DRAFT TRACKER 2023

Full-menu back blending a smorgasbord of position-specific traits that allow him to affect games. Robinson is well-built with a compact lower half and pairs a low center of gravity with agile feet. There are elements of both fight and flight in his running style, but defenders can never be quite sure what they are going to get. He’s a capable inside/outside runner with unique footwork to stack moves and reset pathways, but can plow into tacklers at a moment’s notice using elite contact balance to keep the run rolling. He might need to dial back efforts to search out big runs so frequently and take what is there a little more often to keep from getting bogged down. His pass-catching talent ensures the opportunity for Robinson to see a high number of touches. He has a chance to become one of the more productive runners in the league very quickly.

While Gibbs might not be the engine of an NFL running game, he’s more than capable of adding juice to the offense. He’s a slasher who can stretch defenses wide, and he has the wiggle to elude tacklers in space. However, he could see his effectiveness diminished inside. Gibbs might be better off with a more measured carry count as an RB2, but his versatility and pass-catching prowess will give creative play-callers an opportunity to exploit certain personnel groupings and find mismatches in space.

Evans’ career average of 6.9 yards per carry demonstrates his home run ability, but nagging injuries have limited him in the last two seasons. Teams will need to examine his injury history and determine whether it’s a concern for them or not. He has lead back size and impresses with his willingness to fight through contact for additional yardage on most runs. His vision and creativity are average at best, but the talent/traits should put him in contention for early carries as a very good complementary back with future RB1 upside.

A zone-scheme runner with early down size, Abanikanda can be a bit inconsistent with his reads and tempo early in the run. However, he has plant-and-go agility and is able to snap off cuts at tight angles to elude short-area traffic when needed. He has terrific top-end speed to gash a poorly fitted run front, but he needs to run with better discipline and downhill decisiveness to stay ahead of NFL speed. Abanikanda isn't much of a third down option, but he does have the size and talent to compete for a RB2/3 slot early on with a chance to move up the depth chart in time.

Finding a player comparison for Achane is challenging because he has blazing speed and is fearless as an inside runner, but is very small by NFL standards. He has the creativity and burst to create chunk plays but durability concerns will likely limit the amount of carries a team is willing to give him. Achane can be a complementary slasher with the ability to mismatch coverage out of the backfield or from the slot. However, he’s simply too talented and explosive as a runner to be confined to gadget duty. History does not favor backs his size, but his playmaking potential could be too tough to pass up on Day 2 of the draft.

Upright runner with outstanding body composition and consecutive seasons of impressive production for the Bruins. Charbonnet is a bit of a long-strider with slightly below average foot quickness. He is much more effective when allowed to open up and build downhill momentum. He can slip tackles in the open field but lacks the first-level wiggle to get too cute. He’s inconsistent in processing defensive fronts quickly but can be a hammer into and through contact when he has a clear point of entry. Charbonnet is a talented third-down option as both a blocker and pass-catcher. He could be viewed as a Day 2 value with three-down potential.

Decisive, creative runner with the size and skill set for three-down consideration on the pro level. Gray won’t be a home run hitter in the open field, but his short-area burst and oily hips open access to the entire field, with cuts coming suddenly and at unpredictable angles. He’s a less powerful finisher than his size might indicate and needs to keep from spilling runs wide unnecessarily. He is a reliable threat out of the backfield with soft hands and a willingness to block. Gray has the potential to find work quickly as a three-down backup with future starter potential.

Spears has the size of a change-of-pace back, but he needs to play with more consistent explosiveness, as he’s unlikely to offer the versatility typically expected from a player in that role. He’s coming off an extremely productive and consistent season as Tulane’s RB1, though. He runs with good bend, average vision and the patience to use lead blockers to his advantage. Spears possesses modest creativity and power through the line of scrimmage but becomes more elusive once he’s up to the second level.

Productive runner with the physical/athletic attributes that could create an upward trajectory in the right situation. McBride is experienced and comfortable running in all blocking schemes. He’s smooth-hipped and runs with a good blend of shiftiness, and power. He would benefit from a quicker tempo and decisiveness inside. He must eliminate ball security issues or he could end up falling out of favor quickly. McBride’s lack of third down value could hurt his draft slotting, but his upside is worth a Day 3 selection.

Hard-hat running back who operated with toughness, vision and a feel for cut timing in the Minnesota inside/outside zone attack. Ibrahim’s decisiveness stands out, but he’s missing an elevated burst to clear second-level tacklers without taking bumps and bruises. He’s not going to run away from NFL defenders, so creativity will be important to keep runs alive. His injury history, paired with his combative running style, could be a concern for some teams, but his no-nonsense running approach and innate feel for the end zone will be easy for coaches to love.

