A position that’s not highly desired throughout the NFL Draft in recent years has been the running back position. In the last four years, none were drafted before pick 24; in the four years before that, seven were selected in the top 15. 

The 2023 NFL Draft potentially has the best group of running backs that we’ve seen since 2017. With several prospects having the potential to be first-round picks, it’s likely only one of them goes that high. What landing spots will help them thrive in the NFL and help your fantasy football and dynasty fantasy football teams?

Jahmyr Gibbs – Alabama

Kansas City Chiefs – Round 2

Owning the last pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Chiefs will need to take Gibbs at the end of the first or trade up in the second to get him. He has the making of a first-round running back but should be available to teams in the second. The value of teams having a running back that can be both a runner and receiver is higher than ever, and adding that athleticism to the Chiefs’ passing attack would be unmatched. 

Israel Abanikanda – Pittsburgh

Buffalo Bills – Round 3

On his pro day, the former track athlete in high school showed why he is the most underrated running back in the NFL Draft. Running a 4.41 40-yard dash and having a 41-inch vertical proved how explosive he can be and confirmed his play speed.

Before last year, Abanikanda didn’t have the biggest workload but was electric when he got the ball. Finally, at 5-foot-10, 216 pounds, he has the burst, power, and elusiveness to be a dangerous NFL running back.

Tyjae Spears – Tulane

Chicago Bears – Round 3

With David Montgomery departing to the Detroit Lions, the Bears have a void to fill in the backfield. Even with Khalil Herbert and D’Onta Foreman, there’s a lot of room for improvement. Adding Spears, who has ridiculous elusiveness and agility with outstanding vision, would take their offense to the level they’re looking for with Justin Fields and company. Overall, at 5-foot10 201 pounds, Spears has the ideal build for a top running back in the NFL and has all the traits to lead a backfield.

Evan Hull – Northwestern

Los Angeles Chargers – Round 4

After lighting up the Senior Bowl, Hull put his name on the map as a running back that should go much earlier than many expected. However, if you watched any of his games throughout the year, the Minnesota native showed his effectiveness in the run game and his receiving ability.

A hot topic has been the usage of running backs in college, which Hull doesn’t have much of, leaving him with a lot of mileage left on his body. With Austin Ekeler given permission to seek a trade, Hull could be the next feature back in the Chargers high powered offense. 

Kendre Miller – TCU

Los Angeles Rams – Round 5

Breaking out in 2022, Miller’s tremendous production helped his team to the National Championship. He’s extremely patient at the line of scrimmage, waiting for his blocks to set up and allowing his linemen to open up a running lane for him to explode through. Furthermore, he runs with great control and has the contact balance to fight through tackles. Miller’s vision sets him apart from the rest of the competition and would pair nicely with the Rams’ backfield.

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