2023 NFL Draft Big Board: Top 10 Running Backs

The Bengals could address running back early in this year's draft.

Author:
Parker Blake
Publish date:
Apr 7, 2023 8:27 AM EDT

In this story:

The Bengals are expected to address the running back position in the 2023 NFL Draft. It's one of the deepest classes in years.

Our All Bengals Big Board series continues with the draft just 20 days away.

Here are my top 10 running backs in this year's draft:

1. Bijan Robinson, Texas

Nov 25, 2022; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson (5) runs during the second half against the Baylor Bears at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports — Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Robinson is clearly the top running back in the class and for good reason. He not only fits the mold for what teams are looking for, but has elite explosiveness and is extremely agile. Robinson is a weapon in the run game and is a reliable pass catcher that possesses the potential to be an impact player on every down in the NFL. He has incredible vision at the line of scrimmage, but runs a bit tall through the lane. However, that is one of the very few flaws in his game. He's one of the top running back prospects of the past decade.

2. Zach Charbonnet, UCLA

Charbonnet seems like a bigger version of Robinson. He fits the same prototypical size marks and has impressive balance through contact. The two also share the same wart in running through the line of scrimmage with their pad level a bit too high.

Though they both have impressive vision, Charbonnet can be a little too patient behind the line. He also lacks impressive breakaway speed, partially due to his size. He is the clear number two back in the draft for me, but isn't without flaws.

3. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama

Gibbs is a very explosive prospect. He has an elite level of balance to pair with elusiveness. He's a legitimate threat out of the backfield in the run and pass game.

While he is versatile due to his athleticism, my biggest concerns lie with his slight frame (5'9", 199 lbs). I worry about his ability to become a true workhorse back in the NFL.

4. Tank Bigsby, Auburn

Bigsby is a big back that should be a third-round steal for a team. He is a very tough runner that falls forward when finishing runs. His large frame and feet that are constantly churning make him an impressive redzone threat.

Bigsby's size and ability to pass block on longer down situations make him an ideal three down back in the NFL. While he isn't the best pass catcher, his hard nosed running is more than enough to make up the difference.

5. Kenny McIntosh, Georgia

Feb 1, 2023; Mobile, AL, USA; American running back Kenny McIntosh of Georgia (6) practices during the second day of Senior Bowl week at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports — Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

McIntosh is one of the more interesting running back prospects in this class. He has an incredibly unique blend of size and speed, but seems to be missing the patience of traditional starting backs. He will make a roster with his elite pass catching ability and returner experience. His unique natural traits to earn him a starting spot in the NFL.

6. Roschon Johnson, Texas

Though he was a backup at Texas, Johnson flashed when he was given the chance. He is a very capable north-south runner and has the instincts that you'd expect out of a starting back.

Though he can run a bit high due to being a larger back, his balance through contact often compensates for his lacking agility. Johnson has one of the lower ceilings of the top backs in the class, but has potential to contribute as a rookie.

7. Tyjae Spears, Tulane

Spears is the typical low-floor, high-ceiling prospect. He has decent size, though I'd like to see him put on some weight in the NFL. Spears is an explosive back that has impressive breakaway ability in the open field and has shown consistent home run ability.

However, he has very limited experience as a pass catcher and I worry about his ability to block on third downs. A team that is able to maximize his skill set will end up with a potential diamond in the rough, but without another back that can take off some of the workload, he could struggle early in his career.

8. Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh

Nov 19, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers running back Israel Abanikanda (2) celebrates his touchdown against the Duke Blue Devils during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports — Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Abanikanda is a compact back that will be entering the league as a 20-year-old. He seems to need more displacement up front than other top backs, but does a great job of utilizing his blocks and making tacklers miss.

He's a very willing pass blocker, but tends to lose ground fairly easy in the pocket. Abanikanda has an impressive amount of burst and is able to earn bigger chunk plays while also being able to settle in for longer drives. As a young player with very little mileage, I don't see why he can't develop into a competent starter in the NFL.

9. Chase Brown, Illinois

Brown is an instinctual, big play back. When able to work into open space, he is more than capable of punishing teams with his breakaway ability.

Brown's athletic ability translates very effectively in the passing game, which is another way for him to show off his home run ability. Being a smaller back (5-9, 205), NFL teams will have a hard time putting him in the game to push the pile or even pass protect. Brown's high ceiling will be limited by his size and ability to stay healthy.

10. Devon Achane, Texas A&M

Achane is another smaller back with incredible elusiveness and versatility. He's able to force more than a few missed tackles and would be ideal in a system looking to feature two complimentary backs.

If his lack of size wasn't enough, he seems less than disinterested in showcasing any power or doing more than chipping in pass protection. He is a shifty athlete that provides an instant mismatch for linebackers in the pass game and has shown good vision and patience. Expect him to compete as a high level returner early in his career, even if he doesn't get his shot in the backfield.

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