The combine is in the rearview, and we have the last piece of information before the 2024 NFL Draft. Draft capital is going to drive the boat on a lot of folks, but after figuring out which key thresholds the players hit, the class is starting to shake out. Without further ado, the 2024 pre-draft dynasty running back prospect rankings.
2024 Dynasty Running Back Prospect Rankings
1. Trey Benson, FSU
This class has a 1a and a 1b. Fortunately, the 1a isn’t currently dealing with a catastrophic knee injury, and his film study is littered with green flags and warm fuzzy feelings. He’s not on the same level as the RB1 in past classes but would have been a pretty feisty RB3 candidate last year. In the right system, his speed and hands can flourish. Especially if a coach cleans up some of the vision problems.
Dream Fits: Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys
2. Jonathon Brooks, Texas
He’s still smooth. He’s still lovely. The issue is that in dynasty managers are impatient. If there’s a chance to get an immediate producer at the RB position, it has to be jumped on. Brooks isn’t that, but his value will likely be insulated throughout the 2023 season. It wouldn’t shock anyone if Brooks has a breakout in 2025, but the 2025 rookie running backs are a different beast than 2024.
Dream Fits: Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals
3. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
There are more refined backs in this class, yes. But Allen had to choose between playing strong safety and running back as a 17 year old in the Big Ten. He’s a freak among freaks, and some running back coach is going to fall in love. If he falls into the end zone ten times and has an RB2 season in 2024 he’s going to be considered a top 12 dynasty running back for 2025, that’s just the way the market is going.
Watch: Braelon Allen Film Study
Dream Fits: Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans
4. Blake Corum, Michigan
Unlike Allen, it’s quite unlikely Corum is ever valued as a top 12 dynasty back. He’ll be 24 to close out this season, and the community has swung too far sacrificing “older” prospects to the trade block too soon. That’s fine, because Corum will end up being a gem that can help competing rosters for a couple years. If Harbaugh can’t contain himself, it would be fun to see a reunion in LA.
Dream Fits: Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, Las Vegas Raiders
5. Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
The combine helped shake out the four through eight range here, but draft capital will be the real kicker. With the speed and size Wright possesses, he’s a good bet for a second or third round pick. As far as a dynasty running back prospect goes, that’s as good as gold. Wright is a super charged Izzy Abanikanda, and I really liked Izzy before he was buried in New York.
Watch: Jaylen Wright Film Study
Dream Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys
6. Bucky Irving, Oregon
This jitterbug decided to weigh in light, run a slow 40 and then skip the agility drills. It was heart breaking. There’s still hope because he’s an electric player with the ball in his hands, but he won’t be going early in the draft anytime soon. In the right landing spot he can be a scat back with insane contact balance.
Watch: Bucky Irving Film Study
Dream Fits: Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears
7. Marshawn Lloyd, USC
The measurables are there, but Lloyd’s fumble problems and vision causes concern. Maybe he cleans those things up, or maybe he ends up on the Ronald Jones path to the dog house early and often. At the range he’s going in rookie drafts he’s worth a swing, but I’d rather wait and grab Irving or even Estime later at cost.
Dream Fits: Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills
Main Photo Credit: Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun
