2023 NFL Draft – Running Back Rankings

Complete NFL Draft Rankings – RB:

You are currently viewing the best running backs in the 2023 NFL Draft. Our top running back prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the most talented ball carriers in college football. Even though only about 20 will get selected in an average draft, dozens more are signed as free agents, and many more receive a training camp invite. Find who is a first round talent, and who is likely nothing more than a training camp body. Find draft stars, RB sleepers, who will be a bust, and who is being undervalued.

BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2023 NFL draft running back prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 25, 2023)

2023:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | EDGE | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

Bijan Robinson is just about the perfect running back prospect, up there with the likes of Saquon Barkley and Adrian Peterson. At 6’0" 220 pounds with big time athleticism and no concerning injury history, Robinson has the speed and power combination to be one of the best backs in the NFL from day 1. He averaged over 6 yards per carry on his career, with great production all 3 seasons and even better film. Robinson is very dangerous in the open field for someone of his size, but also does a good job of falling forward for the easy yardage when needed. Add in his impressive receiving ability and eye-opening yards after catch ability, and you have a legitimate superstar. He’s an obvious top-10 player in terms of ability, but we’ll see how much the lack of RB positional value holds him back.

2022 Stats

12 games: 1580 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, 6.1 yards per rush, 314 receiving yards, 2 receiving touchdowns

There’s a big falloff from the #1 spot to the #2 spot, but Jahmyr Gibbs has his place in the league as one of the new age smaller starting running backs. Gibbs dominated at Georgia Tech to begin his career before transferring to Alabama this past year and beating out multiple 5 star recruits. At 5’11" 200 pounds he has a small frame, but impressive agility and a well-rounded game. He’s arguable the best receiving back in college football, and is dangerous in the open field with good straight line speed to break off the long run. Add in his impressive vision and fast acceleration, and Gibbs is a potential top-50 prospect.

2022 Stats

12 games: 926 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, 6.1 yards per rush, 444 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns

Zach Charbonnet is one of the more underrated prospects in the class, offering an incredibly well-rounded skill set for a 6’1" 220 pound running back. Charbonnet was near the top of the nation with his 7.0 yards per carry mark, combined with 1359 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. What many don’t realize about his game is how good he is as a receiver out of the backfield. He has soft hands and good timing on his routes. The top part of his game is his power and vision as a north-south runner, but he’s far more than just a between-the-tackles ball carrier. His open field speed is nothing special, but he has enough juice to break off big runs and the vision to make the most out of them.

2022 Stats

10 games: 1359 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, 7.0 yards per rush, 321 receiving yards, 0 receiving touchdowns

Devon Achane is one of the fastest players in college football, and has turned himself into an impressive running back too. Despite a small frame at 5’9" 190 pounds, Achane’s athleticism gives him a game-breaking uncoachable trait that can be used in the running game, passing game, or as a return specialist. Achane runs stronger than people give him credit for, and has good wiggle in the open field. He has a high football IQ and is willing to put his shoulder down and push for an extra yard instead of trying to force the home run. He has good hands and route running, but doesn’t have the production to match. He’ll also need to become more competent as a pass blocker if he wants to see the field consistently.

2022 Stats

10 games: 1102 rushing yards, 8 rushing touchdowns, 5.6 yards per rush, 196 receiving yards, 3 receiving touchdowns

Tank Bigsby was one of the most hyped up players in college football heading into the 2021 season, but never really turned that hype into any crazy levels of success. His offense line didn’t open him many holes, and his stats were fairly modest compared to some of the other top running backs in the class. The film looks better than the stats though, as Bigsby has an NFL-ready frame with great quickness and sharp cuts. He does a good job of reading the holes he’s given, and is able to consistently run through arm tackles. He has good open field speed, and a very strong first step. Bigsby doesn’t look very natural catching passes, and never showed much in terms of yards after catch during his career.

2022 Stats

12 games: 970 rushing yards, 10 rushing touchdowns, 5.4 yards per rush, 180 receiving yards, 0 receiving touchdowns

Complete 2023 RB draft rankings

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2023:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | EDGE | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

It’s clear at this point that the running back position has lost a lot of its value to NFL teams, as many are reluctant to draft one with an early pick. Bijan Robinson will make someone change their stance on that. Behind him, the 2023 running back draft class is incredibly deep, with starting caliber players available in almost every round. There’s a decent mix of big body running backs and shifty change of pace backs, along with NFL-ready backs like Mo Ibrahim and Chris Rodriguez who will be ready to play for a champion from day 1. The athletic testing at the combine and pro days will help to create some separation in this class, as right now there are tons of players with a 4th-5th round grade.