Category: Running Backs

Jaguars RB Tank Bigsby making a statement at training camp

The Jaguars might have found a steal in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are one of the teams many NFL pundits have targeted as a breakout team in 2023. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence made strides as a passer last season and now it sounds like they might have a two-headed monster at running back.

Jacksonville already had Travis Etienne, who is coming off of a 1,125-yard season in 2022 after losing his entire rookie year with an injury. But the running back getting all the positive press at training camp is Tank Bigsby.

Bigsby was the Jaguars third-round pick in 2023 out of Auburn. As pointed out, Bigsby has some of the best hands on the team and has shown that so far. Bigsby is also a more power-focused runner with a low center of gravity. Perfect for short yardage and goal-line situations.

We don’t look for Bigsby to beat out Etienne as the starter but head coach Doug Pederson has a pair of really good backs who should help open up the Jacksonville offense this season.

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2024 NFL draft: Preseason RB watch list and early rankings

The initial 2024 NFL draft running back rankings and preseason watch list from Draft Wire’s Jeff Risdon

Running backs have taken a hit in value in recent NFL drafts, but with two (Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs) being selected in the top 12 in 2023, perhaps a resurgence is coming. The early returns on the potential draft class of 2024 aren’t so strong, but there are some impressive talents to watch in the upcoming college season.

These are very fluid rankings. In general, these are early impressions about the NFL potential of players who still have a considerable amount of football to play before they’re drafted. The RB position in particular lends itself to players rising or falling rapidly on one season, so don’t expect the final rankings in April to look anything like this.

After watching enough to get a baseline feel for the players, and in talking with some NFL-employed scouts, here is an early listing and my preliminary ranking for the running backs in the NFL draft class of 2024.

2023 NFL Draft: Jahmyr Gibbs scouting report

Scouting report on Alabama RB Jahmyr Gibbs for the 2023 NFL draft

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Yet another running back in the line of elite runners out of the Alabama offense, Jahmyr Gibbs looks to prove that he is among the best of them as he enters the 2023 NFL draft.

Here is everything you need know about the Crimson Tide weapon:

2023 NFL Draft: Tyjae Spears scouting report

Scouting report for Tulane Green Wave RB Tyjae Spears in the 2023 NFL draft

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The Senior Bowl MVP and one of the most productive players in college football last year, Tulane running back Tyjae Spears hopes to keep his production on the upward trend as he moves forward to the 2023 NFL draft.

Here is everything you need to know about the Green Wave’s weapon:

2023 NFL Draft: Tank Bigsby scouting report

Scouting report on Auburn RB Tank Bigsby and how he projects in the 2023 NFL draft

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The leading rusher on a dominant Auburn ground game, running back Tank Bigbsy will hope to maintain his workhorse lead back status as he enters the 2023 NFL draft.

Here is everything you need to know about the Tigers’ bruising back.

2023 NFL draft big board: Running backs

2023 NFL Draft: Zach Charbonnet scouting report

2023 NFL drat scouting report of UCLA RB Zach Charbonnet

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An incredibly productive running back for UCLA last season, Zach Charbonnet hopes his production will help boost his draft stock as he enters the 2023 NFL draft.

Here is everything you need to know about the Bruins workhorse:

2020 NFL draft: Darius Anderson scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about TCU running back prospect Darius Anderson

Darius Anderson | RB | TCU

Elevator Pitch

The former 3rd ranked prospect at running back in the state of Texas, Darius Anderson would eventually lead TCU in rushing. He earned himself a roster spot at the Senior Bowl. He could find himself as a backup at the NFL level but will likely need to be patient to earn himself much playing time.

Vitals

Height | 5-10

Weight | 208

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Strengths

Anderson can be counted on in terms of ball security, only fumbled four times during his time with the Horned Frogs. Runs with good contact balance and always seems to fall forward when being tackled. Defenses need to wrap up on Anderson, he fights through contact and will lower his shoulder to pop the defender.

Definitely a back who can run between the tackles, gets upfield with some burst. See the field well enough to find cutback lanes with the initial gap gets filled. Shows off these skills well in the return game on kickoff returns. Has some wiggle when he runs as well, can create more opportunities downfield with how shifty he can be. Good receiver with soft hands.

Weaknesses

Not a running back that can be counted on in pass protection. Will limit his ability to get on the field. Needs to either run the ball or be a receiver. Won’t break off a lot of huge runs, can get upfield quickly but lacks that second gear to run away from defenders. Speedy defensive backs and linebackers can catch him in pursuit.

When running upfield, Anderson can dance around a bit much trying to make something happen. Pad level seems a bit high, will take unnecessary hits from defenders at times. Can’t take the corner as much as he would like to, needs to just get north and south.

Projection: Day 3

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2020 NFL draft: Michael Warren II scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Cincinnati running back prospect Michael Warren II

Michael Warren| RB | Cincinnati

Elevator Pitch

Warren is a compact running back that uses his frame for punishment. He can be a bruising runner that looks to get those dirty yards. Coming out of high school in the state of Ohio, he was the fifth-best in terms of yards running in state history.

Vitals

Height | 5-9

Weight | 226

Class | Junior

College Stats

College Bio

Strengths

Warren is nicknamed “The Truck” for a very good reason. Warren is a good inside runner who can bounce off of contact from defenders as he seems to absorb their tackle attempts. Runs with good contact balance, not an easy back to take down on first attempt. Can run through arm tackle attempts.

Very a good inside runner, shows good vision to find the hole. Very much a one cut and get up the field. He does well to get those dirty yards as he will take on all comers when it comes to tackle attempts. A chain mover and good option in goal line reps. He wasn’t as productive in 2019 as 2018, but still plenty of good reps as a runner. Will create yards after contact.

He can also provide some impact as a pass catcher out of the backfield. Does a good job to run routes from the running back position. Possesses soft hands to bring the ball in, despite some poor throws from the Cincy quarterback.

Weaknesses

Warren just won’t create chunk plays due to explosiveness or speed. He is just average in this department. It is unclear whether or not shedding some pounds will help in this area or it is just a lack of athleticism. However, dropping weight could impact his ability to break tackles and create yards after contact.

He will be a liability in pass protection. If you don’t want your quarterback taking unnecessary hits, don’t play Warren on 3rd downs if the intent is to protect. Doesn’t mentally process the blitz quickly enough to really be a factor in protection.

Workload and play style will be a bit concerning for teams at the NFL level. Had over 600 touches in essentially two plus years in Cincinnati, so there are definitely miles on the tread. His play style of looking for contact will cause concern for his durability.

Projection: Day 3

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2020 NFL draft: Darrynton Evans scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Appalachian State running back prospect Darrynton Evans

Darrynton Evans | RB | Appalachian State

Elevator Pitch

Evans wasn’t a highly touted running back coming out of high school, he was listed as a two-star prospect. After having minimal impact during his freshman season where he only carried it 48 times, Evans exploded onto the scene in the 2018-2019 seasons. In his final game, Evans rushed for an obscene 8.3 yards per carry on 19 attempts in the R+L Carriers Bowl against University of Alabama-Birmingham.

Vitals

Height | 5-10

Weight | 203

Class | Redshirt Junior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

Evans is a runner who had a high number of carriers (482) and just two fumbles during that time. Only once did he lose a fumble. Protecting the football is the quickest ways to find a way onto the field. He runs with the ball high and tight with the ball in the appropriate hand. Won’t kill you with bad decisions with ball security which will keep him out of the dog house.

The name of his game is speed. Evans has been rumored to have sub 4.4 speed, as low as 4.37 in the 40-yard dash. He can outrun defenses in a hurry. The speed is evident with his breakaway runs and on kickoff returns. Returned three kicks for touchdown with one being for 100 yards. Get the ball in his hands and let his athleticism take over. He will destroy any angles that defenders take.

He is also very good in the passing game as both a blocker and receiver. He can help out or chip on blocks and leak out. Once he gets the ball in his hands, he can make a defender miss with his quickness. Does a good job of tracking the ball in the air. Soft hands as a receiver.

Weaknesses

At times he will slow down when getting upfield and will brace for contact. At those times, he should use his athleticism to try and make the defender miss. Not big on broken tackles, he does better to create a miss with start and stop. Will need to improve on recognition, such as seeing cutback lanes.

Not a back you want taking on blitzers one on one. Doesn’t have the necessary power to take on defenders without losing ground. Power isn’t the name of his game. Inside running could be a problem if the lanes aren’t clean. Contact balance is iffy.

Projection: Day 3

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2020 NFL draft: Benny LeMay scouting report

Everything NFL draft fans need to know about Charlotte running back prospect Benny LeMay

Benny LeMay | RB | Charlotte

Elevator Pitch

LeMay is a back that could work his way into the later rounds. Small-school back, but has some power to his game. Not very fast so that will limit impact he could have on special teams. He is better between the tackles than on the boundary.

Vitals

Height | 5-8

Weight | 221

Class | Senior

College Stats

College Bio

Combine Profile

Strengths

LeMay has terrific contact balance. With his short and compact frame, he can absorb contact and keep pushing forward. Runs with physicality and his stiff arm can create some separation when running the football. He isn’t a back that goes down on first contact so defense have to bring more than one body to bring him down.

He is a back that you can trust with the ball. Only fumbled it four times in four years at Charlotte. Also shows good ability to catch the football when running routes. He will be a good outlet throw for a quarterback needing to get rid of the ball to avoid a sack. He does have some quickness and shiftyness to create problems when in the open field and good vision to boot.

Weaknesses

LeMay doesn’t possess blazing speed as evident of his 4.75 40 time that he posted at the NFL Combine. It confirmed what was on tape from his time in Charlotte. Not a guy who will house very many runs. Running on the boundary will be a concern due to the inability to beat many defenders to the corner on plays outside the tackle.

He can be slow to hole but not due to his speed. Seems slow to diagnose the blocking up front. Needs to make a decision, plant his foot and get up field. Will dance around a bit trying to make something happen when nothing is there. With his size and power, needs to just lower his shoulder and go.

Right now he isn’t a three-down back as he is a liability in pass protection. He should be fine in protection once he shows better technique. Needs to use his hands and power to take on blitzers in pass protection.

Projection: Day 3

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