2024 NFL Draft: First Running Back Selected Odds, Picks, Predictions
The 2024 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 25th. Last season, we saw two running backs go in the first 12 picks. Will that be the case this year? Regardless, who will be the first running back selected in the 2024 NFL Draft?
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2024 NFL Draft: First Running Back Selected Odds
| Trey Benson | +160 |
| Jonathan Brooks | +175 |
| Jaylen Wright | +360 |
| MarShawn Lloyd | +650 |
| Blake Corum | +750 |
| Braelon Allen | +2500 |
| Bucky Irving | +3000 |
| Audric Estime | +3500 |
2024 NFL Draft: Favorites to be the First Running Back Selected
Trey Benson, Flordia State, +160
Trey Benson transferred to Florida State from Oregon, and he put together two incredible seasons as the Seminoles lead back. Benson amassed over 1,100 yards from scrimmage in both of his seasons at Florida State.
At the 2024 NFL Draft combine, Benson posted a 4.39 40-yard dash, a 1.52 10-yard split, a 33.5-inch vertical jump, and a 10-foot two-inch broad jump. His speed and athletics were both on full display this past season as Benson ran for 14 touchdowns and caught one.
Jonathon Brooks, Texas, +175
After two seasons of learning the ropes as a redshirt freshman and a backup back, Brooks broke onto the scene in 2024. This past season, he amassed 1425 scrimmage yards and 11 total touchdowns. His numbers were amazing, and they would have been even better had he not suffered a season-ending ACL injury in November.
Brooks did not participate in the 2024 NFL Draft combine due to the aforementioned injury, but based on his production this past season, NFL Next Gen stats gave him a “Production Score” of 80, which ranked him second among running backs.
Jaylen Wright, Tennessee, +360
After a productive sophomore season, Jaylen Wright took over as the Vols’ lead back. His touchdown count dropped, but he generated more yards with fewer attempts, caught 20 more balls, and amassed over 1100 scrimmage yards.
Wright participated in the 2024 NFL Draft Combine and posted a 4.38 40-yard dash, a 1.55 10-yard split, a 38-inch vertical jump, and an 11-foot two-inch broad jump. He finished testing with a Next Gen score of 79, which ranked 4th among running backs who participated in the combine.
2024 NFL Draft: Longshot First Running Back Selected
Blake Corum, Michigan +750
JJ McCarthy, the quarterback of Michigan, the 2023 National Champions, is getting all the pre-draft buzz. But why? Of course, quarterbacks are always more highly coveted than running backs, but Michigan was a run-first team, and Blake Corum was the straw that stirred the drink for Michigan.
In 2022, in just 12 games, Corumn posted over 1500 scrimmage yards with 19 total touchdowns. This past season, Corum had over 1300 scrimmage yards with 28 total touchdowns. Yes, Michigan had the best offensive line in the nation, but this kind of production cannot be overlooked.
At the 2024 NFL Draft Combine, Corum posted a 4.53 40-yard dash, which is not ideal for a running back, but power is his game. He posted 27 reps on the bench press, a 35.5-inch vertical jump, and a 1.58-second 10-yard split. These numbers don’t scream stud athlete, but after watching Corum play, his playstyle speaks for itself.
2024 NFL Draft: Best Bets to Make
Blake Corum +750
Jonathon Brooks +175
We already marveled at both of these players, and these are our two favorite players to be the first running backs selected in this year’s draft. Corum’s production cannot be overlooked despite his mediocre athletic testing. His injury history is also concerning, but at 7.5 to 1, he’s worth a look.
As for Brooks, if it were not for an injury late in the season, he would likely be the favorite. He suffered the ACL injury in November, so it’s not too farfetched to think he can be ready for training camp. Brooks skillset may be too good to pass up.
