Running backs took the field on Saturday afternoon for their on-field workout portion of the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Several athletic standouts took advantage of the primetime opportunity by improving their pre-draft stock. Various talents are now in the early round conversation. We've identified five ball-carriers that won the NFL Combine.
ISAAC GUERENDO, LOUISVILLE
We predicted an elite showing for Isaac Guerendo and he didn't disappoint. The former 100-meter state champion ran a position-best 4.33 40-yard dash. Guerendo led all participating ball-carriers in the vertical (41.50 inches) jump and finished second in the broad (10-foot-9). Onlooking scouts were impressed.
The Cardinals fielded an impressive rushing attack in 2023, averaging 178.5 ground yards per contest. Guerendo, a big-bodied runner, played a huge role in that success by accumulating 810 yards and 11 touchdowns. Guerendo is an outstanding between-the-tackles runner with eye-popping long speed for his size (6-0, 221).
JAYLEN WRIGHT, TENNESSEE
One of the premier standouts at the position in the 2024 NFL Draft, Jaylen Wright pairs rare athleticism with proven production. Wright led the group with an 11-foot-2 broad jump. He continued to showcase lower-body explosion by finishing fourth in the vertical (38 inches). The cherry on top was a blazing-fast 4.38 40 on his second attempt.
Wright broke out of his shell for the Tennessee Volunteers this season by surpassing the 1,000-yard rushing mark. Wright is a versatile home-run threat in the backfield. Wright established himself as a day-two selection in Indianapolis.
MARSHAWN LLOYD, USC
Marshawn Lloyd's 4.46 is significantly more impressive than initially meets the eye. It's an outstanding time for a back that measured in at 5-foot-9 and 220 pounds. According to Travis May, adjusting Lloyd's speed-score for his weight places his 40 result in the 88th percentile.
Lloyd also leaped a respectable 36-inch vertical. There was a clutter of running backs jockeying for draft weekend positioning in Indianapolis. I believe Lloyd is the slight favorite to be the first ball carrier drafted.
TREY BENSON, FLORIDA STATE
Trey Benson is a big-bodied physical back at 6-foot, 216 pounds. Like Lloyd, Benson ran an outstanding 40 (4.39) for his size. The second-fastest recorded time among ball-carriers, Benson’s weight-adjusted 40 placed in the 90th percentile, per Hayden Winks. Benson’s 1.52 10-yard split placed second to a trio of 1.51 finishers.
Benson’s athletic testing matched the tape, which sees him blend size, speed, and power. Benson, who rushed for 1,895 yards and 21 touchdowns across two seasons as the Seminoles’ primary starter, will make a big impact at the next level.
KEILAN ROBINSON, TEXAS
Keilan Robinson entered the NFL Combine with little fanfare and production. A career backup who transferred from Alabama to Texas ahead of the 2021 season, Robinson played behind Bijan Robinson, Jonathon Brooks, and Roschon Johnson throughout his time as a Longhorn. Robinson did his best to wake scouts up to his untapped potential.
NFL scouts have described Robinson as "this year's Keaton Mitchell" to TDN. Robinson placed fourth in the 40 (4.42) and broad jump (10-foot-4). The initial burst was displayed by his position-best 1.51 10-yard split. The speedy Robinson has plenty of tread remaining on his tires.
Honorable mentions: Jaden Shirden (Monmouth), Kimani Vidal (Troy), Tyrone Tracy Jr. (Purdue), George Holani (Boise State), Dylan Laube (New Hampshire).
