Analysis

4/26/23

15 min read

2023 NFL Draft: Ultimate Running Back Archetype Guide

By Nic Bodiford

Welcome to the ultimate running back athletic archetypes guide hub. Readers will find 2023 running back prospects paired with their best NFL-team fit based on each team’s preferred athletic archetype data for the running back position. 

Team-by-Team Archetypes

ARZ | ATL | BUF | CAR | CHI | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | KC | LAC | LAR

LV | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | SF | SEA | TB | WAS

Day 1 Prospects - Round 1

Bijan Robinson, Texas

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
30 5'11" 215 31.125 9.75
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.46 1.54 N/A N/A 10'4" 37 N/A

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Robinson fits the NFL’s ideal athletic archetype. He is a candidate for all teams who possess a first-round draft pick. 

Day 2 Prospects - Rounds 2-3

Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
29.4 5’9” 199 30.5 9.25
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.36 1.52 N/A N/A N/A 33.5 N/A

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Joe Schoen, New York Giants: A less-athletic version of Matt Breida with superior passing-game chops.
  • Brian Gutekunst, Green Bay Packers: Gibbs’ specialized skill set and get-off speed keep him in the conversation despite the lack of shuttle-drill data.
  • Dave Ziegler, Las Vegas Raiders: A long-term, high-volume replacement for Ameer Abdullah. 
  • Brett Veach, Kansas City Chiefs: Gibbs; the potential lighting to Isiah Pacheco’s thunder.
  • Brandon Beane, Buffalo Bills: A faster, more accomplished version of James Cook.
  • Bill Belichick, New England Patriots: Gibbs fails to hit Belichick's requisite relative athletic score (RAS) thresholds, but his specialized skill set keeps him in play.

Zach Charbonnet, UCLA

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
29 6’ 214 32 9.875
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.53 1.54 4.46* 7.16* 10’2” 37 18

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • John Schneider, Seattle Seahawks: Charbonnet has considerable athletic overlap with Chris Carson.
  • Jerry and Stephen Jones, Dallas Cowboys: Charbonnet is the perfect Dallas running back prospect; tall, slim and athletic.
  • Brad Holmes, Detroit Lions: Charbonnet checks all boxes for Holmes. His size and length fit particularly well.
  • Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Minnesota Vikings: Non-5-foot-11 running backs must be proficient pass catchers with excellent athletic attributes. Charbonnet’s length and 37-inch vertical jump meet the criteria. 
  • Terry Fontenot, Atlanta Falcons: Perfect for Fontenot’s primary pass-catching role.
  • Mikey Loomis, New Orleans: Charbonnet is Jamaal Williams 2.0.
  • Jason Licht, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Charbonnet can play on all three downs.
  • Tom Telesco, Los Angeles Chargers: Charbonnet is Melvin Gordon 2.0.
  • Brett Veach, Kansas City Chiefs: Charbonnet profiles like a big-bodied, faster version of Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
  • Brandon Beane, Buffalo Bills: Charbonnet qualifies for Beane’s 210-plus-pound role.
  • Chris Grier, Miami Dolphins: Charbonnet boasts the physical profile Grier targeted in 2022 undrafted free agent ZaQuandre White (size, agility and jumping drills). 

Pittsburgh Israel Abanikanda

Israel Abanikanda, Pittsburgh

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
31 5’10” 216 32 8.25
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.39* 1.54* N/A N/A 10’8”* 41* N/A

