Rob Rang
NFL Draft Analyst
A year ago, the NFL was blessed with one of the richest running-back classes in years with Bijan Robinson (Atlanta Falcons) and Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions) each being selected in the top 12. To put that in perspective, only five other running backs have been selected that high in the past decade.
This year’s running back class reminds me of a group from 10 years ago. The 2014 NFL draft didn’t have a running back come off the board until the 54th overall selection, when the Tennessee Titans selected Bishop Sankey out of Washington. That’s the latest the NFL draft has ever gone before the first running back was selected.
Just like the Class of 2014, this running back class lacks blue-chip talent. It does, however, offer future NFL starters, with a three-headed monster vying to be the first back off the board. It also boasts quality depth extending into the final rounds. A decade ago, four more backs were selected among the next 20 picks following Sankey. Expect a similar run on runners throughout Day 2 and early Day 3 this year, as well.
Each week leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, we will break down the top 10 prospects at a different position. The positional group will be assigned an overall grade, with scouting reports on each individual player, noting specific areas of strength and concern, as well as their projected round.
1. Audric Estime’, Notre Dame — 5-foot-11, 227 pounds, Junior
Overview: The Player of the Year for the state of New Jersey, Estime’ signed with Notre Dame as a celebrated prep recruit but didn’t see consistent playing time until his sophomore campaign. Once he saw the field for the Irish, however, Estime’ seemingly never left it, emerging as a true bellcow, generating 2,538 all-purpose yards and 30 touchdowns over the past two years before opting to enter the 2024 NFL draft with two more years of eligibility remaining.
Strengths: If one were to design a running…
Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2024-nfl-draft-rb-rankings-no-clear-stars-but-this-years-top-10-is-deep
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Publish date : 2024-02-08 18:22:18
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