The 10 Best Runningbacks In The 2023 NFL Draft

Ranking the Top 10 Runningbacks in the 2023 #nfldraft
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HB Traits
Contact Balance (BAL): Ability to absorb contact, stay upright, and fight through tackles
Elusiveness (ELU): Physical and creative ability to make defenders miss in space; including but not limited to juking defenders or using good body positioning with soft stiff arms to brush off defenders
Power (POW): Ability to fight for difficult yardage in a scrum & truck through defenders
Vision (VIS): The combination of patience, decision making, and ability to see blocks set up one or two moves in advance
Ball Security (SEC): Observation of the player's fumbling history
Receiving (REC): Overall impact in the receiving game including route running, hands, and ability to smoothly convert back into a runningback after the catch
Pass Blocking (PBK): Self explanatory
RB Scheme Fits
Outside Zone: Typically faster backs who can win the edge on Stretch-run plays with the speed to take runs to the house
Inside Zone: Backs with patience and vision to read out Inside Zone runs that can get muddy and unclear at times. These backs don't just need vision, but require short area juice to change lanes and accelerate into them as soon as they become available. Inside Zone scheme fits may or may not trade speed for size in order to bang inside the trenches and fight for difficult yardage through power and contact balance.
Gap: Backs with the speed and power to hit a well blocked hole and threaten Linebackers or Safeties at the next level. Vision is secondary as the gap that the back is supposed to hit is more often pre-determined than teams who run more zone-schemes.
Receiving*: Backs who's skillset is best utilized on obvious passing downs who may lack the size or other traits to be consistently effective on traditional running plays.
*Note, backs who fall under Outside Zone, Inside Zone, or Power Run who would also fall under the "Receiving" scheme fit will be noted with a "+" next to their scheme fit to designate 3-down functionality.
Grading Scale
8.0 Perfect Prospect
7.5 Day 1 Perennial All-Pro
7.3 Day 1 High-End Starter And Likely All-Pro
7.0 Day 1 Quality Starter And Potential All-Pro
6.9 Day 1 Starter With All Pro Upside
6.7-6.8 Day 1 Starter With High-End Starter Upside
6.6 Day 1 Starter
6.5 Boom Or Bust
6.3-6.4 Likely Starter Within First Two Seasons
6.1-6.2 Day 1 Backup With Starter Upside
6.0 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer - Developmental Traits Based Prospect
5.9 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer / Role Player - High Floor, L imited Physical Upside
5.8 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer / Role Player - Low Floor, High Ceiling
5.7 Day 1 Backup / Special Teamer / Role Player - Limited Physical Upside
5.5-5.6 Day 1 Roster Bubble or Practice Squader
5.4 Priority Free Agent
5.0 Chance To Be In An NFL Camp
Under 5.0 Needs Time In A Developmental League

[@jevinwallace1878]

Hey TFG. Since your new rating scale, I think it would be insightful to see maybe like top 5 rated players at each position from the years that you’ve done this in the past. This would tell someone how the draft stacks up against past years potentially. Adds work for you, but I watch every minute of your content and would love to see more! Thanks!!

[@power-backinblack]

I've said this to so many of them and none listen.

[@power-backinblack]

Maybe he'll be the difference. Love his content

[@barbaraGobert31]

Yeah I'll say that, the ads don't really bother me on this channel

[@rhyseriffle36]

deuce vaughn needs more recognition tbh, i know he is VERY short but i can see him being extremely useful to a team like SF,Miami,KC or BUFF

[@tadschroeder5705]

Darren Sproles had same issue. Only played 10 years as one of the best total yards from scrimmage.

[@MykaV2]

It's batshit insane to me that people say Bijan isn't worth a first. Heard people say they would rather have an average tackle or edge than a Bijan, even if he becomes the best in the league. It's just gone too far with the RB hate

[@AdderallAscension]

You know ball. I will gladly take four years of most likely HoF back play over a project edge. Especially for win now teams that gamble with FA and guarenteed money anyways

[@austin.hook-em]

I feel you man, dealing with that in Chicago, buncha unga-bunga analytical nerds drooling over “value”. Which I can understand, to an extent, at 9. But at what point is the value of Bijan (an immediate Top5 RB), greater than the potential value at a position of need?

[@evanmasterpierround1169]

@@austin.hook-em Between Herbert, Foreman, and Homer, you want to add ANOTHER back instead of filling one of the dozen holes on the roster?

