*Walt taking 2014 and 2018 |
Charlie Campbell, Senior Draft Analyst |
2023 NFL Draft Could Have Good RB Class
Updated July 29, 2022By Charlie Campbell. Follow Charlie on Twitter @draftcampbell.
Each NFL draft is unique, and in certain years, there is more talent at some positions than others. As the 2022 season unfolds, it will become apparent the positions that are strong in terms of talent and those that are lacking. Over the past few years, the running back position has lacked first-round talent, with only two backs going in the first round since 2020. That could change for the 2023 NFL Draft, however, as some advance scouts have four running back prospects rated in their top-33 players.
The running backs who are rated in that top 33 are Texas’ Bijan Robinson, Georgia’s Kenny McIntosh, UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet and Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs. All four should produce big seasons assuming they stay healthy, but they might not be alone with early-round grades. There were four other running backs in the top 70. Those prospects were Kentucky’s Chris Rodriguez Jr., Syracuse’s Sean Tucker, Appalachian State’s Camerun Peoples and Louisville’s Tyon Evans.
Pro teams have downgraded the priority of the running back position in NFL drafts, so when it is all said and done, there might be only one or two who are actually selected on the opening night of the 2023 NFL Draft. Bijan Robinson is probably the only one who would be considered a safe first-rounder entering the 2022 season. Even if Robinson is the only one who goes on Thursday night during the 2023 NFL Draft, these other prospects could help to form a strong class that provides NFL teams some excellent values on Day 2.
