Running Back 2023 Class Shines 
Draft Insiders’ Yearbook 2023 – Ready Now – Order Today
Running Backs – Grade: B
Positional Overview:
This year’s running back position is another above average group after a solid class last April. Underclassmen will once again dominate from among the top prospects with most having early NFL starting grades. This class could supply two #1 picks with Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, the best candidates. There should be possibly 5-6 selections in the top 100 picks and 10-12 in the top 150 selections. Robinson is a very tough complete back. He is a well-rounded performer with a nice combination of quickness, power and complete skills to be a three down back. Gibbs is a playmaker with NFL starting talent. He had an impressive NFL Combine workout. He is a first-round bubble prospect with the talent to provide impact as a rookie. Zack Charbonnet is a workhorse back and one of the most durable runners in recent years. Devon Achane is another playmaker who figures to fill a few roles as a 1A type. He provides impact as receiver and a top change of pace runner. Lew Nichols is an emerging highly-underrated talent to become a three-down workhorse and one of the surprises of this group. This class should produce as many as 7-8 quality feature backs with a few at the top of the class capable of becoming early pro starters. Another gem is Tyjae Spears who we scouted extensively. He has the skills to be a quality role weapon with the athleticism to be a very good pro. He is a complete 1A type and best 3rd down back in this class. This class could provide 20+ selected in the seven rounds with many return specialists and 3rd down backs.
NFL Teams in need:
- Bears 5. Cardinals
- Rams 6. Panthers
- Ravens 7. Jets
- Lions 8. Chargers
NFL Premier Player
Derrick Henry
Blue Chip – Bijan Robinson
Red Chip – Jahmyr Gibbs
Rising – Zach Charbonnet
Falling – Sean Tucker
Underrated – Zach Evans
Overrated – Devon Achane
Sleeper – Kenny McIntosh
Hidden Gem – Lew Nichols
Boom/Bust – DeWayne McBride
Longterm Surprise – Tank Bigsby
Positional Traits
Best Athlete – Bijan Robinson
Inside Runner – Bijan Robinson
Outside Run – Jahmyr Gibbs
Goal line Runner – Bijan Robinson
Best All-purpose – Kendre Miller
Best Hands – Kenny McIntosh
Best After Catch – Tyjae Spears
Best Blocker – Roschon Johnson
Most Durable – Zach Charbonnet
Best Instincts – Jahmyr Gibbs
Best Intangibles – Chase Brown
Top Running Backs Prospects
1 Bijan Robinson Texas
2 Jahmyr Gibbs Alabama
3 Devon Achane Texas A&M
4 Zach Charbonnet UCLA
5 Kendre Miller TCU
6 DeWayne McBride Alabama-Birm
7 Tyjae Spears Tulane
8 Zach Evans Mississippi
9 Kenny McIntosh Georgia
10 Sean Tucker Syracuse
11 Roschon Johnson Texas
12 Tank Bigsby Auburn
13 Chase Brown Illinois
14 Lew Nichols Central Michigan
15 Chris Rodriguez Kentucky
16 Eric Gray Oklahoma
17 Deuce Vaughn Kansas State
18 Mohamed Ibrahim Minnesota
19 Izzy Abanikanda Pittsburgh
20 Evan Hull Northwestern
