With the 2024 NFL Draft quickly approaching, now’s a good time to reflect on the 2023 rookie running backs class. If last year’s draft was known for anything, it’s the running backs and their expectations to renovate the landscape in the NFL. A year into their pro careers, we know more about these young men and what to expect moving forward.
Grading the 2023 Rookie Running Backs
First Round Picks
Atlanta’s offense was a disaster last season, and it’s no surprise they’re entering 2024 with a new coaching staff and starting quarterback. One undeniable bright spot was rookie running back Bijan Robinson. With all the hype around Robinson as a prospect, it would’ve been easy for him to fall flat and underperform expectations. Instead, he was one of the most productive running backs in the NFL despite splitting opportunities with Tyler Allgeier. Robinson finished slightly under 1,000 rushing and 500 receiving yards, and he would’ve been the fifth player in NFL history to achieve that as a rookie.
Grade: A
The Detroit Lions quietly built one of the NFL’s most dangerous offenses in a few offseasons. Drafting Jahmyr Gibbs in the first round last year was a “luxury pick,” if you will. They bolstered one of the league’s best offensive lines, and Gibbs’ arrival added an unmatched level of explosiveness. He began his rookie season firmly behind veteran running back David Montgomery, but the Lions had no choice but to give Gibbs more opportunities once they saw what he could do.
Grade: A
Day Two Picks
It’s still unclear why the Seattle Seahawks used a second-round pick on Zach Charbonnet. At the time, Kenneth Walker was finishing an impressive campaign where he was an Offensive Rookie of the Year finalist. In fact, Walker received more first-place votes for the award than anyone else. Charbonnet is a big, powerful tailback who can play all three downs, but he’s currently a glorified backup. Perhaps Seattle’s new coaching staff will find ways to involve Charbonnet, but until then, this pick is a head-scratcher.
Grade: D
The next man up is Saints third-round selection Kendre Miller. Miller didn’t do much as a rookie, as it was more or less a “redshirt” season. He was behind proven commodities Alvin Kamara and Jamaal Williams on the depth chart most of the season. Miller also dealt with an unusually long ankle injury, though the team was presumably overly cautious. He’s still 21 years old and won’t turn 22 until the middle of June. With long-term intentions rather than short-term, the success of this pick is tough to evaluate.
Grade: C
As Derrick Henry entered the final year of his contract, the Titans invested in rookie running back Tyjae Spears. They integrated Spears early and often, as he out-snapped Henry in the season opener. Spears would play at least 50% of the team’s snaps in 12 games as a rookie. Due to his frame and lack of physicality, Spears might never be a workhorse tailback. Still, he’s an effective change-of-pace running back looking to build off a successful rookie season.
Grade: B
Depending on how you judge running backs, De’Von Achane was one of the best in the league as a rookie. Miami’s 2023 third-round selection has a blatant deficiency: his weight and subsequent injury risk. Achane was injured to start the season and suffered another injury after a few games. When he was available, he was flat-out unstoppable, averaging a ridiculous 7.8 yards per carry. As long as injuries don’t become a recurring issue for Achane, this pick was a home run.
Grade: A
Rounding out the list of running backs drafted on day two is Tank Bigsby. Jacksonville hoped Bigsby would form a one-two punch with incumbent starter Travis Etienne. Instead, Etienne elevated his game, scoring a career-high 12 touchdowns, and surrendered little playing time to the rookie. Bigsby saw just three touches per game as a rookie and was notably inefficient on those opportunities. It may be too early to call Bigsby a bust, but he certainly didn’t exceed anybody’s expectations.
Grade: F
Notable Day Three Picks
Bears running back Roschon Johnson is closer to day two running backs than day three in draft pedigree. Johnson was the 13th pick of round four, and there wasn’t another running back selected until the middle of round five. Context aside, Johnson’s rookie season is comparable to a rollercoaster ride. It began steadily, hoovering around a 40% snap share to start the season. After that, Johnson’s playing time seemed to vary week-to-week, suggesting he’s a situational role player. That’s not the most glowing endorsement, but getting any value from a day-three pick is a win.
Grade: C
The final noteworthy member of the 2023 rookie running backs class is Cincinnati’s Chase Brown. His playing time was nonexistent until the end of the season, entering Week 13 with just two carries as a pro. But with a 5-6 record and Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury, the coaching staff gave Brown some opportunities. He provided a spark both as a runner and a receiver, seemingly having more “juice” than veteran Joe Mixon. Cincinnati recently traded Mixon, and one can assume this has something to do with Brown’s performance.
Grade: B
Main Image: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
