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2023 NFL Draft Betting Predictions: Running Backs Odds

by Matt Zitt - 4/14/2023

NFL Draft predictions running backs odds Tyjae Spears

As every year passes, the running back position loses more and more value in the NFL Draft. Top-projected backs have garnered late first-round consideration if they are lucky. Ownership seems content using second round or later draft picks on ball carriers. This is a far cry from Top 5 considerations like Ezekiel Elliot in 2016 and Saquan Barkley in 2018. Look at Jonathan Taylor, a premier starting running back in the NFL but was taken in Round 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Even though teams may wait on selecting the position, there is plenty of talent that could boost rosters this upcoming season. Texas’ Bijan Robinson, Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs and UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet highlight this year’s class. Even though history says they could be taken on Day 2, there are a few teams that could decide to pull the trigger in Round 1. The Detroit Lions have the 6th and 18th pick of this year’s draft. It would not be a total shock if they selected Robinson with the 18th pick. The Eagles and Ravens are two teams that are not hesitant to stockpile at the running back position as well. We will look at the top running backs ahead of the 2023 Draft below.

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RB Favorites Analysis for the 2023 NFL Draft

Bijan Robinson (Texas)

Few and far between have we seen a running back this decade as talented as Robinson. Scouts have already put him in the conversation with names like Barkley and McCaffrey. He came onto the scene as a freshman in the Alamo Bowl, rushing for 183 yards. Robinson had a monster junior season rushing for 1,580 yards and adding 18 touchdowns on the ground. As a dual threat he caught 19 passes for 314 yards and two more scores. NFL owners and scouts have praised his pass-catching prowess, change-of-direction, and field vision. The Lions, Ravens and Cowboys have expressed the most interest in this generational talent. Whoever drafts Robinson gets a Day 1 difference-maker out of the gate.

Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama)

Gibbs was mediocre his first few years at Georgia Tech before transferring to Bama. If it was not for Robinson, Gibbs would be the number one running back selected in this year’s draft. He was a consensus five-star prospect out of high school and displays versatile athleticism. Besides the rushing attack, he returns kicks on special teams and is heavily involved in the passing game. His junior year for the Tide included 926 rushing yards with seven touchdowns. He added 44 receptions for 444 yards and three scores in the passing game. The Bills, Cowboys, and Panthers have been heavily linked to the Nick Saban product.

Zach Charbonnet (UCLA)

Charbonnet started his collegiate career with Michigan before transferring to the Bruins. He stands at 6-foot-1 and his physicality punishes defenders. Per the Draft Network, he is a future NFL starter with three-down potential. Another dual threat running back, he tallied 1,359 yards on 195 carries while finding the endzone 14 times as a senior. He added 37 receptions for 321 yards in the passing game.

Kenny McIntosh (Georgia)

He might not be in the same sentence as Nick Chubb or James Cook, but he was a highly productive player for the Bulldogs. He is one of the bigger sized backs in the 2023 class, standing at 6-foot-1. Scouts have praised his pass catching and speed. His lack of pass protection should send him into the second or third round selection. He finished his senior year as a National Champion, rushing for 829 yards and 10 touchdowns. He added 504 receiving yards on 43 receptions in the passing game along with two more touchdowns.

Tyjae Spears (Tulane)

The Tulane product dominated at the Senior Bowl, increasing his draft stock. He dominated opponents his senior year, posting 120+ yard performances in eight straight games. Scouts have lauded his lateral explosion found in very few running backs, comparing him to Darren Sproles. His dynamics as a pass catcher could see him landing a future starting role for an NFL squad. He ended his tenure at Tulane with 1,581 rushing yards and 19 scores as a junior. He added 22 receptions for 256 yards and two more scores through the passing attack. Do not be surprised to see his name called in the 3rd-4th round.

RB Predictions for the 2023 NFL Draft

Draft Position for Robinson: Over 16.5 Draft Position (+135) – Lions nab him at 18 or Ravens use first round selection on him.

Total running backs selected in the first round: Over 1.5 (+250) – I think Robinson and Gibbs get late first round consideration from teams.

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