The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books, so it’s time to take stock of the players as we head into rookie drafts. Over the next few pieces, I’ll be going position-by-position through my rookie rankings. Today, it’s running backs.

Class of 2024 Running Backs

Tier 1:
Trey Benson, Cardinals
Jonathan Brooks, Panthers

About: I have just two players in the top tier, and these are the players I think could be worthy of First Round picks in Superflex. Both Benson and Brooks were atop the pre-draft rankings, and both landed in good spots. Both could have an impact Year One, but likely will have the best path to meaningful touches in a two-to-three-year window.

Tier 2:
Blake Corum, Rams
Ray Davis, Bills
Audric Estime, Broncos

About: Some might disagree, but this is my next tier based on opportunity. Corum went high, and while I still like Kyren Williams, there is opportunity here. Though maybe not in year one. Davis has a shot with a Bills team that is looking for a bigger back to compliment James Cook. Finally, Estime could have a path to touches in Denver in Year One but looks even more promising with Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine on expiring contracts. These are three guys I think should go in Round 2.

Tier 3:
MarShawn Lloyd, Packers
Jaylen Wright, Dolphins
Braelon Allen, Jets
Bucky Irving, Buccaneers
Will Shipley, Eagles

About: This next group. All of them have entrenched backs in front of them but all of them have a shot to be RB2 on their team as soon as this year. Of this group, Wright is the one that I think has the greatest potential for meaningful touches as a rookie given the room for the Dolphins and the injury history. Some of these guys might go later in Round 2, but I’d feel more confident drafting these guys in Round 3. I suspect I’m lower than most on Lloyd, so I probably won’t get any shares. I just don’t see him leaping Josh Jacobs, who signed a four-year, $48 million deal in March.

Tier 4:
Dylan Laube, Raiders
Isaac Guerendo, 49ers
Frank Gore, Jr., Bills

About: It wasn’t a great running back class, and some landing spots didn’t help. I wouldn’t be shocked to see running backs from this tier go undrafted. However, if you’re looking for some guys late and for a taxi squad, I’m interested. I’m particularly drawn to Laube, who goes to an uncertain room with the Raiders.

The Rest:
Jase McClellan, Falcons
Rasheen Ali, Ravens
Isaiah Davis, Jets
Tyrone Tracey, Jr., Giants
Carson Steele, Chiefs
Kimani Vidal, Chargers
Keilan Robinson, Jaguars
Dillon Johnson, Titans
Blake Watson, Broncos
Jawhar Jordan, Texans
Austin Jones, Commanders
Emani Bailey, Chiefs
Daijun Edwards, Steelers
Lorenzo Lingard, Jaguars
George Holani, Seahawks

About: All these guys went late in the draft, or as undrafted free agents. I wouldn’t expect many, if any, to go in rookie drafts. The ones I’m most interested in stashing, at this point, are Ali, Davis, Tracey, and Watson, based on potential.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.