Bijan Robinson Headlines List of Running Back Prospects at NFL Combine
The NFL scouting combine (February 28-March 6) is the league’s first major event of the offseason. 27 running back prospects have been invited to the event held in Indianapolis where they'll look to impress coaches and scouts during the process of being picked in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Here's a look at the top five running backs we'll look to draft in our fantasy leagues. For a deeper look, be sure to check out the Top 100 Big Board 1.0.
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2023 Rookie Running Back Rankings: NFL Combine
1. Bijan Robinson, Texans: Robinson is the best running back prospect in this class, and many scouts believe it’s not close. A tackle-breaking machine at Texas, he compiled 1,894 scrimmage yards (1,580 on the ground) and scored 20 times in his final collegiate season. He’d be a fantastic fit with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Dallas Cowboys or Philadelphia Eagles in the second half of the first round.
2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama: Gibbs isn’t the biggest back at 5’11” and 200 pounds, but he’s versatile (44 catches in 2022) and an explosive runner. In fact, NFL Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson has compared him to Chris Johnson. While he might not become a three-down NFL back, Gibbs could emerge as a PPR machine if he lands with the right team. He’d be a nice fit with the Eagles or Miami Dolphins.
3. Zach Charbonnet, UCLA: Charbonnet is a versatile running back with good size who averaged seven yards per rush in his final season with the Bruins. His 2022 totals were career highs, in fact, as he ranked 15th in rushing yards despite missing three games. He was also No. 4 in rushing yards per game and No. 7 in total scrimmage yards. He’d be a nice fantasy fit with the Dolphins or Eagles, too.
4. Devon Achane, Texas A&M: Achane is a smaller running back at 5-foot-9 and 185 pounds, but he’s an explosive playmaker who caught a combined 60 passes in his final 22 collegiate games. He doesn’t project to be a three-down back in the NFL, but rather a pass-catching, explosive complement to an early-down grinder. Also useful as a kick returner, Achane is likely to be a second or third round selection.
5. Zach Evans, Mississippi: Evans, who averaged 6.9 yards per carry and rushed for 18 touchdowns in college (27 games), has the potential to be a No. 1 back in the NFL. He has the size and big-play ability to lead a backfield at the next level, though there are some concerns about his durability. If he lands in the right spot, Evans could be a valuable fantasy asset. The Eagles and Dolphins would make sense.
