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Day three of the 2024 NFL Combine is underway, and we are recapping the top performances by position group on the day.
Check back at the end of each day as we continue to recap every position group from the drill work at the 2024 NFL Combine.
Overview of Today's Analysis
Below, we provide a breakdown of the top players ranked within their respective position groups. This analysis is based on the drill work and how it correlates with each prospect's initial scouting report from the Football Scout 365 NFL Draft Big Board, available on our website.
Grading If the Film Matches the NFL Combine Data
The aim of today's analysis is to assess each prospect's NFL Combine drill performance. We consider all aspects of the workouts, from the 40-yard dash to the on-field exercises, to determine if a prospect's previous film analysis and scouting report align with their performance during the NFL Combine's on-field drills. Learn more about the player grade scale here.
The Top Running Back Grades At The 2024 NFL Combine
Trey Benson, RB, Florida State (6' 0'', 216 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.39 seconds (3rd among running backs)
10-Yard Split: 1.52 seconds (4th among running backs)
Vertical Jump: 33.5'' (15th among running backs)
Broad Jump: 10' 2'' (8th among running backs)
Scouting Report Connection: Trey Benson demonstrates the physical attributes of an elite running back with his outstanding combine performance, particularly highlighted by his impressive 40-yard dash time. His athleticism is further emphasized by his broad jump results, showcasing his potential for power and burst. While his vertical jump might not rank as high, his overall combine performance aligns well with an explosive and dynamic playstyle. Despite some criticisms on tape regarding vision and decisiveness, his physical prowess suggests a high ceiling for development.
Grade Assignment: Given Benson's exceptional NFL Combine metrics that indicate elite speed and agility, juxtaposed with his solid collegiate production, his grade would be Very Good to Outstanding (7-8). While there are areas for improvement in terms of in-game decision-making and consistency, his athletic base is exceptional. With the right coaching and system, Benson has the potential to transcend his current projection and evolve into a significant asset in an NFL backfield. His combine performance and physical traits present a compelling case for a higher ceiling than initially anticipated.
MarShawn Lloyd, RB, USC (5’ 9’’, 220 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.46 seconds (6th among running backs)
10-Yard Split: 1.56 seconds (14th among running backs)
Vertical Jump: 36'' (8th among running backs)
Broad Jump: 9’ 10’’ (13th among running backs)
Scouting Report Connection: MarShawn Lloyd exhibits big-play capabilities and could be seen as a versatile addition to an NFL backfield. While his college tape has shown inconsistency between years, his combine results, particularly in the 40-yard dash, demonstrate his ability to contribute explosive plays. His performance suggests potential beyond a mere complementary role, aligning with a "chunk-play slasher" profile and a threat in the open field. However, his vision and anticipation, crucial for a running back's success, are noted as areas for improvement.
Grade Assignment: Considering Lloyd's solid combine performance showcasing his speed and athleticism, coupled with his potential noted in collegiate play, his grade would be Above Average to Good (6-7). His physical attributes, combined with his low-mileage and potential for growth, suggest he could develop into a more significant role, particularly in schemes that capitalize on his strengths as a dynamic runner and pass-catcher. His success at the next level will likely hinge on finding the right system and continuing to refine his vision and patience as a runner.
Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee (5' 10 1/2'', 210 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.38 seconds (2nd among running backs)
10-Yard Split: 1.55 seconds (11th among running backs)
Vertical Jump: 38'' (4th among running backs)
Broad Jump: 11' 2'' (1st among running backs)
Scouting Report Connection: Jaylen Wright is described as an explosive running back with notable breakaway speed, aligning well with his excellent combine performance, especially in the 40-yard dash and broad jump, which showcase his athleticism and potential for making big plays. His linear running style and average vision are points for improvement, but his speed and ability to extend plays around the corner are significant strengths. His fit in a stretch-based attack could maximize his abilities, leveraging his straight-line speed and reducing the emphasis on agility-based maneuvers.
Grade Assignment: Considering Wright's strong NFL Combine performance that highlighted his speed and explosive potential, juxtaposed with the areas for growth identified in his running style and vision, his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). His athletic scores indicate a high ceiling, particularly in schemes that align with his strengths. With development in his vision and interior running, Wright has the potential to evolve into a more complete back and fulfill the role of a productive starter in the NFL.
Blake Corum, RB, Michigan (5’ 8’’, 205 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.53 seconds (12th among running backs)
10-Yard Split: 1.58 seconds (21st among running backs)
Vertical Jump: 35.5'' (10th among running backs)
Broad Jump: Data not provided
Scouting Report Connection: Blake Corum is characterized as a compact, hard-nosed runner with exceptional contact balance and the ability to navigate tight spaces effectively. While his combine metrics, particularly in speed, may not reflect top-tier athleticism, they do support the type of determined, consistent running style he exhibited in college. His vertical jump is solid, indicating good lower-body strength, aligning with his ability to finish runs strongly and maintain balance through contact.
Grade Assignment: Given Corum’s reliable college production and his combine performance that solidifies his role as a tough, downhill runner, his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). While he may lack the explosive attributes typically sought in a standout NFL running back, his work ethic, football IQ, and three-down capabilities — highlighted by his pass protection and receiving ability — suggest he could develop into a valuable asset in an NFL backfield, particularly in a system that values toughness and consistency.
Isaac Guerendo, RB, Louisville (6' 0'', 221 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.33 seconds (1st among running backs)
10-Yard Split: 1.55 seconds (13th among running backs)
Vertical Jump: 41.5'' (1st among running backs)
Broad Jump: 10' 9'' (2nd among running backs)
Scouting Report Connection: Isaac Guerendo showcases a blend of size and speed reminiscent of a traditional power back, yet his athleticism is evident in his leading combine performances. Despite an average production score, his combine results highlight exceptional physical abilities, particularly his explosive power and speed. While his on-field decision-making and burst are noted as fairly average, his combine performances in speed and jumping drills suggest a potential that may not have been fully tapped into during his college tenure. His ability to contribute in various phases of the game, including pass protection and catching out of the backfield, aligns with the versatile demands of modern NFL running backs.
Grade Assignment: Given Guerendo's standout NFL Combine results, particularly his rank-topping speed and vertical leap, his grade is Above Average to Good (6-7). While his college production may not fully reflect his physical capabilities, the athletic foundation is there for Guerendo to develop into a more significant contributor at the professional level. If he can translate his combined performances into consistent on-field effectiveness, he can potentially exceed his current projection as a backup and evolve into a starting role.
Ray Davis, RB, Kentucky (5’ 8’’, 211 lbs)
Combine Data & Ranking Within His Position Group:
40-Yard Dash: 4.53 seconds (12th among running backs)
10-Yard Split: 1.56 seconds (16th among running backs)
Vertical Jump: 35'' (11th among running backs)
Broad Jump: 9’ 11’’ (12th among running backs)
Scouting Report Connection: Ray Davis is seen as a three-down back who demonstrates an adequate mix of interior toughness and pass-catching ability from the backfield. His combine results show average athleticism, aligning with the scouting notes regarding his speed and vision. While not standing out as a top performer in any specific combine event, his balanced performance supports his on-field play style. His vision and decisiveness are noted as average, and he's acknowledged for altering pacing to find openings, a skill that, while not directly measured at the combine, is reflected in his overall solid but not spectacular athletic scores.
Grade Assignment: Considering Davis's solid college production against his average combine athleticism, his grade would be Above Average to Good (6-7). His consistent performance and balanced skill set suggest he has the foundational traits to develop into a reliable NFL back, particularly if he can improve in areas like pass protection and decision-making. His combine performance, coupled with his football IQ and adaptability, positions him as a potentially valuable Day 3 pick with the capacity to grow into a more significant role within an NFL offense.