The New Orleans Saints are looking good at running back for now, but you can never take your eyes off a position like that. The turnaround at running back is high so the Saints could still be watching the position in the draft.
Jamaal Williams is coming off of a great year, but both he and Alvin Kamara are both 28 and these days that is almost ancient for a star running back. Todd Gurley retired and he’s only 29. It’s hard to predict when someone falls off the cliff at this position.
The Saints running back room has a little bit of everything right now, but it’s clear that they favor some versatility. There are some great names available for the second and third rounds, which seems to be the go to spot for running backs these days (unless you’re the Atlanta Falcons or Detroit Lions).
Here are the top names at running back to keep an eye on this college football season, while there’s really no Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs, it’s still a fun class:
1
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State
Coming off of an injury, some might have forgotten how good Henderson is at running back. He’s an explosive back at 5-foot-10 and 212-pounds that had a stellar freshman season. Henderson had 1,560 scrimmage yards and 19 touchdowns in his first season and is up to 26 touchdowns for his career. He’s also a solid pass catcher and projects as an all-around back in the NFL.
When to watch him: Sept. 23 vs. Notre Dame (NBC)
2
Raheim 'Rocket' Sanders, Arkansas
Sanders is a huge back, 6-foot-2 and 227-pounds, but does not sacrifice the explosiveness that most would have to. He’s a strong runner that fights off tacklers with ease. He had 1,443 rushing yards last season, averaging 6.5 yards per carry, and added 10 touchdowns. He has some receiving ability as well, with 39 catches for 380 yards in his two seasons so far.
When to watch him: Sept. 23 vs. LSU (TBA)
3
Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
Allen is a young and consistent runner that comes from a long line of successful Wisconsin running backs. He started dominating Big Ten defenses at just 17 years old. Don’t let the age fool you, as he’s physically imposing at 6-foot-2 and 235-pounds. He’s not the fastest player in the class but could thrive in a power-run system.
When to watch him: Oct. 14 vs. Iowa (NBC)
4
Will Shipley, Clemson
Shipley is a fantastic runner and great athlete. He’s one of the more elusive players in the class and he’s not really built to run people over. He also had almost 40 catches just last season alone. He was a five-star high school recruit for a reason.
When to watch him: Sept. 23 vs. Florida State (TBA)
5
Blake Corum, Michigan
Corum was one of the more fun players to watch last season. He had 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns while averaging around six yards per carry. He’s got great balance and footwork, one of the smaller backs in the class but not the easiest to bring down.
When to watch him: Nov. 11 at Penn St. (FOX)
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2024 NFL draft prospect watch lists by position:
