The 2024 NFL Draft features an intriguing crop of running backs. The class lacks a bonafide first-round pick but is littered with exciting athletes and mid-round value throughout. No single running back has separated himself as the consensus RB1 throughout the pre-draft process. There’s a layer of uncertainty present. Who will be the first running back selected? The answer remains a mystery.
FanDuel recently released their updated positional betting odds. We've identified the odds-on favorite, underdogs worth backing, and other prospects that possess a legitimate opportunity. The top options are listed as follows:
Trey Benson (+210)
Jonathon Brooks (+300)
Jaylen Wright (+380)
Marshawn Lloyd (+650)
Braelon Allen (+1300)
Blake Corum (+1500)
Bucky Irving (+1900)
Will Shipley (+2500)
Audric Estime (+2500)
Isaac Guerendo (+6000)
THE FAVORITE: TREY BENSON
Florida State’s Trey Benson is the favorite according to FanDuel’s oddsmakers. It’s easy to understand why. Benson attached a jetpack to his pre-draft stock by running a blazing-fast 4.39 at the NFL Combine. It was an outstanding result for a punishing ball-carrier who boasts a three-down 6-foot, 216-pound frame.
Benson’s 1.52 10-yard split ranked second among all participating backs. Benson also had a 10-foot-2 broad jump. The Greenville, Mississippi native displayed terrific athleticism in front of RB-needy teams in Indianapolis.
A former Oregon transfer, Benson enjoyed two productive seasons for the Seminoles. Benson totaled 1,895 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns at Florida State. Benson possesses an opportunity to be a top-64 selection.
MY PICK: MARSHAWN LLOYD
I'm surprised to see USC running back MarShawn Lloyd available at +650 odds. The chatter around the Senior Bowl was that Lloyd possessed an excellent opportunity to be the first back drafted. NFL offenses are obsessed with versatile backs that can impact the passing game.
There's untapped potential for Lloyd in that area, who averaged 17.8 yards per catch at USC this past season while also doing a great job in pass protection. In 2022, Lloyd scored two receiving touchdowns at South Carolina.
Lloyd doesn't regret transferring to USC for his final season of college football. He posted career-highs in rushing yards (820) and yards per attempt (7.1!) while scoring nine touchdowns. Lloyd blends lateral agility with burst and strength. He’ll be a hot commodity.
A WORTHY UNDERDOG: BLAKE CORUM
Blake Corum is a little undersized (5-foot-8, 205 pounds) by traditional standards to be the first back drafted, but the +1500 odds are more favorable than they should be. Corum enjoyed as successful of a career at Michigan as humanly possible. He departs as a National Championship winner and the program's all-time rushing touchdown leader with 56 scores.
Corum is a pro-ready runner that’s scheme versatile. He possesses elite vision and change of direction ability. New Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, who coached Corum at Michigan, needs a running back and owns the 37th pick in the second round. That gives Corum a realistic chance to be the first ball-carrier drafted.