[@austin.hook-em]

@@evanmasterpierround1169 I didn’t say that. If they do go that route, personally, I’d be thrilled. But I’m not expecting them to do that, certainly not if they stay put at 9, that is. Trade down past eh… 15, and I might think it’s happening.

[@residentevilclone]

People are weird about running backs now.

[@ethanducharme2510]

Roschon Johnson would be talked about a lot more if it wasn’t for Bijan Robinson

[@AdderallAscension]

A pro bowler stuck behind a hall of famer

[@CharlieRogers50]

Roshon Johnson = Spencer Ware

[@michaelbeale559]

Why wouldn't he transfer being behind Bijan having such talent?

[@jaxonbosley6737]

@@michaelbeale559Roschon is an amazing person who didn’t run from obstacles. He was the undisputed leader of Texas. Everyone loves him he’s just an overall amazing guy.

[@anthonyhankes7599]

People don’t realize that he was a 4star QB before he switched positions and it def payed off

[@xboxbam3979]

Everyone fighting over Bijan and Gibbs, here I'd be delighted if Bengals grab Bijan's teammate, Roschon Johnson. The dude is a former QB, meaning he not only is good for short yardage RB play and pass-blocking, but he can add trick plays into the mix as well. I think he's a hidden gem in this RB class.

[@lucasford2330]

Thank You for the content man. Best draft content on KZbin by far.

[@lisag2684]

I love how thorough you evaluate these guys. Thank you. 👍 Happy draft!

[@Mike-Talks-Sports]

Loved watching Zach Charbonet at UCLA really reminds me of a higher upside James Conor

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

Totally see that.

[@gts1929]

He’s a beast man, he’s gonna be a great runningback in the league Guarantee

[@Smilodon_ex]

Bijan glad you showed him love he was great at UT dude definitely will be a top 5 back once he’s drafted he’s elite 💯

[@christhesavage4663]

My Boy Deuce Vaughn Is such a sleeper I Can’t Wait to See Him In the league😈

[@meatazzsandwich]

I totally agree. He's tiny and hits the hole quick. A true homerun hitter and a guy that will make some big plays. I love Keaton Mitchell too.

[@ghastslayer0213]

Thanks for another amazing video Marcus!

[@bmcclure3atgatech]

Just found the channel and love it. Great job on all the videos

[@David-eh3ht]

As a chargers fan been saying Bijan is LT 2.0 I hope he somehow gets to us

[@jonathanleshko]

y'all have eklar

[@Fau1ted]

@@jonathanleshko No they don't Ekeler wants out.

[@mdandrews]

I think Achane will surprise people with how tough he can be

[@mustbemeech]

Dude is fast

[@iggles6954]

Im a little shocked that deuce vaughn isnt on this list. I get his height is an issue, but he does have that low center of power to help fight through tackles.

[@starwarsjunkie7777]

Deuce Vaughn is a threat, and a very underrated one. His tape is incredible. Somebody can sign him as an undrafted rookie and will get tons of value for cheap.

[@meatazzsandwich]

@@starwarsjunkie7777 no chance he goes undrafted.

[@mosespf]

Keaton Mitchell is a speedster as well, reminds me of Pierre Strong or Sincere McCormick last year

[@meatazzsandwich]

He may be undersized and might not be able to run it 20x a game, but if Im a GM, Im looking at Keaton Mitchell or Deuce Vaughn in round 5. Theses 2 are quick to the hole and both are homerun hitters.

[@ddanny525]

Thanks for this! 👍

[@Surberus_]

As always thanks for the spicy content! 🙏🏻

[@dannyreynolds4215]

Nice work!

[@mr.irrelevent8956]

Just finished writing a final paper for one my classes, i needed this

[@nancydoerfler6686]

Achane on San Francisco would be unreal. That wide zone scheme with his speed would be crazy.

[@toddvassilev3208]

My comp for him is Tevin Coleman. Blistering speed without much wiggle. Ran really well in Shanny’s scheme in ATL and in San Fran.

[@SeahawkAz]

I see Achane going to Miami. They like the 1 cut back with speed

[@te5220]

@@toddvassilev3208 honestly, that’s a great comp that I haven’t heard yet

[@keg73]

Dri Archer 2.0

[@iamlegend5373]

they got him!

