6 rings prospect preview: running backs & tight ends
It's officially NFL draft month, which means we're coming towards a close on our 6 Rings and Football Things draft coverage.
As you know -- from now through the end of April, Andy Hart, Chris Scheim, and I will preview each position group in the NFL Draft as we get a feel for the prospects that best fit the Patriots for 2024.
This week? We hit on both the tight ends and running backs. You can watch it here:
And, in written form, here’s a look at my top five running back prospects in the 2024 class:
Honorable Mentions:
– Bucky Irving, Oregon
– Ray Davis, Kentucky
– Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
– Will Shipley, Clemson
– Dylan Laube, New Hampshire
– Frank Gore Jr., Southern Miss
– Dillon Johnson, Washington
No. 5 - Trey Benson, Florida State
Next in line to enter the league out of Florida State’s running back factory is Trey Benson.
Benson (6-foot-0, 216 pounds) originally committed to Oregon out of high school. After playing for the Ducks in 2021, he transferred to Tallahassee and put up back-to-back 900+ yard seasons for the ‘Noles. In ‘22 and ‘23.
He’s not much of a receiving back, having caught just 19 passes in his collegiate career, but could develop into a high-end spell back with RB1 potential in the right system.
No. 4 - Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
Tennessee’s Jaylen Wright turned heads at February’s NFL Combine with a 4.38-second 40-yard dash. He logged 1,013 rushing yards and four touchdowns on 137 carries (7.4 yards-per-attempt) for the Volunteers in 2023, and added 22 receptions for 141 yards through the air.
Wright runs down hill and acts with a purpose – a style that can translate to the NFL on day one.
No. 3 - Blake Corum, Michigan
After rushing for 1,484 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2022 on his way to a Unanimous All-American, Michigan’s Blake Corum returned to Ann Arbor in 2023 and not only added another 1,245 yards and 27(!!) touchdowns to his resume, but also the title “National Champion.”
Though he stands just a tick under just 5-foot-8, Courm plays bigger than that. He stands out in a weaker running back class.
No. 2 - MarShawn Lloyd, USC
Sepaking of standouts, former USC running back MarShawn Lloyd did exactly that for the Trojans in 2023.
Yet another product of the transfer portal, Lloyd originally played for the South Carolina Gamecocks from 2020-2022 before heading to the West Coast for his redshirt junior season. Under the guidance of head coach Lincoln Riley, the 5-foot-9, 210-pound back ran for 820 yards and 13 touchdowns this past season. His quick feet and ability to make defenders miss (95 career missed tackles – with 47 on just 115 carries in 2023, per Vikings Wire) are what make him such an intriguing prospect.
No. 1 - Jonathan Brooks, Texas
The best back in the 2024 class, Jonathan Brooks led Texas’ rushing attack in 2023 with 1,139 yards and 10 TD.
He didn’t do much in the passing game, but he’s explosive and has great vision. Another day one player.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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