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2023 NFL Draft: Running back rankings with pro comparisons
With the NFL Draft process well underway, there is a much clearer picture of the 2023 class than there was even a month ago. With exhibition games and the Combine now in the past, it is easier to...
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With the NFL Draft process well underway, there is a much clearer picture of the 2023 class than there was even a month ago. With exhibition games and the Combine now in the past, it is easier to build a full profile of this year’s prospects. This backfield class has a ton of really intriguing players who could step on the field and contribute immediately. After no running backs went in the first round in 2022, there are a few players who could break into day one this year.
1) Bijan Robinson, Texas
Bijan Robinson wins with everything. He is a great athlete who combines natural gifts with a great feel for the running back position to make one of the best prospects in this year’s class. He has the power to run through defenders, the agility to run around them, and the speed run by them. Robinson’s vision is excellent and his footwork is somehow better. To cap it off, he is an adept three down back who can be a serious receiving threat.
Bijan Robinson can take a leap by maybe being a bit more aggressive as a runner. Sometimes he is a bit too patient with running lanes to widen where he should just be attacking gaps. NFL speed will reduce his margin for error behind the line of scrimmage. This is nitpicking.
2) Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
Zach Charbonnet wins with power, balance, and great instincts as a running back. Charbonnet has a complete game at the position, combining a tough running style with surprising long speed. He is also a very adept pass protector and receiver. Charbonnet was highly productive at UCLA and his game translates to the NFL in a very obvious way.
Zach Charbonnet can take a leap by tightening up his reaction timing. Charbonnet is very good, but not an elite athlete for the position. This will hardly hurt him, but it just means he needs to continue honing his strengths as a runner. His lack of athleticism means he will not consistently be a home run threat in the NFL, but he will be the type of guy to get five yards falling down on every carry.
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