Time to delve into the running backs, and the 2024 class presents a unique landscape. There’s no standout top-tier talent demanding a high pick; in fact, I haven’t even graded any of these prospects as second-rounders. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no value to be found in this class.
The running back position is often undervalued in today’s NFL. With the trend of drafting, utilizing, and then cycling through backs without committing to second contracts unless they’re truly elite, finding value becomes paramount.
For the Jets, the focus is on securing a prospect who can offer both depth and versatility. While we have Hall, the depth chart behind him is filled with unproven talent. We need someone who can step in and contribute immediately while also complementing Hall’s skill set to avoid any significant drop-off in performance. So, let’s dive into my top 10 running backs for the Jets:
[1] Ray Davis, Kentucky – (Projected Round – Round 3)
Top Strength: A compact ball of power and decisiveness
Top Weakness: Doesn’t have top tier long speed
[2] Jonathon Brooks, Texas – (Projected Round – Round 3)
Top Strength: Great short area burst combined with very good contact balance
Top Weakness: Just tore hid ACL
[3] Jaylen Wright, Tennessee – (Projected Round – Round 3)
Top Strength: Has great long speed to take it to the house on every carry
Top Weakness: Not really elusive, but very fast with decent contact balance
[4] Braelon Allen, Wisconsin – (Projected Round – Round 4)
Top Strength: A decisive down hill runner with + speed/power
Top Weakness: Doesn’t have the best stop/start ability
[5] Audric Estime, Notre Dame – (Projected Round – Round 4)
Top Strength: Very good short area burst for a guy that weighs 220+
Top Weakness: Won’t make people miss in a phone booth
[6] Bucky Irving, Oregon – (Projected Round – Round 4
Top Strength: Very elusive and can make his own production with no blocking
Top Weakness: Will sometimes go off script too often
[7] Kimani Vidal, Troy – (Projected Round – Round 5)
Top Strength: The most yards after contact out of the whole class – Very good blocker
Top Weakness: Doesn’t make people miss with elusiveness just contact balance
[8] Blake Corum, Michigan – (Projected Round – Round 5)
Top Strength: Low center of gravity with the ability to make sharp cuts
Top Weakness: Had some very easy running lanes at Michigan
[9] Will Shipley, Clemson – (Projected Round – Round 5)
Top Strength: Great short area burst mixed with sharp elusive cuts
Top Weakness: Can his frame handle the punishment of an extensive role
[10] MarShawn Lloyd – (Projected Round – Round 6)
Top Strength: A decisive runner who constantly runs out of tackles
Top Weakness: Needs to take care of the ball better