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit 

  • John Lynch, San Francisco 49ers: Abanikanda is Raheem Mostert 2.0.
  • Jerry and Stephen Jones, Dallas Cowboys: Abanikanda would form a lightning-and-lighting one-two punch with Tony Pollard. 
  • Joe Schoen, New York Giants: Abanikanda is a slightly smaller version of Saquon Barkley. 
  • Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles: The perfect player for pick No. 62.
  • Terry Fontenot, Atlanta Falcons: Abanikanda is quietly in-play for Fontenot’s imported New Orleans-to-Atlanta pass-catching role.
  • Mikey Loomis, New Orleans: Abanikanda would be an electric co-pilot for Jamaal Williams.
  • George Paton, Denver Broncos: Paton will be enticed by Abanikanda’s size, speed and passing-game skill set.
  • Brandon Beane, Buffalo Bills: The lightning to Damien Harris’ thunder.
  • Chris Grier, Miami Dolphins: Abanikanda is Raheem Mostert 2.0.
  • Bill Belichick, New England Patriots: Belichick covets players who produce 9.00+ RAS scores in two-of-four jumping and agility drills.
  • Joe Douglas, New York Jets: It is unlikely New York will use its lone Day 2 pick on a running back but Abanikanda checks the necessary boxes.

Roschon Johnson, Texas

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
29.7 6’ 219 32 9.625
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.58 1.52 N/A N/A 10’2” 31.5 N/A

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Les Snead, Los Angles Rams: Johnson boasts requisite athleticism for Snead’s consideration. Johnson’s three-down skill set makes him an immediate competitor for a Week 1 role.
  • John Schneider, Seattle Seahawks: Johnson shares significant athletic overlap with Rashaad Penny.
  • Terry Fontenot, Atlanta Falcons: Per Fontenot’s metrics, Johnson profiles as a cross between Mark Ingram II and Latavius Murray. 
  • George Paton, Denver Broncos: Johnson presents as a faster version of Samaje Perine. 
  • Dave Ziegler, Las Vegas Raiders: Johnson profiles as a speedier Josh Jacobs with NFL-ready pass-protection skills.
  • Brett Veach, Kansas City Chiefs: Johnson is a thickly built NFL-ready replacement for the Jerick McKinnon role.
  • Bill Belichick, New England Patriots: Johnson’s burst and pass-protection skills check Belichick’s boxes.

Tulane Tyjae Spears

Tyjae Spears, Tulane

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
28.8 5’10” 201 30.75 10
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.54* 1.57* 4.32* 7.27* 10’5” 39 18

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • John Schneider, Seattle Seahawks: Spears’ archetype is remarkably similar to Travis Homer's.
  • Brian Gutekunst, Green Bay Packers: Spears’ three-cone time is all that keeps him from being the perfect heir to Aaron Jones’ throne.
  • Terry Fontenot, Atlanta Falcons: Spears is a springy cross between Travaris Cadet and C.J. Spiller.
  • Scott Fitterer, Carolina Panthers: Spears can fill a passing-game need, especially in pass protection. 
  • Jason Licht, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Spears possesses a three-down skill set. 
  • Brett Veach, Kansas City Chiefs: Spears profiles like McKinnon.
  • Brandon Beane, Buffalo Bills: A lanky, significantly more athletic version of Devin Singletary.
  • Chris Grier, Miami Dolphins: The NFL-ready, three-down player can start on Day 1 if Miami’s aging backfield isn't ready. 
  • Joe Douglas, New York Jets: It is unlikely New York uses its only Day 2 pick on a running back, but Spears would be in contention if they do. 

Devon Achane, Texas A&M

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
28.2 5’8.5” 188 29 8.5
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.32 1.51 4.30* 7.05* N/A 33 N/A

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Joe Schoen, New York Giants: Achane profiles as a smaller, less springy Matt Breida.
  • Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears: Achane fits the Dexter McCluster/DeAnthony Thomas archetype. 
  • Mikey Loomis, New Orleans: Achane profiles similarly to Darren Sproles.
  • Tom Telesco, Los Angeles Chargers: A potential replacement for Austin Ekeler, in the event Ekeler is traded on draft day.
  • Brett Veach, Kansas City Chiefs: Fits the Dexter McCluster/De’Anthony Thomas role.

Mississippi Zach Evans

Zach Evans, Mississippi

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
28.2 5’11” 202 31.625 10.25
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.50* 1.58* 4.26* 7.08* 10’1”* 33.5* N/A

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • John Lynch, San Francisco 49ers: Evans profiles as a minimum-threshold Shanahan-scheme player.
  • Jerry and Stephen Jones, Dallas Cowboys: Evans is a discount version of Charbonnet. 
  • Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears: Evans’ height could be an issue, but the profile overall fits well.
  • Brad Holmes, Detroit Lions: Evans is the quintessential Holmes running back.
  • Brian Gutekunst, Green Bay Packers: Evans hovers near multiple low-end Gutekunst thresholds.
  • Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Minnesota Vikings: Evans checks all boxes for a classic Adofo-Mensah dual-threat running back. His height and length are perfect.
  • Mikey Loomis, New Orleans: Evans is built similarly to C.J. Spiller.
  • Dave Ziegler, Las Vegas Raiders: Evans has the necessary side-to-side quickness.
  • Joe Douglas, New York Jets: Evans profiles as a minimum-threshold Shanahan-scheme player.

Auburn Tank Bigsby

Tank Bigsby, Auburn

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
28.5 6’ 210 32 9.5
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.56 1.54 N/A N/A 9’11” 32.5 21

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Martin Mayhew, Washington Commanders: Bigsby is a slender player, boasting the burst Mayhew covets.
  • Terry Fontenot, Atlanta Falcons: A potential replacement for Cordarrelle Patterson.
  • Scott Fitterer, Carolina Panthers: Bigsby is slightly tall for a Fitterer-running back, but he checks multiple minimum-threshold boxes. 
  • Mikey Loomis, New Orleans: Bigsby profiles as a smaller Latavius Murray.
  • Jason Licht, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Licht loves classic, three-down players.

Syracuse Sean Tucker

Sean Tucker, Syracuse

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
30.6 5’9” 207 30 9.5
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 39 29

Medical Disclaimer: 

Per Bob McGinn, a heart condition prevented Tucker from participating in both the NFL Combine and Syracuse’s Pro Day. Tucker held a makeup pro day on April 24th after being medically cleared to do so. His 29 bench-press repetitions lead the 2023 running back class by four. 

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • John Lynch, San Francisco 49ers: Tucker has the size and hops necessary for the Shanahan scheme.
  • Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Minnesota Vikings: Adofo-Mensah prefers players who compete privately in all six pre-NFL Draft workout events, rather than at the NFL Combine.
  • Scott Fitterer, Carolina Panthers: Tucker boasts the spring and strength Fitterer covets. 
  • Jason Licht, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Licht loves a strong back.
  • Chris Grier, Miami Dolphins: Tucker’s springy feet fit nicely in Miami’s rushing scheme. 
  • Bill Belichick, New England Patriots: Belichick will note Tucker’s excellent hops and strength. 
  • Joe Douglas, New York Jets: Tucker has the makings of a Shanahan-scheme player.

UAB DeWayne McBride

DeWayne McBride, UAB

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
30 5’10” 209 30.625 9.5
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A 20*

Medical Disclaimer: 

McBride suffered a pre-NFL Combine hamstring strain, preventing him from participating in all pre-NFL Draft workouts.

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Mikey Loomis, New Orleans: McBride possesses the strength Loomis covets.
  • Dave Ziegler, Las Vegas Raiders: McBride is built similarly to former Ziegler free-agent signee Mike Gillislee. 

Kendre Miller, TCU

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
30 5’11” 215 32.375 9.375
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Medical Disclaimer: 

Miller underwent surgery this offseason to repair either a Grade 2 or Grade 3 MCL sprain. He was unable to participate in pre-NFL Draft workouts. 

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles: Philadelphia effectively managed Miles Sanders’ MCL issues. The same could be done for Miller.

Day 3 Prospects - Rounds 4-7

Deuce Vaughn, Kansas State

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
29.8 5’5” 179 27.75 9.5
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.56* 1.59* 4.22* 7.10* 9'8" 35.5 17

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles: Vaughn is a talented version of Donnel Pumphrey. 
  • Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears: Poles loves strong players who profile as swing running backs/special-teams returners.
  • Mikey Loomis, New Orleans: A Darren Sproles-type prospect.
  • Tom Telesco, Los Angeles Chargers: Vaughn could replace Ekeler, in the event of a draft-day trade.
  • Dave Ziegler, Las Vegas Raiders: Vaughn’s freakish strength will interest Ziegler.
  • Brett Veach, Kansas City Chiefs: Fits the Dexter McCluster/De’Anthony Thomas role.
  • Bill Belichick, New England Patriots: After Gibbs, Vaughn should be the favorite to fill Belichick’s James White role.

Eric Gray, Oklahoma

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
30.1 5'9.5" 207 29.625 9.75
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.63* 1.62* 4.18* 7.25* 9'10" 37.5 14*

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • John Lynch, San Francisco 49ers: Gray profiles as a slightly less athletic JaMycal Hasty.
  • Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles: Gray is a shifty, springy change-of-pace option on the Kenneth Gainwell-to-Boston Scott spectrum.
  • Joe Douglas, New York Jets: Gray clears five-of-seven archetype thresholds.

Evan Hull, Northwestern

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
30 5'10" 209 30.625 9.25
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.47 1.53 4.38 6.9 10'3" 37 21

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Monti Ossenfort, Arizona Cardinals: Hull is Ossenfort’s perfect pass-catching, late-round prospect. 
  • Les Snead, Los Angeles Rams: Hull clears a litany of Snead’s thresholds. 
  • John Lynch, San Francisco 49ers: Hull profiles as a highly athletic, late-round Shanahan-scheme player
  • John Schneider, Seattle Seahawks: Hull’s freak-level athleticism is adored in Seattle.
  • Joe Schoen, New York Giants: Hull clears all of Schoen’s thresholds.
  • Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles: Hull can function as a part-time home run hitter behind Philadelphia’s offensive line. 
  • Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears: The short shuttle is all that keeps him from being Poles’ perfect compact running back profile.
  • Brad Holmes, Detroit Lions: Holmes will dote upon Hull’s agility. 
  • Brian Gutekunst, Green Bay Packers: Hull is a near-perfect match for Gutekunst’s typical sub-30.0 BMI role.
  • Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, Minnesota Vikings: Hull’s height and length concerns are assuaged by his 6.90-second three-cone drill.
  • Scott Fitterer, Carolina Panthers: Hull is a prototypical Fitterer-running back. 
  • Mikey Loomis, New Orleans: Hull perfectly fits Loomis’ pass-catching archetype.
  • George Paton, Denver Broncos: The athletic spark plug fits Paton’s bill.
  • Tom Telesco, Los Angeles Chargers: A capable dual-threat player from Justin Jackson’s alma mater.
  • Brandon Beane, Buffalo Bills: A classic, sub-210-pound Beane running back.
  • Bill Belichick, New England Patriots: Hull’s 8.00+ RAS trio is tantalizing. 
  • Joe Douglas, New York Jets: A prototypical Shanahan-scheme running back.

Deneric Prince, Tulsa

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
29.3 6' 216 31.25 9.25
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.41 1.53 4.33* 6.97* 10'4" 35.5 18*

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Monti Ossenfort, Arizona Cardinals: A pro-day participant who possesses the requisite physical attributes for Ossenfort’s early-down rushing role.
  • Les Snead, Los Angeles Rams: Prince checks all needed boxes.
  • John Lynch, San Francisco 49ers: Prince profiles very similarly to Tyrion Davis-Price and Trey Sermon.
  • John Schneider, Seattle Seahawks: Prince is built like a quicker but less springy Chris Carson.
  • Joe Schoen, New York Giants: Prince profiles as a faster, run-centric version of T.J. Yeldon.
  • Howie Roseman, Philadelphia Eagles: The run-centric Prince’s profile is startlingly similar to that of Miles Sanders.
  • Brad Holmes, Detroit Lions: Prince possesses the necessary burst and agility for Holmes’ consideration.
  • Brian Gutekunst, Green Bay Packers: Prince checks all boxes for Gutekunst’s sub-30.0 BMI role. 
  • Tom Telesco, Los Angeles Chargers: A potential replacement for Larry Rountree and Joshua Kelley. 
  • Dave Ziegler, Las Vegas Raiders: Prince has the necessary change-of-direction speed to make Ziegler’s shortlist.
  • Brett Veach, Kansas City Chiefs: Prince profiles as a direct backup to Isiah Pacheco.
  • Chris Grier, Miami Dolphins: Prince is built like a thicker, more agile Jeff Wilson Jr.
  • Bill Belichick, New England Patriots: A one-dimensional version of Laurence Maroney. 

