2023 Running Back Class Preview

Photo: USA Today Sports

The 2022 college football season is ending, with the college football playoff set and teams getting prepared for bowl season. It’s time for fantasy managers to start shifting their attention to the 2023 draft class. Throughout the college football season, I have been writing a top-36 big board to give you appropriate value all college football season that you can check out here. But now it’s time to dive deeper into the class itself. This deep dive will give you a first look at many of the draft-eligible prospects, and in this breakdown, we’re going to look at the 2023 running backs. The class depth lies in the running back class. We still don’t know who will officially declare for the draft. However, this is a great time to start familiarizing yourself with this class of running backs. We will examine each running back's strengths, weaknesses, projected draft capital, and rookie draft value. Let's dive in!

RB Bijan Robinson (Jr – Texas): 6-foot-0, 220 lbs

Projected Draft Capital

1st Round

Projected Superflex Rookie Draft Value

1.01

Strengths

Robinson comes into the draft as one of the most complete backs in this class and of recent memory. He has the size, speed, and agility you want in your running back prospects. His best attribute has to be his vision and his ability to find holes at the line of scrimmage. His jump cut is elite. That explosiveness is the skill that already puts him in the top tier of running backs at the next level. In the second level, Robinson excels at making players miss. His agility in the open field and brute strength also allow him to extend runs. There’s no such thing as a perfect runner, but Robinson comes close. He also demonstrates sober average hands in the passing game and has shown he can be a complete back. He’ll immediately be an every-down runner in the NFL. He should be the 1.01 in dynasty leagues this off-season.

Weaknesses

If you want to nit-pick Robinson on anything, it’s his pass blocking, but he does an adequate enough job to get it done. There are minor technique issues that he can work on, but outside of that, there don’t seem to be any glaring weaknesses in his game.

Highlight

The Draft Network’s @DP_NFL has the #Dolphins picking Texas RB Bijan Robinson with the 56th pick in his mock draft

“Bijan Robinson is the best back in this class. He adds a high-end RB with a complete three-down skill set. Good luck stopping this offense.” pic.twitter.com/mIETDfTfqw

— Hussam Patel (@HussamPatel) December 7, 2022

Robinson’s Career Stats

RB Jahmyr Gibbs (Jr – Alabama): 5-foot-11, 200 lbs

Projected Draft Capital

Late 1st Round/Early 2nd Round

Projected Superflex Rookie Draft Value

1.04-1.07

Strengths

Gibbs is the best pass-catcher in this class. At times this season at Alabama, he looked like the best pass catcher on the entire roster, and they even used him in the slot in must-pass situations. On top of his pass-catching abilities, Gibbs is a playmaker in every aspect of the game. He has shown to be an excellent kickoff returner and his speed allows him to break off big plays routinely. If you like to watch film, take some time and watch tape of his Arkansas game this season. He rushed for 206 yards on just 18 carries and two touchdowns. It was the best game of his career, and it was a showcase of his skills as a runner. His vision and game-changing ability were on full display against the Razorbacks. He also became a more efficient runner at Alabama and significantly improved his technique.

Weaknesses

The most significant concern of many is his weight. The biggest question in the pre-draft process is what Gibbs's actual weight will be when he decides to step on the scale. He is currently listed at 200 pounds, which could be a concern if he dips below that 200 mark. Historical precedence has told us that running backs sub-200 fail to live up to our fantasy expectations. His pass-catching upside provides a safer floor than past prospects, but it’s something to note. He proved at Alabama to be able to handle SEC defenses, which should help his draft stock. The other area of concern is his pass-blocking. Gibbs struggled this season at Alabama, forcing him to be taken off the field and getting outright benched in the Texas game this year. As good of a pass-catcher as he is, he has to show teams he can block, or he won’t be on the field.

Highlight

Jahmyr Gibbs is a lot more than just a receiving back he’s a home run threat every time he touches the ball

This dudes got a different gear

Plan your early first round 2023 rookie draft picks accordingly
pic.twitter.com/ngROPIyXM7

— Joe O’Leary (@TheHQNerd) October 2, 2022

Gibbs’s Career Stats

RB Zach Evans (Jr – Ole Miss): 5-foot-11, 215 lbs

Projected Draft Capital

2nd Round

Projected Superflex Rookie Draft Value

Mid 1st Round

Strengths

Evans is the wildcard in this class. While he could be one of the best pure runners in this class, he was outplayed by a true freshman this season at Ole Miss. Quinshon Judkins took over that backfield, leaving scouts concerned about Evans's long-term outlook. On the plus side, Evans is an explosive back who is the quintessential north-south runner. When he gets momentum, it takes multiple defenders to take him down, and he has the lateral agility to make defenders miss in the open field. His micro-movements in traffic are second to only Bijan in this class. He would benefit from being drafted by a team that runs outside zone rushing concepts and could challenge for the RB2 spot in the class if taken by a team like the Miami Dolphins. He’s a prospect that I’ve been high on since his senior season of high school and could be the most underrated back in the class.

Weaknesses

As mentioned above, the lack of production is a concern. He was held back during his freshman season at TCU because he contracted Covid-19. His sophomore season started strong, but he left the team as soon as head coach Gary Patterson was fired. Then this season, he dealt with injuries and lost his job to a true freshman. Even then, he still showed flashes of his potential. Evans has also yet to showcase he can be an actual threat in the passing game. He can catch, but teams have yet to utilize him in that role—something noticeable this season when he lost snaps to Judkins but was not used in the passing offense. Teams usually get their best players on the field no matter what, and Ole Miss was content with him being on the sidelines. Evans could project as an early down back only which definitely caps his ceiling as a prospect.

Highlight

Zach Evans could run through a brick wall if he wanted to pic.twitter.com/zxb9S9WdX7

— Barstool College Football Show (@BarstoolCFB) October 30, 2022

Evan’s Career Stats

RB Kendre Miller (Jr - TCU): 6-foot-0, 220 lbs

Projected Draft Capital

3rd/4th Round

Projected Superflex Rookie Draft Value

Early 2nd Round

Strengths

Miller was a prospect that I came into the season high on. Everything pointed to him having a big season this year, and that’s precisely what happened with him helping TCU make the College Football Playoff. He ran for 1,342 yards in the regular season and scored seventeen touchdowns. He was one of the most efficient runners this year and demonstrated a unique blend of vision to find holes in defenses. His main strength was exploiting defenses that overpursued. Miller isn't the most explosive back, but when you watch his tape, his manipulation of angles stands out. He is a mature runner that understands defenses. TCU’s offense highlighted his strengths as a runner, and his size would seem to be a perfect fit in the NFL.

Weaknesses

The questions that surround Miller are about his testing numbers and athleticism. While he certainly understands where the holes will be, he doesn’t have the top-end speed to break off huge runs. There are times he has done it, but there is a clear lack of consistency. His testing numbers will directly impact his draft capital which makes them even more important. If he tests low, his draft capital will suffer, thus hurting his fantasy value. He currently projects as an early down back who could be a lead guy in a rotation.

Highlight

Every time I watch Kendre Miller all I see is Marshawn Lynch when he was at Cal. pic.twitter.com/JOFW4VTIcQ

— Kevin (@Daboys_22) November 26, 2022

Miller's Career Stats

RB Tank Bigsby (Jr – Auburn): 6-foot-0, 208 lbs

Projected Draft Capital

2nd/3rd Round

Projected Superflex Rookie Draft Value

Late 1st Round

Strengths

Bigsby has been a productive back ever since his freshman season. He’s been stuck in a terrible offense for three years but has made the best of it. He’s rushed for just under 3,000 yards and has just under 500 receiving yards in his career. The first thing you should notice when watching his tape is just how physical of a runner he is. His north/south running style allows him to pick up extra yards after contact. In 2022 he averaged over four yards after contact per rushing attempt, with a majority of that contact occurring behind or at the line of scrimmage, thanks to Auburn’s below-average offensive line. When he can get into open space, he has demonstrated above-average straight-line speed and enough agility to make at least the first guy miss.

Weaknesses

There are times, as a runner, he struggles to decide when to make a defender miss or put his head down to gain extra yards on his runs. He tends to look for contact first, which caps his ceiling on big plays, and he’ll need to work on his decision-making as a runner. Some will try to point to his hands as a weakness, which is misleading. Dating back to high school, he’s been a capable receiver; Auburn struggled to utilize him in a meaningful route tree, relegating him to swing passes and screens. However, he’ll need to prove he can learn an expansive tree at the next level.

Highlight

Tank Bigsby forced 48 missed tackles in 13 games in 2021.

Tank Bigsby has forced 41 missed tackles in 8 games in 2022.

His growth has been really fun to watch, even if watching Auburn is not.
pic.twitter.com/FllpzhfFZ0

— Christian Williams (@CWilliamsNFL) November 4, 2022

Bigsby's Career Stats

RB Sean Tucker (Jr – Syracuse): 5-foot-10, 205 lbs

Projected Draft Capital

3rd Round

Projected Superflex Rookie Draft Value

Late 1st Round-Early 2nd Round

Strengths

Early reports have Tucker’s draft capital and rankings everywhere. Some have the Syracuse running back as high as RB2; others have him as a late day-two draft pick. Tucker has proven to be one of the more productive backs in Syracuse’s history, rushing for over 3,000 yards in his career, including a breakout sophomore season that saw him put up over 1,700 yards from scrimmage. He has quick feet and excellent lateral quickness at the line of scrimmage. He excels in open space, and Syracuse did a great job scheming him to get those looks as a receiver. He’s a capable enough receiver to be a threat at the next level.

Weaknesses

The biggest concern with Tucker is his speed. He has good enough straight-line speed to make plays in college, but he still was routinely caught from behind. That won’t work in the NFL. His testing numbers, particularly his 40-yard dash, will be crucial as he goes through the draft process. His size will also be a big part of that process. Coming in at a listed 205 pounds is less than ideal, and he’ll need to weigh in over 200 pounds. He’ll also need to work on his vision. Sometimes he struggles to identify his holes and is a hesitant runner at the initial line of scrimmage. It’s a big part of the reason Syracuse schemed him open in various ways.

Highlight

Syracuse RB Sean Tucker (2023 eligible) dominated Louisville today

21 carries for 98 Yards + 1 TD
6 REC for 85 Yards + 1 TD pic.twitter.com/bpegLdu7mU

— Matt Hicks (@TheFF_Educator) September 4, 2022

Tucker’s Career Stats

RB Blake Corum (Jr – Michigan): 5-foot-9, 200 lbs

Projected Draft Capital

3rd/4th Round

Projected Superflex Rookie Draft Value

Mid 2nd Round

Strengths

Before his knee injury, Corum was putting up Heisman-type numbers for the Wolverines in 2022. He rushed for 1,463 yards and eighteen touchdowns in twelve games this season. He is an elusive back and has the best vision of any running back in this class. He reads his blocks exceptionally well and consistently makes the right cuts. His micro-movements at the line of scrimmage enable him to make the first defender miss most of the time and is his best strength as a runner.

Weaknesses

Corum was well on his way to Day 2 draft capital before he injured his knee against Illinois. The injury cost him his season and put his NFL future in doubt. He has yet to declare and could head back to the Wolverines for his senior season. Even without the injuries, there were a few concerns about him as a prospect. First, his size is a red flag. While he wears his weight well and has a robust and compact frame, we know the story of sub-200 backs, and it’s not optimistic, especially given his lack of long speed. He also hasn’t shown enough in the receiving department to be considered a reliable pass catcher.

Highlight

Blake Corum has an outstanding combination of patience, agility, vision, & footwork!

Follow the 3-lead blocks stretch the 2nd level defenders & cut into the void! 👌🏾

He’s a really fun RB! pic.twitter.com/5O2Izokbpo

— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) December 14, 2022

Corum’s Career Stats

RB Zach Charbonnet (Sr – UCLA): 6-foot-1, 220 lbs

Projected Draft Capital

3rd Round

Projected Superflex Rookie Draft Value

Late 1st Round-Early 2nd Round

Strengths

Had Charbonnet declared last season, he could have been the RB3 of the class. Instead, he went back to UCLA and had a productive final season rushing for 1,359 yards and fourteen touchdowns. He also showed off some capable hands catching 37 balls for 321 yards. He’s a pure north and south runner that delivers bruising hits to opposing defenses. His contact balance is outstanding, and there is no way arm tackles will bring him down. Many will point to his speed as a weakness, but when he’s able to get momentum, it’s good enough to break big runs. The NFL loves running backs with his frame and skill set. There’s a chance Charbonnet gets drafted much higher than consensus.

Weaknesses

While he has the size and frame the NFL wants, he certainly lacks the athleticism in the open field. You’ll see some highlights of him making guys miss in the second level, but that’s against Pac-12 level talent. Those moves will not work at the next level. You’ll also notice that once he loses momentum as a runner, he lacks the acceleration to get back up to full speed quickly, affecting his big runs. That lack of acceleration hurts him when he’s not given a hole to run through, and there are plenty of times on tape where he proves to be too indecisive as a runner.

Highlight

ZACH CHARBONNET is too TOUGH 😤😤

pic.twitter.com/uTvrVX0BdR

— The Transfer Portal CFB (@TPortalCFB) October 30, 2022

Charbonnet’s Career Stats

RB Israel Abanikanda (Jr - Pittsburgh): 5-foot-11, 215 lbs

Projected Draft Capital

5th Round

Projected Superflex Rookie Draft Value

3rd Round

Strengths

Abanikanda’s current projected draft capital does not reflect his talent. The Junior running back rushed for 1,431 yards and twenty touchdowns this season. Thirteen touchdowns were at least 10 yards or more, leading the FBS. His size and frame are paired with a lethal explosiveness that was on full display all season. He can use that explosiveness to exploit defenses who over-commit, and he understands how to manipulate angles on his runs. He has legitimate open-field speed and quick feet. You get a complete running back when you pair that with his strong lower body. Looking at his overall draft profile, he might be the biggest sleeper in this class.

Weaknesses

His pass blocking is his least desirable attribute. His technique is flawed, and he consistently gets pushed back in the backfield. On top of his pass blocking, his indecisiveness at the line of scrimmage can also show up on tape. He needs to learn how to pick a hole and commit to it. He can sometimes have happy feet in the backfield, allowing defenses to close gaps quickly. That is not something that will translate to the NFL successfully.

Highlight

YOU CAN'T CATCH ISRAEL ABANIKANDA💨

pic.twitter.com/zxf3PrGb0U

— PFF College (@PFF_College) September 10, 2022

RB Devon Achane (Jr – Texas A&M): 5-foot-9, 185 lbs

Projected Draft Capital

3rd Round

Projected Superflex Rookie Draft Value

2nd Round

Strengths

Speed. Pure Speed. That's where Achane’s value as a runner lies. There is no one faster than him in this class, and it’s why we found himself on Bruce Feldman’s freak list. His explosiveness will lead to huge plays, and he was a human highlight reel in college. As soon as defenses allowed him to turn the corner, he was gone. He can cut on a dime and not lose momentum. He’s an excellent receiver and will be a versatile weapon in any offense.

Weaknesses

There is one and only concern with Achane. It’s his weight. Listed at 185 pounds, and that might not be correct. There is a legitimate concern about him holding up in the NFL at that size. Not to mention being fantasy relevant. Historically running backs of his size just don’t ever become relevant in fantasy. The question that would remain is whether he is an outlier. Many will argue he will be, but the hit rate on running backs of his size is extremely low. For this back, you need to follow the draft capital. If he earns day two draft capital, there could be a scenario where he becomes a value in your rookie draft. If he doesn't earn that capital, he’s not draftable.

Highlight

Devon. Achane.

Unreal#GigEm pic.twitter.com/TVIfbMAM1k

— Tim England (@tengland_150) November 5, 2022

Achane’s Career Stats