Top Draft-Eligible Running Backs by PFF Receiving Grade in 2024 🏈

The NFL draft showcases an abundance of talent each year, making it essential to analyze players' unique skill sets. This article takes a closer look at the most promising running backs eligible for the upcoming draft, specifically focusing on their receiving capabilities based on their PFF grades in 2024. To qualify for this list, players needed to log at least 100 receiving snaps in the past season. Let's dive in! 🚀

1. Brashard Smith, SMU Mustangs - PFF Grade: 90.8 🌟

Brashard Smith stands out as an exceptional talent among running backs. He ranked as the fifth-most-targeted back in 2024 with 51 targets, making 41 receptions for a total of 337 yards and 2 touchdowns—impressive numbers that put him in the top five for all categories.

Smith demonstrated remarkable ability to advance the ball, achieving 19 first downs and forcing 11 missed tackles. His capabilities were highlighted with four receptions exceeding 20 yards. In a unique twist, Smith has shifted from slot receiver to running back, already amassing a 75.4 PFF grade in his slot receiver role, making 11 receptions for 93 yards. His ability to perform well in high-pressure situations was evident when he secured five out of nine ten-plus-yard targets, demonstrating his knack for making critical plays.

Previously, during his time with the Miami Hurricanes, Smith displayed similar skills, catching 54 passes for 551 yards, further showcasing his long-standing versatility on the field. 🏅

2. LeQuint Allen, Syracuse Orange - PFF Grade: 80.0 🚀

LeQuint Allen emerged as a significant force in the receiving game in 2024, leading all eligible running backs with 405 route runs. He garnered attention as he amassed 78 targets and completed 64 receptions, which accounted for 529 receiving yards along with four touchdowns—equally impressive were the 33 first downs he recorded.

Forced missed tackles are a good stat to gauge a player’s ability to break free; Allen excelled here too, forcing 11. A highlight of his season included gaining 159 yards after contact—this was the third highest among his peers and reflective of his gritty playing style. Allen also performed remarkably in the slot, securing 21 out of 26 targets for 188 yards and achieving eight first downs.

Ultimately, Allen showed he can be a dual-threat running back, highlighted by making 11 explosive receiving plays of 15 or more yards. His impact in the game is undeniable. 🎯

3. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State Sun Devils - PFF Grade: 79.8 🔥

Cam Skattebo has positioned himself as one of the top prospects this draft season, finishing with an impressive 543 receiving yards on 44 catches from 52 targets. His statistics also include 23 first downs and three touchdowns, underscoring his productivity in the passing game. Skattebo led all eligible running backs with 12 explosive gains, emphasizing his ability to break away from defenders, notable since eight of these plays surpassed the 20-yard mark.

Over his last two years at Arizona State, following a prior stint at Sacramento State, Skattebo accumulated considerable stats—68 receptions for 829 yards and a lengthy list of achievements. He had an astounding passer rating of 123.0 when targeted, placing him first among his contemporaries. Clearly, he is a top choice for any NFL team looking for offensive versatility. 💪

4. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State Buckeyes - PFF Grade: 75.1 🎓

TreVeyon Henderson had an impressive year, recording 26 catches for 281 yards—a marked improvement since his freshman season. He was an integral part of the Ohio State offense, scoring one touchdown and moving the chains for 11 first downs, complemented by five receptions of 20 or more yards.

Throughout his college career, Henderson was targeted 88 times, showcasing his skill and reliability as a receiver. He completed his Buckeyes journey with a total of 76 catches, 850 receiving yards, and a respectable PFF receiving grade of 71.8. His stats reflect a player who thrives under pressure, making him a valuable asset for any NFL squad. 🌍

5. Marcus Major, Minnesota Golden Gophers - PFF Grade: 74.4 🐻

After transferring to Minnesota following five seasons at Oklahoma, Marcus Major demonstrated a commendable skill set, catching 20 of his 22 targets for 128 yards. His contributions included a touchdown and six first downs while forcing four missed tackles. Notably, the majority of Major's targets originated behind the line of scrimmage, showcasing his ability in short-yardage situations.

Major had one previously high-profile season at Oklahoma when he was targeted significantly. Over the last two seasons combined, he recorded a total of 32 receptions for 203 yards, affirming his status as a dependable receiver out of the backfield. 📈

6. Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State Cowboys - PFF Grade: 73.2 🌊

Ollie Gordon proved to be a capable receiving running back, catching 30 passes for 198 yards in 2024. His tenacity was evident as he gained 85 yards after contact, forced nine missed tackles, and made two touchdown catches. Known for his explosiveness, he compiled five gains that reached 15 yards or more.

During his career at Oklahoma State, he achieved a commendable PFF receiving grade of 68.7, with 81 total catches across three seasons. His consistent performance makes him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams looking for depth in the running back position. 🏈

7. Jordan Waters, North Carolina State Wolfpack - PFF Grade: 72.5 🐺

Jordan Waters recently concluded his college career after transferring from Duke, where he managed to catch 15 passes for 167 yards and one touchdown. His ability to navigate the field earned him 11 first downs alongside two forced missed tackles. Over his final three seasons, he was targeted 51 times, securing a total of 40 receptions for 412 yards—a solid finish to his collegiate journey.

Waters' capacity to contribute to the offensive game plan positions him as a reliable option in the upcoming draft. 🎈

8. Quinshon Judkins, Ole Miss / Ohio State Buckeyes - PFF Grade: 72.3 🎓

Quinshon Judkins made a notable impact in his lone season at Ohio State, recording a career-high of 161 receiving yards. Making 22 catches from 26 targets, he secured two touchdowns and achieved nine first downs, demonstrating his effectiveness. Judkins also forced six missed tackles and gained 64 yards after contact, showing his physicality as a player.

With consistent performance throughout his college career, Judkins ranks among the most promising talents eligible for the draft. 🛡️

9. Woody Marks, USC Trojans - PFF Grade: 71.9 🔥

At USC, Woody Marks secured 47 of 54 targets for a total of 321 receiving yards. His ability to gain 100 yards post-contact—and force seven missed tackles—shows he can become an asset in offensive schemes. Additionally, he registered six plays exceeding 15 yards while averaging 9.0 yards after the catch per reception.

Marks has a rich history in college football, previously playing at Mississippi State, where he accumulated an impressive array of statistics during his tenure. 🎉

10. Ulysses Bentley IV, Ole Miss Rebels - PFF Grade: 70.7 🌟

Finally, Ulysses Bentley IV wrapped up his time in college football with an efficient season, securing 13 targets for 99 yards and five first downs. He demonstrated his ability to make impactful plays, recording two catches exceeding 15 yards and forcing two missed tackles.

Bentley’s collegiate journey saw him split time between Ole Miss and SMU, providing him a well-rounded skill set that could translate well to the professional level. 📖

With all this insight into the rising talent among running backs, fans and teams alike can look forward to seeing which of these standout players will make their mark in the NFL! 🌟