[@mayitakeyourhatsir8632]

Man I'd never heard of McBride before this but those were some ridiculous highlight runs, those were some real "Fuck you" runs which I always love to see

[@parrits]

I think the fact that Bijan falling out of the 5 is insane but I know it’s going to happen it blows my mind

[@noaho896]

I have the 1.01 in my dynasty rookie draft this year and could not be more hyped

[@djmalone1583]

@That Franchise Guy Looking forward to your Top 10 Tight Ends in this years draft 😎

[@bornsinner7107]

Sean Tucker was in my graduating class in HS cool to see him doing well and make this list

[@chasekellerjournalism]

We’ve got the same top five! Great video once again🤝

[@weshaunsewell6102]

I'm late watching this but as a die hard football fan and a former RB u have the best info on draft prospects I'm definitely watching your videos

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

Welcome aboard!

[@ironfistalexander3246]

D’Onta Foreman for Roshan Johnson is an interesting comp since he just went to the Bears

[@Big_Friendly]

As a Vikings fan, listening to the description of Achane brought me back 20 years to when we drafted Micheal Bennett.

[@MrCashewkitty]

Great seeing you on HBTC the other night!

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

Was a great conversation!

[@trisoman]

This is the 2nd time in 2 days that I've seen Roschon mentioned in top 10 by analysts I trust, the other being on Ryan Wilson's pod. Definitely someone on my radar now!

[@juanpabloalegrenava8946]

Hey TFG I really like your content, im curious where does Deuce Vaughn stands on your rankings?

[@christhesavage4663]

Whoever Gets Him Is Getting A Steal IMO if He Was 5’10 220 He’d Be A First Round, Early 2nd Round Pick

[@joehebert789]

I guess I am on the right track at RB as 9 of my top 10 are here with no ranking more than 3 spots different from TFG. Thanks for everything you do, TFG.

[@lucianoduffy5555]

I love when one of my favorite KZbinrs shouts out another. C4 and franchise guy are the best.

[@consciousm1nd]

Glaring issue is not having Deuce Vaughn top 10. Sure he’s not the biggest but he’s DYNAMIC with the ball. Good hands, vision, and plenty speed. Not the best pass blocker but man he does everything else.

[@greglitrell7097]

Good to know considering he went to Dallas

[@AtlasAdvice254]

Thank you for setting the record straight about Bijan…I’ve been hearing way too many people saying he’s overrated and that Gibbs is the best back in this class…but anybody who watches this kid knows they’re watching someone legendary in the making

[@stevemorris2364]

I'm here in spring of 2024 to see how you ranked the RBs because I liked your video on the 2024 class. Great call on Achane. Hit the nail on the head man. GJ

[@christophervecchio2925]

So glad Spears is getting the recognition now, he absolutely torched USC in the Cotton Bowl

[@patricmartin2953]

I watched some highlights on miller from TCU. Like the way that kid runs the ball

[@hawkeyesblue9254]

Let's go...can't wait to see bijan in the nfl

[@marcusdarden1535]

I'm on board with your analyses 💯 Charbonnet is a poor man's Nick Chubb; I'd like him or (as you mentioned for a Dobbins comp, McBride) at Baltimore...

[@booker4984]

Rochon looks a lot like a slightly lower upside Brian Robinson. Which can be really good

[@marshmelloman87]

Devon Achane = 2001 Michael Bennett, track star turned running back, he had some big home run TD runs for the Vikings, but ultimately his straight line speed wasn’t able to translate to the NFL game with out that ability to make guys miss.

[@brendodeanso4506]

Very curious what your thoughts on Tank Bigsby are. I see him as a top 5 back and would love if Baltimore could snag him in the 3rd or 4th

[@michaelshan22]

Yea same, was genuniely surprised that Marcus didn't have him on the list. I loved Tank Bigsby's vision and balance on tape and thought he was easily RB4 at least. Maybe it's the limited athleticism?

[@lukeshieldsnature]

@@michaelshan22 Rb7

[@cowgirlqueen2636]

This running back class is insane

[@bryceisnice6]

Been waiting on this bruh, just started the video and was almost sure u we’re gonna say deuce Vaughn for no 10 but Johnson is much deserving of the spot. Also great content my guy !

[@titkvenderc5325]

elite content

[@patrickpittman538]

I love Charbonnet, he runs ANGRY. I don't generally like to watch RB tape but man his was fun

[@alextracy9136]

I saw a little bit of Dri Archer in Devon Achane

[@shaunjackson5365]

Thank you to the breakdown on Bijan. People thought I was crazy for saying I would take him if I’m the Bears at 9. This guy is a potential HOFer. No joke. I’ll continue to advocate for Bijan to the Bears

[@dark8prince201]

He would make the Bears offense that much dangerous with him and Justin Fields in the same backfield. Running backs are undervalued because it's a deep running back class. Quarterbacks are overvalued because it's only like a legit 3 or 4 quarterbacks in this draft class.

[@shaunjackson5365]

@@dark8prince201 THANK YOU!!! My exact thoughts it would make what Justin Fields is good at even more dangerous. Damn near unstoppable

[@joehebert789]

Herbert is a quality RB.

[@austin.hook-em]

@@joehebert789 yeah, but doubt he’ll ever be a RB1

[@joehebert789]

@@austin.hook-em He was hitting certain metrics last season on a per carry basis that suggested he can be a fantasy RB1 if given the volume to support that.

[@cdj4456]

That Roschon Johnson description sounds exactly like what Samaje Perine became in Cincinnati.

[@meatazzsandwich]

Johnson is a lot faster than Perine. Perine is a sled

[@aboi7554]

I will be drafting Bijan in fantasy football, cool video

[@Punisher5FDP]

Tyjae Spears at 3 is crazyyyyy.

[@silasmcdonald8531]

Best draft analyst in the game 🙏

[@snagtoomuch8949]

W Friday night upload.

[@FantasyYeet]

Give him the thumbs up and likes! Dude pushes out quality content for free. When I win the DFS million ill send some your way my dude. Right now im Broke AF!

[@fernandoortiz-robles8771]

I'd like to see Bijan in B more with Lamar

[@noland7827]

pls no they need WR lol

[@ChumblesMumbles]

with Bijan and how de-valued RB's have become these days, the truly scary prospect is that he'll fall to an actual contender and what that might turn them into. The goddamn eagles are picking at 10 and he might very well be there for them - they were just in the Superbowl!

[@josephstaubin3839]

Hey TFG, any opinion on Zach Evans? He seems to be one of the more polarizing RBs in this draft, some people have him as high as 2, and others aren’t so high on him. The athleticism seems to be there for sure, any specific reason why he didn’t crack your top 10?

[@Stjimmydude88]

He has really bad vision

[@meatazzsandwich]

The guy is electric. He probably didn't list him in his top 10 for 2 reasons. I have him 2 or 3. 1. He came to the Combine 10 lbs lighter. 2. He didn't run the 40 either.

[@Theplayers_club]

I wish you added something to your thumbnails to identify them as yours and different from the rest, I really like your reviews

[@4thNebula]

GB drafts Darnell Wright 1st for RT, Darnell Washington TE 2nd for in-line TE and Tyjae Spears 3rd along with Aaron Jones in 112 personnel to the right. Can't wait to see it.

[@austinrathbun5051]

Would you say Roschon Johnson is a good comparison to what Zeke currently is with a little bit more juice (Speed, Ability to break tackles) ?

[@aaronchapman3]

I know you're not asking me but I absolutely see it, including in pass pro

[@dsbeats5657]

Right now he’s a lot better and also, he doesn’t have nearly as much tread on the tires, and he was literally a back up of which means he’s gonna be pretty fresh going into his first season while Elliott he was rushing for almost 4000 yards in three years in college so yeah I think he would be a perfect complement to Tony Pollard

[@austinrathbun5051]

@@dsbeats5657I agree Zeke coming out was different but current Zeke like you said has no tread left on his tires and this is coming from probably the biggest Zeke fan out there. I would like to see him with the cowboys.

[@t0nka3]

spears was a key piece in tulane cracking top 10 last season

[@thomasgrimes8091]

As a GB fan I love Bothof the AJs but Aaron had a lot of fumbles over the past 2 years and I get the feeling that AJ is not a main back once Aaron ages out. Is this year a good crop to find a replacement to groom?

[@someguycp]

First, like how Bijan should be drafted in this RB class

[@amarevanhook7453]

W

[@Underdog_Sounds]

Uhhhhh question as an ou fan... Where do you have eric gray? Look at what he had to work with. My pro comps maybe lesean mccoy with the vision and cut back ability. Shows elusiveness and his top end speed is just good enough. If hes not top 10 or top 15 idk...

[@dsbeats5657]

Honestly, I would love for the Cowboys to draft Roschon Johnson in the fourth or third round be a perfect complement to Tony Pollard doesn’t have a a lot of wear and tear also would be pretty much what Ezekiel Elliott did in which was short yardage, goal, line and first down type of stuff

[@meatazzsandwich]

I know the Bills like him

[@Arman_Peters]

Sean Tucker reminds me so much of Khalil Herbert coming out.

