The 2024 NFL Draft kicked off on Thursday with the first round taking place from Hart Plaza in Detroit. We saw a record 23 offensive players being taken in the first round, including six quarterbacks being selected in the top 12 picks alone.
If you’re looking for the best running backs still available, well, the answer is all of them! Not a single running back was selected in the first round, marking the second time in three years this has happened. It’s a far cry from last year, where both Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs heard their names called within the first 12 picks. Even with a heavy shift towards offense, franchises would still rather wait until Day 2 to select their ball carriers.
Texas running back Jonathan Brooks remains the consensus top tailback in this class and he should hear his name called in the second round despite suffering a torn ACL last fall. Florida State’s Trey Benson and Michigan’s Blake Corum are other notable tailbacks who should also be off the board soon when the draft resumes.
Here’s our 10 best running back prospects available heading into the second round: