Way Too Early 2023 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings
Running backs might be a devalued position the more time goes on but that doesn’t mean there still aren’t talented players! It’s never too early to talk draft and I will continue to put out the 2023 NFL Draft rankings as soon as possible! Just like this year, the 2023 NFL Draft crop appears to be a good one for the backs. Let’s get right to it.
1. Bijan Robinson (Texas)
Bijan Robinson is that dude. We can talk about if running backs should be picked in the first round or not. It’s going to become a conversation with Robinson because there is no question he’s a first round talent.
This dude is just a different cat. Has unreal power to bust through tackles. Can catch more than fine. Has enough giddy up. Has real Adrian Peterson vibes except checks the boxes for what is required for a modern day back. Should be a real star at the NFL level.
2. Tank Bigsby (Auburn)
Tank Bigsby is the best player on Auburn’s roster and it’s not close. Any win the Tigers had last year can be credited to Bigsby. This dude made the most of a bad situation. New coach, bad quarterback play, going against SEC talented, teams game planning for only him and Bigsby still dominated.
This dude is tough. Excellent breaking tackle ability. Has real juice. Is a complete three down back. Has really good size. If you crafted a running back in a factory, he would look a lot like this. By the way, the name Tank is an accurate description. This dude is unreal.
3. Kendall Milton (Georgia)
Smaller sample size but understandable given the fact that Zamir White and James Cook returned to school a year ago. When given the rock, Milton looks damn good. Might be better than White and Cook. Got real playing time as a true freshman. Looks big and moves well for a 6-foot-2 back. Tough with some wiggle. I would anticipate Milton having a monster year as the feature back.
4. Devon Achane (Texas A&M)
I don’t know how Devon Achane is received by the rest of the draft community. I have no idea if he’s on anybody’s list but he makes mine. This dude FLYS. Might be the fastest player in college football. Could break the combine record. I think his speed is that legit.
We’re going to see more of him now that Isaiah Spiller is gone. There is something to be said about his game breaking ability. This dude will find a way to become a pure weapon at the next level.
T-5: Zach Evans (Ole Miss)
I put two guys at a tie for five because I think they’re in a similar boat for different reasons. Zach Evans is a knuckle head who looks damn good at times. He now has the opportunity to put it all together with a big year at Ole Miss.
The talent here is off the charts. Monster recruit. Two consecutive of averaging at least seven yards per carry. Highly productive when given the ball at TCU with a much bigger test waiting in the SEC. Looks like an NFL back and has all the tools to make it.
T-5: Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama)
Gibbs is going to be the starting running back for Alabama this year. Previously, he was at Georgia Tech. If we get another Kenneth Walker transfer success story, it’s Gibbs who feels like the best candidate.
I think Gibbs will probably have an awesome year. Has real juice and wiggle. Has the makings to be a real feature back. Just looks really quick. Really compact and might be a faster version of Mark Ingram?
