DRAFT TRACKER 2024

The comparison of Brooks to former Longhorn Jamaal Charles might feel lazy to some, but he has similar size and traits as a runner. Brooks' limited collegiate carries could be seen as a balancing agent against the fact he's coming off an ACL tear. He's agile and smooth working from cut to cut and is likely to improve his feel for reading blocks and setting up defenders as he gains experience. Brooks has the wiggle and know-how to create yardage in tight quarters or in space but is efficient finishing runs when it's time. He has good burst but can be a little hesitant to punch the gas between the tackles until he sees clear points of entry, and he isn't a physical run finisher. Brooks is a runner on an upward trajectory. He's a good pass catcher with three-down potential who should fit nicely as an early starter for zone-heavy teams.

Explosive back with good size and breakaway speed. Wright’s running style is more linear than free-flowing, which limits his cut smoothness and elusiveness on the second level. His vision and aggression as an interior runner are just average, but that won’t stop him from putting yards on the stat sheet. He regularly bounced runs wide and beat the pursuit around the corner, so a move to a stretch-based running attack would be a natural fit, allowing his speed to shine. He’s capable of running with power, but he will default into finesse at times. Wright’s big-play potential and talent as a pass catcher should make him a Day 2 target as a future starter.

Big back who might need to table his desires to be an elusive runner and adopt a more physical, decisive approach as a pro. Benson had just two seasons of collegiate wear and tear, but he only hit the 20-carry mark in one game. He runs with good knee-bend, agility and contact balance but takes too long to process the front and hit holes between the tackles. He has creative athleticism but lacks creative vision, so he would be wise to keep more runs on track and finish with consistent authority rather than searching for greener grass. Benson has some talent as a pass catcher and enough protection ability to warrant a role as a complementary three-down option.

Lloyd's flashes on tape could lead a team to envision a more expansive role for him in its offense, but based on his play, he feels more like a good complementary option with big-play potential. Frankly, some of his South Carolina tape from 2022 felt more exciting than his 2023 USC film, despite the higher yardage-per-carry mark in 2023. While he ran with improved patience and set up blockers more diligently in '23, he ran with a greater sense of urgency the year prior and proved he could create explosive plays without as much help from his offensive line. Lloyd runs with slightly below-average vision but has the juice to play the role of "chunk-play slasher" and dangerous open-field pass catcher. Lloyd is a low-mileage prospect, and the scope of his role will obviously depend on scheme fit.

Tracy was a full-time running back for only one year but had exciting flashes all over his tape. He’s a bendy, rhythmic runner who sees and traverses the interior run lanes like he built the maze. He creates additional yardage with a blend of elusiveness, power and a willful desire to maximize each run, but he will need to curb his eagerness to bounce runs wide when it’s time to finish and move to the next snap. While he’s still honing his skills as a runner, his ability to handle gadget runs and threaten linebackers out of the backfield could get him on the field early on. Tracy will be an older rookie, but his versatility and burgeoning talent as a complementary runner should open evaluators’ eyes to what he could become as a pro.

Three-down back with adequate blend of toughness between the tackles and production out of the backfield. Davis can be a tad indecisive at times but did a much better job of toggling between urgent and patient in his lone season at Kentucky. The vision is fairly average, and he's not going to scare NFL defenses with his speed, but he does alter his pacing to create openings, and he'll finish with some thud behind his pads. Ultimately, he'll need to step up his pass protection to be trusted as a third-down option. Davis' compact frame, toughness and ability to catch the football could make him a middle-round option as a three-down backup with the ability to play a larger role in time.

Versatile running back with talent as a runner, receiver and kick returner. Shipley possesses early speed, allowing him to whip through creases and outrun linebackers to the corner. He’s a flexible runner who reads up to the linebackers and curates his runs with a feel for both defensive positioning and run lane development. He can balance through contact but is unlikely to move NFL piles. Shipley does a nice job of setting up opponents from anywhere on the field and has the agility to hop and hurdle over bodies. He’s not a workhorse and still has work to do in order to solidify himself as a third-down option, but the athletic talent and skill level could create an early pathway into a spot as a productive RB2.

Compact runner with average size, outstanding contact balance and a rare talent for finding and fitting into small crevices for short-yardage conversions and touchdowns. Corum is a bit of a one-speed runner lacking sizzle and wiggle but gets it downhill with timing and finishes runs with good forward lean. He has the hard-hat mentality to handle heavy workloads and can exploit defenses that fatigue or miss their run fits. The talent doesn't stand out on its own, but he's strong, competitive and team-oriented with exceptional football character. He can catch it when needed and is above average in picking up the blitz, which could earn him status as a three-down backup with a chance to find early carries as an RB2/3.

The transfer out of Wisconsin is an ascending running back prospect who was finally able to get enough carries to show what he's capable of. Guerendo is built like a prototypical Badger runner, with a thick, well-proportioned frame. He was a much more decisive runner in 2023, but his cut-and-go burst is fairly average. He's not sudden but runs with appropriate elusiveness, using subtle side-steps to continue the run's downhill momentum. He can catch it out of the backfield and protect his quarterback, making him a suitable three-down backup. Guerendo's size, skill set and demeanor are built for an NFL workload, and he could sneak into a bigger role in the future if he continues to progress.

Allen's splashy entry into college football had evaluators excited about what the end product might look like, but now there are more questions than answers. Allen has rare size on an imposing frame, and his production is nothing to scoff at. Evaluators will need to rely more heavily on his 2022 tape, where he ran with better decisiveness and instincts in a pro-style running attack. He's built to be a banger but needs to embrace a consistently physical style, as he lacks the footwork and hips to elude defenders with finesse. Allen will compete for a role as a two-down backup but could bolster his chances for success if he plays at a lighter weight, to improve his quickness.

Thickly muscled runner capable of wearing out defenses through a heavier workload. There were times Estimé played too slowly when forced to process moving pieces up front, but he showed a greater willingness to cut it loose as the season progressed. He’s naturally powerful with adequate foot agility. Estimé doesn’t have the bend to be a one-cut runner but can make reactive cuts to sudden tacklers near the line of scrimmage. If he can hit the gas with a heavier foot, he’ll continue to break tackles and maximize yardage after contact. He’s a better weapon out of the backfield than he might get credit for being, and he could check into the league as part of a two-headed running attack with the ability to shine near the goal line.

Brinks-truck runner with the size and power to collide through first contact and create additional yards. Davis is a naturally physical player due to his size but also possesses the bend and footwork to create alternate pathways when needed. He will need to ramp up his decisiveness and hit holes more quickly to thrive through the step up in competition. Davis has limited speed to widen NFL defenses and will need to run with more downhill focus. He has the potential to play all three downs and should be in consideration in the middle rounds.

Do-it-all small-school prospect with versatility and production that could create a roster advantage for him in the future. Laube's pro potential will likely be tied to how a team uses him. While he can be an efficient zone-scheme runner, he lacks the sudden burst and elusiveness needed as a pro. However, he's a very capable pass-catcher with the ability to run a variety of routes out of the backfield or from the slot. While Laube won't blow NFL teams away as a runner, his potential to return kicks and compete for a role on third downs should give him a leg up in a battle for a roster spot.

Ali's tape is a fun watch. He's a loose-limbed runner with a blend of instincts and agility that create an admirable rate of consistency relative to the inconsistency of the blocking in front of him. He does a nice job of reading his blocks and shifting speeds to get where he needs to go, but his wiggle and run strength are just average by NFL standards. Ali doesn't appear to have enough acceleration or speed to rush away from speedy defenders, but he is a natural one-cut back. His touchdown production and third-down ability could improve his chances of finding work as an RB3.

Decisive runner with good size and power but a limited ceiling. Holani is disciplined to keep runs on track and is a classic one-cutter able to stick his foot in the ground and take it downhill with crisp cuts. He lacks the burst to beat arm tacklers through the line of scrimmage and is too linear to jump-cut his way around sudden tacklers in the hole or in space. He runs with contact balance and falls forward through contact. Holani's productivity has been solid when he's been on the field, but durability appears to be a legitimate concern, based upon his injury history.

Robinson could be in a tough spot, as he will likely need to prove to teams that he can help in multiple areas in order to make a roster. He's a bendy runner with easy agility when the ball is in his hands. He might be considered too small to handle a backup role, and teams might question whether he has the physical traits for versatility on special teams. However, he's good at what he does, which is eluding tacklers in space and creating opportunities as a pass catcher and kick returner. He's talented, but might have a difficult task convincing teams that he can handle a variety of roles.

Steady three-down running back with the size and skill set that should create a roster opportunity for him. McClellan lacks explosiveness but gets it done with above-average vision and know-how. He's quick to process his lane choice and smooth getting from cut to cut. He has good-not-great burst and appears to be better suited for gap and inside-zone runs. He runs with excellent pad level and loose hips, creating impressive contact balance to extend runs through contact. The numbers don't shine in the passing game, but he's very capable of handling all aspects of third-down football. He's an instinctive runner with three-down talent who could end up outplaying his draft slotting on the right team.

Milton is a classic workhorse runner who landed on a loaded team that rarely asked him to handle a workhorse load. He's big and physical and does his job as a downhill back. He doesn't have a second gear to outrun speedy linebackers and creates his yardage with force over finesse. Milton offers a fall-forward running style that will benefit a team looking for a backup who can win on short-yardage carries. He's done very little receiving out of the backfield, so he will need to prove himself in that area. At worst, Milton should offer good Day 3 value as a professional runner with size, vision and toughness.

Short back with muscular lower body who might possess the skill set to compete for a future three-down role. Bailey is a decisive runner with the vision and burst to choose correct pathways and turn runs into chunk plays. While he can be fairly elusive, he's not a loose-hipped creator in space and doesn't appear to have a home-run gear with which to run away from the defense. He's more capable than most prospects as a pass protector and adds value as a target out of the backfield. Bailey isn't special in any one area, but he's solid in all. His three-down potential and quickness to process and burst give him a shot at becoming a productive member of a running back room.

Compact and willful, Irving is deeply committed to each run his play-caller trusts him with. He punches above his weight class with excellent contact balance and leg drive to fight through tackles and squeeze every yard out of the run. However, Irving showed a concerning lack of explosiveness at the NFL Scouting Combine. He is frequently in a rush and would rather run through a wall than around it but he does have the agility to make tacklers miss with wide, lateral cuts when he runs with better patience. Irving isn’t ready for NFL protection duties and is a little tight as a route runner, but he catches the ball cleanly. Irving is missing ideal size and explosiveness, which could land him somewhere in the middle rounds of the draft as an average backup.

Ornery and competitive, Schrader’s story arc reads like a Hollywood movie. The sixth-year senior dominated at Truman State before walking on at Missouri and showing he could shine against SEC competition. He’s a stocky short-strider lacking ideal explosiveness but is still a successful outside-zone back due to his vision, decisiveness and fearlessness through the line. He’s a volume back more likely to wear a defense down rather than gash them with chunk runs and is a capable pass protector against the blitz. Teams need to weigh the heavy production against average physical tools, but he appears to have a decent shot of becoming an RB2/3 with three-down ability.

Sawed-off running back with muscular frame and truckload of touches over the last two seasons. The production looks good, but the work was hard as his offensive line struggled with consistency in 2023. He lacks quality burst and elusiveness between the tackles and has trouble outrunning pursuit when plays flow wide. He can get what is blocked and can be tough to get down once in the open field. He’s a plus pass catcher but might not be good enough in protection to warrant third-down value. Vidal could be an underdog to make a roster.

Productive multi-purpose running back who will need to be utilized in the passing game to have a shot at helping an NFL team. Watson lacks the decisiveness and attitude to be a consistent runner inside, but his vision and elusiveness helps his cause when the play flows wide. He wasn’t asked to run many routes but was highly productive as a pass catcher and should be able to handle any route asks moving forward. Watson will be fighting for a job as an RB3 in the NFL.

Small-school runner looking to prove his eye-popping college production can translate to success in the pros. Shirden is smaller and lighter than most draftable running backs. He flashes plus acceleration as an outside runner and impressive vision and processing quickness as an interior runner. He runs behind blockers and dodges tacklers in space but doesn’t have the size or power to be a tackle-breaker. He might not be drafted, but Shirden is talented as both a runner and pass catcher and has a chance to make an NFL roster.

Edwards has done a solid job of handling his business and helping the Georgia offense over the last two seasons. He’s slightly undersized as an early-down back, but it doesn’t hold him back as an interior runner with good contact balance and run strength. Edwards is an unorthodox runner with the ability to side-step the first tackler, but his run tends to get bogged down after that, as other defenders rally and scoop him up. He reads blockers fairly well and can squeeze through the crevices, but he lacks the consistent quickness needed to stay ahead of NFL defenses. Edwards should battle for a roster spot as a Day 3 pick.

Well-built, rugged runner who relies on vision and physicality to move the chains. Johnson wears down defenses with contact balance and provides quality short-yardage value. His burst and short-area quickness fall below average for the NFL level, so he's unlikely to be an elusive inside runner or be able to stretch run games from sideline to sideline. Johnson has proven he can handle a heavier workload but is more likely to project as a grinder who can take on backup reps, short-yardage carries and third-down snaps.

A frisky runner with a compact frame, Small can run with good burst and efficiency of movement when he’s locked in. Unfortunately, many of his carries in 2023 featured few clear points of entry, which caused him to run with less decisiveness. A lack of patience and tempo limits his opportunity to read the front and find developing run lanes instead of crashing forward into the abyss. Small can find his own yardage on bounce-outs and with improvisational path changes, but that might not be sustainable as a pro. He runs hard and flashed route-running potential, but his lack of pass-catching production and special teams experience could hurt his cause.

Small running back with thin lower half who plays much tougher than his size would indicate. Unlike most smaller backs, Jordan isn't sudden or explosive. He can be a step slow through the line of scrimmage and isn't going to be much of an "added yardage back" with power or wiggle. However, Jordan runs with good vision and great processing, making smart cuts and taking the most efficient routes he can. He can compete for third-down reps and has above-average talent as a kick returner. The lack of size will hurt his draft slotting, but he has a shot when he gets into a camp.

Compact and decisive, Williams knows who he is and runs with urgency and attitude to try to make up for his lack of burst and elusiveness. He can get what is blocked for him and add to it when crashing through tacklers who don’t wrap him up. He’s always on the move and gets downhill quickly on zone and gap runs. He will commit to the play design but lacks the athletic traits to create when things come off track. Williams’ lack of pass-catching acumen could hurt his roster chances.

Gamer who does whatever is necessary to help his team win. Vaki carries a thick frame with good upper-body power and heavy hands. He took on carries to help his team when it was stung by injuries, but he’s not an NFL running back. He’s a conscientious tackler who is careful to center up and launch his attack only when he’s in realistic striking position. He is overmatched in coverage and struggles when plays roll downfield. Vaki’s below-average athletic traits and lack of positional fit might create a limited path forward.

Compact every-down runner who had to learn to create yardage for himself due to limited blocking in front of him. Gore comes from impressive NFL bloodlines -- his father, Frank Gore, ranks third all-time in career rushing attempts (3,735) and rushing yards (16,000). He's a tough runner with good contact balance and an ability to handle a more robust workload. He's a very calm runner with good field vision but will need clearer points of entry as a pro, as he lacks the big burst and short-area twitch to create opportunities and escape danger on a regular basis. He can handle work on all three downs but lacks the plus traits teams tend to look for in a RB2.

Steele is a ball of muscle in human form. He has the contact balance and leg strength to squeeze the most out of a carry. He has decent vision but can be a bit sluggish with short-area cuts, allowing the defense to quickly rally and tackle. Steele’s value will be as a short-yardage specialist who can help wear down defenses in a downhill attack.

Wiley has good size and can finish with some thump, but he’s missing key elements to be a successful NFL runner. He struggles with reading fronts in outside zone. Playing with one-cut decisiveness and burst, he might be better suited in a gap-oriented running scheme. He’s smooth when he gets up to the second level but can be too slow in getting there. He lacks play speed and short-area elusiveness to create for himself but has been impressive putting the ball in the paint as a runner and pass catcher. Wiley has some third-down potential but will need to prove he can play faster and with better vision to stay ahead of NFL defenses.

McCammon runs with a willingness to work between the tackles, but he’s a bumper-car runner lacking the proper vision and feel to get through run lanes without maximum contact. Also, he’s inconsistent as a finisher. There isn’t enough speed in his game to thrive as an outside runner, so he projects as a grinder with limited upside.

Compact back with adequate size to keep runs on time between the tackles. Jones is a complementary back who makes up for a lack of juice with consistent tempo and a lack of dancing. He can take on contact and has pretty good vision, but he’s unlikely to create yardage for himself with elusiveness, power or speed. He shows some guts in pass protection and can get what’s available as a pass catcher, but Jones doesn’t appear to have the traits to help him stand out as a prospect.