Notre Dame Fighting Irish running back Audric Estim D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Draft guru shares interesting thoughts on the 2024 RB class

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 12/6/23

It’s clear from the offseason battles of the Raiders' Josh Jacobs, Giants' Saquon Barkley and Cowboys' Tony Pollard to work out fair-market contract extensions with their respective clubs that the value of running backs in the NFL continues to decline.

Many teams share the belief it’s easier to pay running backs on rookie contracts as opposed to doling out top-of-the-market money for one, which, in theory, should make the position a desirable one come draft time.

However, ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller doesn’t believe there’s a RB worthy of being first-round selection in the 2024 class after watching two backs go in the top 12 picks last year.

“The 2024 running back class is good, but there isn't a top-tier talent comparable to Bijan Robinson or even Jahmyr Gibbs,” Miller said . “In fact, we're all torn on who the best back is right now. Texas' Jonathon Brooks was my clear RB1 until he tore an ACL, but now there's a bit of a question mark at the top of the position. Notre Dame's Audric Estime and Michigan's Blake Corum are solid prospects but look more like third-rounders than top-32 picks.”

2024 RB Draft Class by Breakaway % and Elusiveness:

Prospects that have our attention:
▫️Marshawn Lloyd
▫️Jaylen Wright
▫️Bucky Irving

Worried about:
▫️Blake Corum
▫️Rocket Sanders

Definitely would like the #Bengals to add a guy from that top right quadrant pic.twitter.com/nWY57KZnVv
— Gridiron Grading (@GridironGrading) November 22, 2023

Running backs had been one of the more undervalued positions not just in free agency, but the draft as well over the last decade. In fact, until Robinson and Gibbs were picked this year, only 11 RBs were taken in the first round since 2013 — far fewer than any other offensive skill position.

Brooks was likely the only running back with a case to sneak into the first round before tearing his ACL, and even then, he was presumably looking at going in one of the final handful of picks.

Estime and Corum lead a group of solid-but-not-great runners in this year class, which also features Florida State’s Trey Benson, Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson and Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen — all of whom are projected to be Day 2 picks.

More must-reads: