Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Senior Bowl flush with talent at running back

By Eric Smithling | Last updated 1/31/23

Need a running back? Look no further than Saturday's Reese's Senior Bowl.

Former NFL scout Jim Nagy, the Senior Bowl executive director, told reporters that three or four running backs in the game are potential NFL starters.

Jim Nagy of Senior Bowl cites running back as a strong draft position this year. There are four 1,000-yard rushers here. Three or four NFL starters. Also tight end is strong group. pic.twitter.com/oFkpeCJ6W0
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) January 31, 2023

The running back group at the Senior Bowl includes five players who had more than 1,000 scrimmage yards in 2022: Illinois' Chase Brown (1,883), Oklahoma's Eric Gray (1,595), Northwestern's Evan Hull (1,459), Georgia's Kenny McIntosh (1,334) and Tulane's Tyjae Spears (1,837).

Junior running back Bijan Robinson of Texas declared for the draft on Dec. 19. Per The Draft Network, he is the third-best prospect overall in this year's class. He is not playing in the Senior Bowl.

Running backs have lost a lot of value in the draft over the years. Only seven backs were drafted in the top 10 between 2010-2019, the fewest in a decade in NFL history. The last running back drafted in the top 10 was Saquon Barkley (Giants) at second overall in 2018.

In several mock drafts, Robinson projects as a pick in the 20s. ESPN's Mel Kiper has Robinson going to the Cowboys at No. 26.

Several teams need running back help. The Bucs had the league's worst rushing attack in 2022. The Bills could use a back to assist in taking the load off QB Josh Allen's shoulders, and the Giants may need one if Barkley leaves in free agency.

The Saints, Chargers and Dolphins could use improved depth at the position.

One team will get the big fish at the position in Robinson, but there's enough talent to go around to fill needs.

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