Bigsby is an upright runner with a strong, angular frame. He runs with plus burst and can create yards even when the blocking is insufficient. Bigsby runs with a nice blend of elusiveness and power, and he can quickly process movements of the defense. Fumbling has been a concern in the past, and he might not be much help on third downs or special teams. His size, creativity and quickness could create an opportunity for teams to pair Bigsby with another back to form an effective tandem in a zone-scheme rushing attack.

Volume ball-carrier with a compact frame and high-end stamina to wear defenses down. Brown is less slasher than he is a between-the-tackles grinder. He needs to prove he can be an effective outside runner to help widen the field. He’s natural and agile as a one-cut runner and has the receiving talent to make plays out of the backfield. He’s a bit of a one-note runner but could compete for a three-down backup role with a limited ceiling.

The size and production will check important boxes, but Miller’s lack of tempo and explosiveness between the tackles could turn him into a grinder against the speed of NFL defenses. His restricted stride length provides greater control to cut early in the run, but it works against him when he needs to hit the gas and stride past linebackers. He has the size and strength to keep runs moving though contact, although he could be an even better run finisher. His third-down value is relatively low, so he will need to sell himself as an early down backup on the next level.

Compact, early down backup candidate with adequate size, good contact balance and instinctive features that create opportunities outside the blocking scheme. Tucker lacks the slashing qualities needed to speed through the line and past linebackers. However, he can navigate run lanes and has plenty of balance to keep the run moving after contact. He has lateral elusiveness and the build-up speed to outrun defenders in the open field. While he caught passes in the Syracuse offense, he lacks true third down talent.

Power back with bruising frame who fits the football cliche of “tough, smart and dependable.” Johnson isn’t overly creative and lacks the juice to hit quick-closing NFL holes. He needs it blocked up so he can get downhill and uncork his power on the second level. While his lack of suddenness makes him somewhat limited as a runner, he will be better at stuffing blitzers than many of the No. 3 backs currently in the league. Johnson might be fighting off competition every year in camp, but his toughness and four-phase special teams value could give him an advantage.

McIntosh is best suited for a complementary role that allows him to explore the flanks of the offense instead of trying to pound and create between the tackles. He lacks the vision to recognize and exploit opportunities quickly and the elusiveness to dart in and out of developing run lanes. He’s more than capable of finding big runs over the tackles and becomes a more physical finisher as the run progresses. McIntosh has excellent hands and the potential to mismatch coverages when isolated out of the backfield. He could become a RB2 with full-time third-down reps.

Small but speedy, Mitchell amassed over 2,900 scrimmage yards and 24 touchdowns over the last two seasons. He mashes the gas pedal and gets to top speed quickly. He can outflank defenses and chalk up a long run if defenses aren’t ready for him. However, he needs a clear point of entry inside and isn’t built to withstand the punishment that goes along with interior running in the NFL. Teams will need to have a plan for him, but he’s electric with the ball in his hands. His big-play potential could be hard to pass up for teams needing more juice.

Vaughn’s playing style is similar to that of former NFL running back Jacquizz Rodgers, but Rodgers was much heavier than Vaughn at a similar height. Despite the versatility, production and durability, teams might focus on his lack of size. However, he sees the field clearly, is fearless between the tackles, possesses quality contact balance and finds his way into the end zone as a runner and receiver. Vaughn has an uphill climb ahead of him, but his history of consistent, high-end production makes the climb to success seem achievable.

Rodriguez is a powerful runner, but he lacks the burst and creativity to become anything more than a downhill grinder. He has the size and mentality to do the dirty work between the tackles, but it could be a challenge for him to get to and through the hole quickly in the NFL. He’s a physical blitz protector, so teams might envision a role for him as a second-half battering ram and third-down quarterback protector.

Slashing runner who relies on his burst, wiggle and speed to stack up yardage and touchdowns. McLaughlin looks to run to daylight, but he has a hard time trusting the play development if he doesn’t see a clear point of entry. He has a plus burst and the speed to get past the second level or make a dash for it wide. He won’t be able to handle pass protection on third downs but does have talent as a receiver out of the backfield. McLaughlin can compete for a role as a change-of-pace option for teams looking to add a dual-threat back.

Thompson possesses several pieces of the puzzle, but they fail to create a consistent product on the field. He’s tough and strong, but he would benefit from a more aggressive approach. Indecisiveness and dancing will cost him yardage against faster, more talented fronts in the NFL. He’ll likely need to show he can get downhill and utilize his power to finish if he’s going to stick on an NFL roster. Thompson has limited special teams experience, but he has the demeanor to contribute via that phase of the game. If he can test well, the measurables and ability to play on multiple downs could give him an advantage in a battle for a roster spot.

Compact, muscular runner with below-average explosiveness but decent downhill power. Hull’s lack of suddenness and foot quickness to quickly get in and out of cuts allows defenders to track him down. He needs to play with as much downhill movement as possible, so he will need a quality offensive line in front of him to succeed. He’s a very capable route-runner and pass-catcher but he needs to improve in pass protection for consideration as a third-down option. Hull might need the perfect team fit to stick around on a roster long-term.

Well-schooled zone-scheme back with good size but ordinary skills at the position. It’s commendable that he keeps runs on track and is willing to trust his line, but the game film shows a lack of creativity and escapability. With little production as a pass-catcher, Peoples will need to run with better bend and become a more aggressive run finisher to compete for a roster spot as a pro.

Low-cut back with a muscular frame and an unpolished running style. Evans is ready to charge ahead and find the action on every snap, but he needs to run with better tempo and patience to allow his blocks to develop. He has sudden feet and good burst as both an inside and outside runner. He also has the contact balance to keep runs alive. His vision and feel for setting up blocks isn’t great, though. Evans’ lack of third down value and special teams experience will make it more challenging for him to earn a RB3 spot.

Instinctive runner with modest size who finds ways to squeeze the most he can out of almost every run. Dye runs with the pace, vision and change-of-direction talent to dart through run lanes and he resets his travel plans according to the flow of the defense. He’s efficient but lacked functional speed and explosiveness in his pro-day testing. Dye's third-down value helps his chances, but he might have to fight for a spot as an undrafted free agent.

Prince has the size and power to capture the attention of evaluators, but he needs to run like a power back on a more frequent basis. He runs with average vision and below-average burst, so becoming a decisive downhill back will be critical if he’s going to have a chance to make it on the next level.

Demercado is a well-built runner who plays with good balance through contact. He has the ability to finish with forward lean. His vision and operation time are just average, which limits his ability to rip off chunk runs, but he does a nice job of getting what is there. His kick-return experience and third-down potential could give him a slight advantage if he goes head-to-head for the RB4 spot on a roster.

Mims runs with solid vision and good toughness to find yardage that is on the field for him. He can make a defender miss in space, but he doesn’t possess the sudden acceleration to blaze through the line of scrimmage or stack multiple cuts and keep runs going without tacklers finding him. He has some talent as an interior runner but needs to pick up the pace and become a little more decisive early on. He has some pass protection ability but might not catch the ball well enough for third-down consideration, which could hurt his chances of making a team.

Early down back with good size and power. Nichols runs with solid vision and the ability to create yardage after contact, but he needs room to gain momentum and doesn’t have the wiggle to create for himself if the blocking falters. He’s smooth in his cuts, but he lacks the suddenness and play speed to stay a step ahead of NFL defenders. Nichols has an outside chance of making an NFL roster.

Hall runs with good physicality and has an explosive burst. He doesn’t create with his vision, but he can gather additional yardage with athleticism and contact toughness. His poor pass protection on tape will work against him, though. Hall will be a long shot to make a team, but his pro day testing and flashes on tape could earn him a camp opportunity.

Swen has offered steady rush production for Wyoming over the last two seasons despite possessing average size and play speed. He runs with patience and has the foot quickness to find his cuts quickly, but he needs to change his tempo more frequently to keep linebackers guessing. He’s a tough runner but doesn’t have the frame or power to batter NFL tacklers. Swen has attributes to work with, but a lack of third-down talent could make it tough for him to stick on a roster.

Valladay runs a little bigger than his measured size, thanks to his decisive mindset and his acceleration into contact. He will get what is blocked and keep the play on the designed track, but he doesn’t have the change of direction or instincts to create for himself when it’s not blocked up. Valladay is competitive and productive, but he fails to stand out in any single area.

The size and athletic markers are in place to garner some excitement from NFL evaluators, but the tape simply doesn’t sparkle enough. Brooks is at his best playing downhill for an inside/outside zone concept. He has enough vision and burst to get what is blocked and will run through arm tackles, but he’s not a physical back by nature and doesn’t create enough with power. Brooks is capable as a receiver out of the backfield but needs to prove to teams that he can take on pass protection duties to compete for third-down reps. He should find a camp opportunity as an undrafted free agent.

Wilson’s size and burst are NFL-caliber and worth keeping an eye on if he makes it into camp as a priority free agent. He was a productive Division II running back, but he will need to run with better decisiveness and be more aggressive as a run-finisher.

Borguet is compactly built with a powerful base and an ability to power through arm tackles. While he displays pretty good vision and can get to his cuts once he’s past the line of scrimmage, a lack of suddenness and excessive dancing is likely to work against him versus NFL speed.

Highly productive zone-scheme runner lacking the desired burst to consistently slip through tighter run creases in the league. Cole sees it fairly clearly, but he can be too patient at times. It will be a challenge for him to make a roster.

Bruising downhill runner with size and power but limitations in what he can be asked to do. While he creates yardage after contact, he doesn’t have the short-area burst or change of direction needed to attack more restrictive fronts on the NFL level. Thomas is a momentum runner who needs to keep his feet moving forward, so inside/outside zone schemes might give him the best chance to make it.