in this revamped offense.
Other Running Backs Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft
8) Ray Davis, Kentucky
Round 4, Pick 128 | Buffalo Bills
9) Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
Round 4, Pick 129 | San Francisco 49ers
10) Sione Vaki, Utah
Round 4, Pick 132 | Detroit Lions
11) Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
Round 4, Pick 134 | New York Jets
12) Audric Estimé, Notre Dame
Round 5, Pick 147 | Denver Broncos
13) Rasheen Ali, Marshall
Round 5, Pick 165 | Baltimore Ravens
14) Tyrone Tracy Jr., Purdue
Round 5, Pick 166 | New York Giants
15) Keilan Robinson, Texas
Round 5, Pick 167 | Jacksonville Jaguars
16) Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State
Round 5, Pick 173 | New York Jets
17) Kimani Vidal, Troy
Round 6, Pick 181 | Los Angeles Chargers
18) Jase McClellan, Alabama
Round 6, Pick 186 | Atlanta Falcons
19) Jawhar Jordan, Louisville
Round 6, Pick 205 | Houston Texans
20) Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
Round 6, Pick 208 | Las Vegas Raiders
Other Position Groups in the 2024 NFL Draft
Here are links to the list of players in other position groups who were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
- Quarterbacks Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft
- Wide Receivers Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft
- Tight Ends Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft
- Offensive Tackles Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft
- Guards Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft
- Centers Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft
- Defensive Tackles Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft
- EDGEs Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft
- Linebackers Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft
- Cornerbacks Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft
- Safeties Drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft
