Maurice Jones-Drew ranks running backs in 2024 NFL Draft class

Maurice Jones-Drew was an All-American at UCLA, a second-rounder in the NFL Draft with the Jaguars and a two-time All Pro. He knows his running backs.

Meanwhile, the running backs eligible for this year’s NFL Draft aren’t getting a ton of attention. For one, the position is not as coveted as it used to be. Plus, this year’s class has no star running back with a first-round grade. So the entire first evening of the draft won’t mention a single back.

But, if you’re a fan of the position, take heart. Jones-Drew, who now is an analyst for the NFL Network, sees running back quality in this draft. You just have to dig down into the second round to begin uncovering the gems. He calls the guys “system players” and likens the situation to the 2013 NFL Draft when Giovani Bernard was the first back off the board, going early in the second round. He noted that other backs in the class included Le’Veon Bell, Eddie Lacy, Latavius Murray and Rex Burkhead.

1. Trey Benson, Florida State

Benson is the consensus as the No. 1 running back in the NFL Draft. But he will go no higher than the second round.

Jones-Drew says Benson “has the potential to be a reliable three-down back in the league. He runs the gap scheme very well, has good patience and vision, and possesses great speed, as he posted the third-fastest 40-yard dash (4.39) among running backs at the 2024 NFL Combine.”

2. Will Shipley, Clemson

Shipley is somewhat of a surprise to go this high amongst the running backs. Another scout called him a “complementary back. “

“Shipley is a versatile player with the ability to contribute at the next level as a runner, pass catcher and returner,” Jones-Drew said. “Right now, the Clemson product has the goods to be a solid RB2, but he could develop into a three-down back down the road.”

3. Blake Corum, Michigan

If Corum has one big talent, it is scoring touchdowns. His 27 scores led college football last season. Maybe his old coach, Jim Harbaugh, brings him to LA by selecting him in the NFL Draft.

Says Jones-Drew, “Corum is a strong runner with above-average contact balance who thrives as a short-yardage back… He wasn’t used much as a pass catcher, but could certainly be an asset out of the backfield in the NFL.”

4. Frank Gore Jr., Southern Miss

You can be intrigued by Gore if only for his bloodlines. Frank Gore Sr. finished his career as No. 3 on the NFL rushing list.

“The son of future Hall of Fame running back Frank Gore is a tough, every-down runner who routinely makes the first guy miss,” Jones-Drew said. “He displayed his good vision and quickness during his Offensive MVP performance at the East-West Shrine Bowl. And he has the ability to contribute in the pass game as a solid route runner with good hands.”

5. Jaylen Wright, Tennessee

There is a consensus building for Wright to be in the best five for the NFL Draft. Check out what another analyst had to say here.

“Wright, who models his game after fellow Tennessee alum Alvin Kamara, is an explosive runner with breakaway speed at the second level,” Jones-Drew wrote. “With pass-catching talent to pair with his linear running style, Wright has a real chance to one day be an NFL starter.”

Next layer of backs in NFL Draft

6. Ray Davis, Kentucky
7. Bucky Irving, Oregon
8. Tyrone Tracy, Florida
9. Jonathon Brooks, Texas
10. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin
11. MarShawn Lloyd, USC
12. Jase McClellan, Alabama
13. Rasheen Ali, Marshall
14. Keilan Robinson, Texas
15. Cody Schrader, Missouri

Backs who need time to develop

16. Jawhar Jordan, Louisville
17. Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
18. Miyan Williams, Ohio State
19. Dillon Johnson, Washington
20. George Holani, Boise State
21. Daijun Edwards, Georgia
22. Kendall Milton, Georgia
23. Audric Estimé, Notre Dame
24, Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State
25. Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
26. Michael Wiley, Arizona
27. Kimani Vidal, Troy
28. Jaden Shirden, Monmouth
29. Emani Bailey, TCU

Remember, the NFL Draft is from April 25 through the 27th. But the first running back probably will not be off the board until the 26th. You can read the Jones-Drew analysis on all these backs by clicking here.