[@jakaroriseh426]

Bijan is insane

[@PACMAN5987]

I would love if the panthers were able to get roschon in the 4 to compliment sanders

[@noahrahimi6689]

Babe wake up TFG posted again

[@frankhax23]

Kendre Miller - TCU…. What are your thoughts on him and why is he not in your list of top 5 RBs?

[@Deyvids_nfl_cards]

What you think about kendre Miller?

[@scouttizzy5981]

What about for a comp on achane is mostert? Very similar build and run style with very quick acceleration and straight line speed, but virtually no after contact ability

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

Mostert is a lot bigger.

[@akiyahwilliams9521]

Charbonet reminds me of Jamal Williams with little more speed

[@lanesansom9209]

LETS GO!!!

[@Coldestaevadoit]

I love the bijon LT comp but I don’t see the same high end speed as LT but everything else is comparable

[@JeezyIV]

Started watching zach charbonnet. Would love him next to pollard as an elite 1, 2 punch

[@cowgirlqueen2636]

Are you doing a madden class?

[@cameronfisher3712]

If Marcus doesn't make a kickers and long snapper ranking we riot

[@ethanducharme2510]

Sean Tucker reminds me of CJ Anderson

[@michaelscalzo6716]

Hoping the cardinals can hit on Devon Achane we need higher upside at the running back position

[@peoplepowell8737]

Anybody that watched even a game of Texas highlights, Rochon stood out even as RB2

[@westphal3887]

Would love to see Roschon Johnson in the 3rd for the Seahawks behind Kenneth Walker.

[@Cfbguy03]

Let’s fucking go!!!

[@jagirjohal3597]

I feel like for running backs burst is definitely something you should have in Athletic tools

[@coolcorman1091]

Is that not acceleration?

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

It is 👆

[@jagirjohal3597]

@@ThatFranchiseGuy 🫡

[@user-fy3pb7yn5l]

What do you think of Marshall University Rasmussen Ali..??

[@karsonbynum8235]

I’m just curious, are you basing these off of the most recent season or is this based off the course of their college career?

[@te5220]

Love love love spears and charbonnet

[@ethanducharme2510]

Dewayne McBride finally gets the respect he deserves

[@shawnjohnson8675]

Love that guy. Hope the Giants take him.

[@chrislangstaff]

After your recent takes on Rodgers/Gute situation I'm not sure how much I should trust your analysis but here I am watching anyways lol

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

Either way, hope Gute doesn't fumble this offseason like he has recent ones.

[@chrislangstaff]

@@ThatFranchiseGuy As long as he drafts Darnell Washington I'll be happy, so of course he won't!

[@felixlara2945]

How long do you think it'll be before we see another Darren sproles, Cohen was close but only for like 2 seasons

[@vodo1983]

Wow this is a stacked class. Thought for sure Mohamed Ibrahim would've cracked the top 10. I know it's not all stats but 1665 yards, 5.2 ypa, and 20 TD's all on the ground for an underwhelming Minnesota squad is incredible. Also was curious how you'd rate Bijan compared to Breece Hall last season as a prospect. Looks like Bijan wins with that LT comp. Keep up the excellent content!

[@ThatFranchiseGuy]

So sad he didn't make it for me injuries have to be considered with him, unfortunately

[@meatazzsandwich]

He's too slow

[@wyatttervy9990]

I like Kenny McIntosh out of Georgia, he’s got a strong lower half, can make defenders miss, on the bigger side of RB’s and has more experience against better defences

[@macjones3158]

Could CJ Spiller be a good comp for Achane?

[@lukeshieldsnature]

Roschon Johnson future seattle seahawk hopefully

[@weshaunsewell6102]

Btw im one of the biggest seahawk fans alive that helmet and the signed Dk jersey are 🔥

[@3pointstance484]

Which of these RBs will the niners draft in the 3rd round this year🤔

[@FoxDieSolid508]

I believe Tucker is the second best all around back in this Draft. This guy severely underrated his speed. I think Tucker is being slept on currently because he didn’t participate in the Combine. I imagine after his pro day next week his draft stock will take off. Also Syracuse changed their scheme this year and we’re more pass heavy and pass efficient leading to a drop in Tuckers production. He’ll end up being one of the major steals of this draft.