NFL Analysis

3/12/24

6 min read

2024 NFL Draft: Ranking The 7 Fastest Running Backs

By Sports Info Solutions

Tennessee running back Jaylen Wright carries the football
Tennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright (0) runs the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first half at Neyland Stadium. (Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports)

We're continuing to rank the top players in the 2024 NFL Draft class at each position by trait. Today, we're looking at the fastest running backs. Play speed can make all the difference between a small gain and an explosive play that breaks open a drive.

Which running backs in the 2024 class are the fastest, get to open space as quickly as possible and challenge defenders? Using our Big Board and scouting metrics, we’ll rank the seven fastest running backs in this year’s class.

Ranking Fastest RBs in 2024 NFL Draft Class

7. Jaden Shirden, Monmouth

One of just 15 FCS prospects invited to the combine, Jaden Shirden had one of the five fastest 40-yard dash times for a running back at the event at 4.45 seconds. In 2023, the Monmouth back ran for 1,478 yards on 221 carries. 

However, Shirden only ran for 66 yards on 24 carries against his only FBS opponent, FAU. Shirden is our 24th-ranked running back and projects as a change-of-pace back or gadget player in the NFL. 

SIS scouts Alex Hoffman and C.P. Bradley write, “His patience, vision and burst will allow him to work behind a cohesive offensive, while his pure speed brings a dynamic presence to any offense.”

>> READ MORE: Shirden's Full Scouting Report

6. Bucky Irving, Oregon

A 4.55-second 40-yard dash time isn't ideal for a sub-200-pound running back, but play speed isn’t timed speed. 

Bucky Irving had the second-highest boom rate (15 percent of his runs gained at least one EPA) and second-highest Total Points/game (3.8) of any back in the class in 2023. He also had 34 broken and missed tackles per 100 attempts, which was sixth among all FBS backs with 100-plus carries in 2023. 

Our scouts value him as a role-playing starter who makes his most significant impact as a receiver. SIS scout Jeff Dean notes, "Despite his physical tools and ability to get broken and missed tackles, he was more of a steady, reliable back rather than a home run threat.”

>> READ MORE: Irving's Full Scouting Report

5. Isaac Guerendo, Louisville

Isaac Guerendo clocked the fastest 40-yard dash time of any running back at the combine at a blazing 4.33 seconds. He also did it while weighing 221 pounds, making it more impressive.

Guerendo switched from receiver to running back in college, and our scouts like his combination of speed and power more than they like his agility and vision. 

He ranks fourth in the class in yards after contact per attempt (3.8) and fifth in boom rate (13 percent), but we like him more as a short-yardage back than anything. 

Chris Plasterer and Jarrett Reigel note, “While he does show speed, that’s not his game. He should thrive as a backup runner who comes in, grinds out the tough yards and excels in short-yardage situations.”

>> READ MORE: Guerendo's Full Scouting Report

4. Jawhar Jordan, Louisville

Guerendo’s backfield mate, Jawhar Jordan, ekes in one spot above him on this list despite clocking a significantly slower 40-yard dash at 4.56 seconds. 

Jordan’s ability to plant and get vertical immediately is largely responsible for the perceived differences in their play speed. However, the advanced stats don’t necessarily support this. 

Jordan saw the bulk of carries at Louisville last year but ranked lower than Guerendo in positive play percentage, boom rate and Total Points/game. Coaches aren’t infallible, but maybe there’s a good reason Jordan played more than Guerendo.

>> READ MORE: Jordan's Full Scouting Report

3. Trey Benson, Florida State

Our RB1 this year clocked a 4.39-second 40-yard dash in Indianapolis. Trey Benson is more of a projection at this point, though, with some of his advanced metrics being unfavorable. 

He ranks 20th in positive play percentage and 19th in boom rate, which isn't a great combination for a speedster. The scouting staff also likes his power and ability to open it up in space but notes he needs to improve his vision to maximize his traits.

>> READ MORE: Benson's Full Scouting Report

2. Keilan Robinson, Texas

Keilan Robinson recorded just 12 carries in 2023 for the Longhorns, but he made them count. The diminutive speedster nearly recorded as much EPA (10.1) on those 12 carries as Texas’ lead ballcarrier, Jonathan Brooks, did on 186 attempts (10.3). 

A 4.42-second 40-yard dash ain’t too shabby, either. Robinson is more of a late-round flier than anything, and he’ll likely have to prove he can contribute on special teams to stick around on a roster.

1. Jaylen Wright, Tennessee

A 4.38-second 40-time is pretty good, but Jaylen Wright’s calling card may just be his ability to shake tacklers. He ranks second in broken tackle rate (20 per 100 carries) and YAC/attempt (4.1). 

We like the former high school track star’s fit in zone schemes. Scouts Derek Stanzione and Justin Kellner noted Wright is “a patient, one-cut runner with good speed and long strides who quickly bursts through the hole when he sees it.”

>> READ MORE: Wright's Full Scouting Report

Tags: Bucky Irving, Isaac Guerendo, Jaden Shirden See More

Sports Info Solutions

RELATED