2023 NFL Draft Betting Preview-Running backs

2023 NFL Draft Betting Preview-Running backs

In the passing era, running backs don’t have nearly the same value as wide receivers. In the NFL Draft, teams tend to draft running backs later in Day 2 and Day 3. One of the top rookie running backs in the league last season was Isiah Pacheco and he was drafted in the seventh round by Kansas City. Bijan Robinson of Texas is the only back that has a shot at getting drafted in the top 10 as he’s listed as +5000 to become the No. 6 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

1)Bijan Robinson, Texas, 6-0, 220

Robinson is a franchise back who can come in and start right away. He has the size that most teams like and is very difficult to tackle. Has great vision and can catch the ball. One of the best RB prospects in a long time. Ran for 1,5801 yards with 18 TDs on 6.1 yards per carry in 2022.

2)Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama, 5-9, 200

Speedy back who is outstanding with the ball in his hands as a receiver. He also has great hands and can step in as a third-down back. Has excellent speed at 4.36 in the 40, though lack of a size is a concern. He does run hard and that speed will have some comparing him to Alvin Kamara. He averaged 6.1 yard per carry with 926 yards rushing in 2022 at Alabama.

3)Zach Charbonnet, UCLA, 6-1, 220

Charbonnet ran for 1,359 yards with a 7.0-yards per carry average and 14 TDs. Also caught 37 passes for 321 yards. Very complete back though not a burner at 4.53 in the 40. Runs a little too high.

4)Devon Achane, Texas A&M, 5-9, 188

If you love smallish burners, Achane is your guy. The size will prevent him from being an every down back, but he can fly once he touches the ball. He also caught 36 passes for 196 yards with 2 TDs last season.

5)Tank Bigsby, Auburn, 6-0, 213

Bigsby has a great burst and explosion, even though the speed (4.56 40) is average. He caught 30 passes for 180 yards in 2022 and ran for 970 yards with 10 TDs. He was a productive back for a team that was in dysfunction.

6)Kendre Miller, TCU, 5-11, 215

Miller averaged 6.2 yards per carry for 1,342 yards and 17 TDs and caught 16 passes in 2022. Is not very explosive and is more of a downhill runner. Is a physical runner and is big enough to be an every-down back.

7)Sean Tucker, Syracuse, 5-9, 207

Some backs are just productive despite not having great size or speed. Tucker is one of those guys, with great quickness, who can also catch the ball (36 catches for 254 yards). Needs to improve as a pass blocker.

8)Kenny McIntosh, Georgia, 6-0, 204

McIntosh is a very good receiver who should grow into a three-down back. He averaged 5.5 yards per carry last season for 829 yards and 10 in a pass-happy offense at Georgia. He’s a downhill back who ran a slow time (4.62 40), which could hurt him, but he plays faster.

9)Roschon Johnson, Texas, 6-1, 220

Another outstanding back from Texas, who has good size and power. Doesn’t have great speed (4.58 40) but his ability to catch the ball (14 catches last year), makes him very intriguing in the middle rounds.

10)Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky, 6-0, 217

Rodriguez is a powerful back who missed the first month due to a DUI arrest. He played in front of a poor offensive line but still managed 5.2 yards per carry for 904 yards and six TDs. He caught just five passe for 41 yards. Doesn’t have great speed (4.56 40), but is quick and strong.