Six Running Backs we like in the 2023 NFL Draft
By Brandon Lane
BIJAN ROBINSON
TEXAS (JR), RB
A generational talent with a three down skill-set, who showcases speed, athleticism, and power while running great routes with excellent hands. A three year starter at Texas who produced instantly averaging 8.2 ypc his freshman year. In his final season with the Longhorns he carried the rock 258 times for 1,580 rushing yards and 18 TDs while compiling an additional 2 TDs via the air. Robinson was the winner of the Doak Walker Award and received first-team Associated Press All-American honors. There isn’t much not to like about this talented player who should become a workhorse back in the NFL. He will undoubtedly be the first back off the board and should be selected in the mid-to-back end of round 1 of this years NFL Draft.
Pluses:
• Three-down back with excellent speed (4.46 40-yard dash)
• Athletic runner with good pad level and contact balance
• Good hands and route runner
• Great decision maker
Concerns:
- Room to improve in pass-pro situations
ZACH CHARBONNET
UCLA (SR), RB
A top recruit coming out of high school Charbonnet began his college career at Michigan where, in his first season, he ran for a team-high 726 yards and setting a school record with 11 TDs. After a down sophomore season he made the decision to transfer to UCLA in 2021. The decision payed off and he carried the rock 203 times for 1,137 yards and 13 TDs. That success continued into 2022 when he rushed 195 times for 1,359 yards (7.0 ypc) and 14 TDs (injury caused him to miss three games). He also showcased his abilities in the passing game catching 37 passes for 320 yards. Has the size and talent to be a starter in the NFL and is our number two ranked back in this years draft class.
Pluses:
• Tackle breaking big back
• Patient zone runner
• Maintains power after contact
• Good hand-eye coordination
Concerns:
• Room to refine pass catching skill-set
• Short yardage pad level needs work
• Takes time to get to speed
TYJAE SPEARS
TULANE (rJR), RB
Spears broke out in 2022 rushing 229 times for 1,581 yards and 19 touchdowns. He also excelled via the air hauling in 22 balls for 256 yards and two more scores. Those eye-popping stats earned Spears the American Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year Award. He topped off his collegiate career going absolutely berserk at the 2022 Cotton Bowl rushing 17 times for 205 yards and four TDs, taking home the Cotton Bowl MVP. He continued his impressive ways at this year’s senior bowl where I got to see first hand what he could do and he absolutely dominated the practice sessions. While opportunity lacked during the actual Senior Bowl game the practice sessions left a burning impression in my head and skyrocketed him up the big board. Given the right landing spot this talented underdog could be an NFL star in the making.
Pluses:
• Instinctive runner who is elite in the open-field
• Excellent receiving skill-set, excels in space
• Good pad level and finishes runs with power
Concerns:
• Injury concerns (knee)
• Size may be better suited for a complementary back
• Needs to improve blocking technique
JAHMYR GIBBS
ALABAMA (JR), RB
Gibbs attended Georgia Tech for his first two seasons before transferring to Alabama in 2022. He made an immediate impact with the Crimson Tide starting 11-of-12 games, rushing 151 times for 926 yards, and pouring in seven TDs. He padded those numbers via the air catching 44 balls for 444 yards and three more TDs. Those numbers earned him second-team All-SEC and third-team Associated Press All-American honors. Due to his size he will likely be a complimentary back in the NFL but his hands, speed and route running abilities will be an asset to whichever team drafts him. He is likely to be one of the top 3 backs off the board in this years draft.
Pluses:
• Speed and acceleration (4.36 40-yard dash)
• Excellent route runner
• Great hands
• Elusive in space
• Proficient runner with good wiggle
Concerns:
• Size could relegate him to timeshare duties in the NFL
• Lacks power upon contact
• Needs to improve blocking skillset
KENDRE MILLER
TCU (JR), RB
Making the transition from high school quarterback to running back at TCU Miller slotted in behind teammate Zach Evans. It wasn’t until Evans transfered to Ole Miss in 2022 that Miller took over as starter for the Horned Frogs rushing 224 times for 1399 yards and 17 touchdowns. His season was rewarded by taking home first-team All-Big 12 honors and being named a semifinalist for the Doak Walker Award. We expect Miller to be a top 5 back off the board in this year’s NFL Draft.
Pluses:
• Explosive runner with good size
• Excellent acceleration
• Smooth
Concerns:
• Upright style and pad level could be an issue at the next level
• Wasn’t asked to catch passes but the ability is there
• Needs work on route running
• Needs to work on pass-protection
ZACH EVANS
OLE MISS (JR), RB
A five-star recruit Evans signed and played two season with TCU. In his sophomore year he rushing 92 times for 648 yards and 5 TDs (missing six games due to injury). In 2022 he transfered to Ole Miss where he rushed 144 times for 936 yards scoring nine touchdowns (missing games with a hip injury and concussion). While Evans isn’t a burner his vision and decisiveness allow him to consistently win. Off-field issues are a concern but with plenty of tread left on the tires (under 300 collegiate carries) some NFL franchise could end up with an elite talent in this year’s draft.
Pluses:
• Tackle breaker
• Excellent vision
• Good size to carry the load
Concerns:
• Fumbles
• Off-field issues
• Injury concern
