No Clear Superstars at Running Back
In last year’s NFL Draft, we saw both Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs get picked in the top 12. In this year’s class, there seems to be no clear-cut RB1, but several guys boosted their draft stock from Saturday’s on-field drills in Indianapolis. Here are my three standout running backs from the 2024 NFL Combine.
Trey Benson, FSU
Trey Benson is my favorite running back in this year’s draft. He has a rare combination of size and speed that he put on full display at the combine. Despite being 6-foot-1, 223 pounds, Benson ran an outstanding 4.39 40-yard dash, good for third among all running backs. His 1.52 10-yard split was also good for fourth in his position. In two seasons at FSU, he rushed for 1,895 yards and 21 touchdowns. Benson has all the tools to be a starter at the next level and could sneak into a day-two pick on draft day.
Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
Jaylen Wright was a beast at Tennessee, averaging a whopping 7.4 yards per carry in his final season. He is an explosive runner who also had four touchdowns for over 40 yards in 2023. Wright led all running backs at the combine with an 11-foot-2 broad jump. He also finished fourth in the vertical leap at 38 inches. But his most impressive result was his 4.38 40-time, good for second among all running backs. Wright has a great athletic profile and the production in college to back it up. He has established himself as a day-two pick.
Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
At Louisville, Isaac Guerendo split time with Jawhar Jordan in the backfield last season. His productivity may not stack up well compared to other backs in this class, but he is a player with elite athletic potential. And having less tread on your tires as a running back isn’t always a bad thing.
Guerendo led all backs at the Combine with a 41.5 vertical leap. He followed that up with an impressive 4.33 40-yard dash, topping his position group and good for fifth among all participants. At six feet, 221 pounds, Guerendo could have his best football still ahead of him.
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