Mel Kiper ranks Top 10 running backs ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
Being able to run the ball is incredibly important, especially in the NFL. However, drafting a running back has proven a difficult thing to get right over the years. That’s where NFL Draft analysts like Mel Kiper step in to help understand who is available.
There are a lot of talented running backs available in this draft, even if it’s early enough in the process that the class hasn’t fully come together yet.
These are the running backs that Mel Kiper thinks are the best in this class, ranked. However, there is plenty of time for this list to change. After all, there is still plenty to come in the pre-draft process, including the Senior Bowl, NFL Combine, and much more.
Mel Kiper’s Top 10 running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft
Here are Mel Kiper’s top running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft:
- Bijan Robinson, Texas
- Devon Achane, Texas A&M
- Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama
- DeWayne McBride, UAB
- Blake Corum, Michigan
- Zach Charbonnet, UCLA
- Tyjae Spears, Tulane
- Kendre Miller, TCU
- Chase Brown, Illinois
- Roschon Johnson, Texas
There are a few players who Mel Kiper nearly put on the list but just missed out in the end. Among them were Kenny McIntosh from Georgia, Sean Tucker from Syracuse, Eric Gray from Oklahoma, Zach Evans from Ole Miss, and Mohamed Ibrahim from Minnesota.
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Notably, the Texas Longhorns have produced two running backs in the Top 10 at that position for the 2023 NFL Draft. Bijan Robinson is the headline player there, but Roschon Johnson has also been phenomenal in his career. In four seasons at Texas, he ran for 2,190 yards and 23 touchdowns as a second option on the Longhorns’ offense.
There are only two Group of Five running backs on the list, DeWayne McBride and Tyjae Spears. McBride is coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Meanwhile Spears, the Tulane back, helped the Green Wave win the AAC and make it to the Cotton Bowl while winning the AAC Offensive Player of the Year Award.
Two running backs on Mel Kiper’s list made it to the College Football Playoff. Blake Corum won’t be able to play due to injury. Then, there is Kendre Miller, who plays for TCU and is expected to be good to go for the CFP.