The 2024 NFL Draft is shortly approaching, with the three-day occasion set to start on April 25. Not like final 12 months, the 2024 class lacks a blue-chip operating again prospect, and no gamers on the place are anticipated to be chosen within the first spherical.
Nevertheless, that is not essentially an undesirable improvement, as groups will be capable to discover good worth at operating again later within the draft. With that in thoughts, listed below are three operating backs projected to be chosen outdoors of the primary two rounds who might find yourself being steals within the draft.
Rasheen Ali, Marshall
Top: 5-foot-11 | Weight: 206 kilos
Some of the productive operating backs within the 2024 class, the projected Day 3 choice is coming into the NFL with two seasons of not less than 1,300 yards from scrimmage underneath his belt. Ali, an explosive runner, adopted up an injury-plagued 2022 season by amassing 1,348 whole yards and scoring 16 touchdowns for the Thundering Herd in 2023.
Ali’s most profitable season got here in 2021, throughout which he tied present Atlanta Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier for essentially the most dashing touchdowns within the nation (23) whereas totaling 1,735 all-purpose yards.
It is price noting that Ali ruptured his biceps tendon whereas training for the Senior Bowl, which pressured him to overlook that all-star sport and the NFL Scouting Mix. Even so, it hasn’t negatively impacted his draft inventory, as Ali has arrange top-30 visits with a number of groups, together with contenders such because the Chiefs, Ravens and Cowboys.
Though accidents appear to be a priority for Ali, he will not be all that dangerous of a variety for groups, contemplating the draft capital they’d spend money on to pick out him. If Kansas Metropolis in the end decides to draft him, Ali can be a perfect match to imagine the function free agent RB Jerick McKinnon beforehand held.
Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State
Top: 6-foot | Weight: 218 kilos
Regardless of enjoying at FCS powerhouse South Dakota State, Davis has the scale and traits to be an efficient workhorse operating again on the NFL degree. The 2023 Missouri Valley Soccer Convention Co-Offensive Participant of the 12 months rushed for 4,552 yards and 50 touchdowns on 677 carries throughout his four-year profession with the Jackrabbits whereas fumbling simply thrice.
In line with Professional Soccer Focus, Davis was the highest-graded operating again within the FCS final season (94.4), and his metrics in comparison with the opposite 2024 operating again prospects are eye-popping. In a current article revealed by PFF’s Mason Cameron highlighting the operating backs with the perfect attributes within the class, Davis posted the very best outdoors zone, energy, and goal-to-go dashing grades. As per Cameron, Davis rushed for first down or landing on over 29.7% of his outdoors zone makes an attempt in addition to on 54.7% of his energy runs.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., Purdue
Top: 5-foot-11 | Weight: 209 kilos
Tracy is likely one of the extra intriguing prospects within the draft, no matter place. He started his collegiate profession at Iowa, the place he performed huge receiver for 4 seasons earlier than transferring to Purdue earlier than the 2022 season. Tracy solely racked up 336 yards from scrimmage throughout his first season with the Boilermakers, however he lastly broke out in 2023 after HC Ryan Walters requested him to change to operating again.
In 11 video games this previous season, Tracy rushed for 716 yards and eight touchdowns on an environment friendly 6.3 yards per carry whereas showcasing his pass-catching and pass-blocking upside.
The transformed operating again adopted up a profitable first season on the place by placing on one of many high total performances on the NFL Scouting Mix. Among the many collaborating operating backs, Tracy ranked first within the three-cone drill (6.81 seconds), second in each the 20-yard shuttle (4.06 seconds) and vertical soar (40 inches) and eighth within the 40-yard sprint (4.48 seconds).
Given his strong body and all-around talent set, Tracy might be an instantaneous contributor in a rotational function within the NFL, with the upside to develop right into a featured again.