Chase Brown, Illinois

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
30.4 5'9.5" 209 31 10
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.43 1.53 N/A N/A 10'7" 40 25

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Joe Schoen, New York Giants: Brown is an unproven, late-round option.
  • George Paton, Denver Broncos: The raw prospect checks Paton’s boxes.

Hunter Luepke, North Dakota State

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
30.3 6'1" 230 31.5 9.625
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.57* 1.58* 4.31* 7.03 9'9"* 36.5* N/A

Luepke is a fullback, capable of playing in all facets of the game. 

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears: The draft’s top fullback profiles as one of Poles’ classic big-bodied running backs. 
  • Scott Fitterer, Carolina Panthers: Luepke can help clear lanes for lead running back Miles Sanders but is plenty capable as a rusher and receiver. He can double as a D’Onta Foreman replacement. 
  • Jason Licht, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Luepke is Mike Alstott 2.0.
  • Brandon Beane, Buffalo Bills: Luepke would allow Reggie Gilliam to switch back to tight end and let Beane cut Quintin Morris and/or Zach Davidson.
  • Bill Belichick, New England Patriots: Luepke plays fullback but tested like a Belichick running back.

Chris Rodriguez Jr., Kentucky

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
29.4 6' 217 30.625 8.625
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.52* 1.58* 4.31* N/A 9'6"* 33* 19

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Monti Ossenfort, Arizona Cardinals: Ossenfort loves thumping, agile running backs who limit pre-NFL Draft workouts to school-based pro days. 
  • Ryan Poles, Chicago Bears: Rodriguez Jr. generally profiles within Poles’ big-bodied archetype, though his 217-pound frame would make him a slight outlier. 
  • Scott Fitterer, Carolina Panthers: D’Onta Foreman’s potential replacement.
  • Mikey Loomis, New Orleans: Rodriguez Jr. is a depth option for Loomis’ run-centric role.
  • Dave Ziegler, Las Vegas Raiders: Rodriguez Jr. fits the bill as a big-bodied rusher for Ziegler.

Aidan Borguet, Harvard

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
31.2 5’8” 205 29.5 9.625
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.58* 1.52* 4.37* 7.29* 9’9”* 36* 35*

Notes: Borguet’s 35 bench-press repetitions lead the class by six. Had he participated in the drill at the NFL Combine, he would rank No. 2 all-time. 

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Brandon Beane, Buffalo Bills: The diminutive tackle breaker checks Beane’s sub-210-pound boxes.
  • Chris Grier, Miami Dolphins: Borguet’s burst is perfect for Miami’s scheme. 
  • Joe Douglas, New York Jets: New York is down to just one pick on Day 2. Had it been planning on drafting Spears, Borguet is the arbitrage play. 

Keaton Mitchell, East Carolina

BMI Ht. Wt. Arm Hand
27.2 5'8" 179 30.75 9.25
40-Yd 10-Yd Short Shuttle 3-Cone Broad Jump Vertical Jump Bench
4.37 1.48 4.36* 7.40* 10'6" 38 13*

Best Matches 

GM, Team Name: Archetype Fit

  • Mikey Loomis, New Orleans: Mitchell boasts elite burst and could be drafted in the mold of Sproles.

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Tags: 2023 NFL Draft, Aidan Borguet, Bijan Robinson See More

Nic Bodiford

Nic Bodiford contributes to The 33rd Team's fantasy football department and works elsewhere as an analyst and editor in written, video and audio mediums. These works can be found at Pro Football Focus, 4for4, Nerdball and Fake Teams. Nic moonlights at Legendary Upside by editing Pat Kerrane's weekly article, The Walkthrough.

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