The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine is fast approaching. With the Senior Bowl officially in our rearview mirror, the NFL Combine represents the next opportunity for prospects to improve their pre-draft stock ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. Every year, outstanding athletic testers elevate themselves a full round or two due to exiting the NFL Combine as a point of conversation.
With that in mind, we've identified five running backs who could raise their draft stock at the NFL Combine.
BRAELON ALLEN, WISCONSIN
A violent downhill runner, Braelon Allen certainly looks the part as a physically imposing prospect. Allen was the focal point of the Badgers' offense over the previous three campaigns, rushing for 3,494 yards and 35 touchdowns across that period. Allen possesses the potential to be a dominant early-down runner at the next level.
Allen will attempt to address questions about his long speed at the NFL Combine. Other areas are easier to project. The Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin native has power-cleaned 406 pounds, and bench-pressed 365 pounds, according to Bruce Feldman. Allen has also been clocked in at a 1.49 10-yard split.
JAYLEN WRIGHT, TENNESSEE
Tennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright has blazing-fast speed. A former track standout, Wright ran the 55-meter dash in 6.29 seconds and the 100-meter dash in 10.85 seconds. Wright is a legitimate candidate to run the fastest 40-time among all participating running backs. A 4.3 result is within the realm of possibility.
Wright enjoyed a career-best season, rushing for 1,013 yards as a versatile home-run threat. The 2024 class of running backs currently has more questions than answers. An excellent NFL Combine could position Wright to be a highly drafted ball-carrier.
RASHEEN ALI, MARSHALL
Rasheen Ali earned a well-deserved invite to this year's Senior Bowl and never looked out of place among bigger-program prospects. Ali had an outstanding 2023 campaign after 2022 was cut prematurely due to injury. Ali bounced back this season by rushing for 1,135 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Ali has previously vertical-jumped 36 inches and broad-jumped 10 feet, per Feldman. This would have been premium results among all running backs at the 2023 Combine. Ali also power-cleaned 335 and squatted 500 pounds.
JAWHAR JORDAN, LOUISVILLE
A day-three sleeper, Jawhar Jordan took a step forward for the Louisville Cardinals this season. Jordan rushed for 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns. He also averaged a personal-best 6.2 yards per carry (minimum qualifiers).
Jordan once ran a lightning-quick 4.37 40. I've seen nothing on tape to indicate Jordan cannot repeat that result. Jordan is a change-of-pace scat back that impacts multiple phases as a kick returner and pass catcher. A multi-purpose prospect, Jordan's pre-draft stock will increase if he runs in the 4.3s.
ISAAC GUERENDO, LOUISVILLE
The Cardinals possess not one, but two ball-carriers that I expect to improve their pre-draft stock in Indianapolis. The thunder to Jordan's lightning, Guerendo is a big-bodied runner who accumulated 810 yards and 11 touchdowns this past campaign. Guerendo is an outstanding between-the-tackles runner with big-time contact balance.
Guerendo moves incredibly well for a 220-pound (verified at Shrine) running back. A former 4x100 meter relay state champion, Guerendo is expected to run the 40-yard dash in the high 4.3s. The Clayton, Indiana native is a former 100-meter state champion (10.51). For reference, Usain Bolt's world record time is 9.58.
