The 2024 rookie running back class has been largely viewed as middling by most of the Dynasty Community. This is due to the top end of the class being loaded with quarterback, wide receiver, and tight end talent that is some of the best we have seen in recent years. There is plenty of need for running backs on NFL rosters, with almost vacant spots such as the Chargers, Raiders, Bengals, and Cowboys. While the high-end eliteness may not be there, 2024 rookie running backs will see the field immediately and need to be paid attention to. Per Sleeper ADP, no RBs are taken in the first round of Dynasty Rookie Drafts, but there is value to be had in the second and third rounds. Here are two incoming rookie RBs of similar ADP and which one I like better.
MarShawn Lloyd
MarShawn Lloyd is 5’9” weighing in at 220 lbs. and is an early-declare running back spending three years at the University of Southern California (USC). In the 2023 season, Lloyd had 820 rushing yards on 116 carries averaging 7.1 yards per carry scoring nine rushing touchdowns. He also posted 13 receptions for 232 receiving yards averaging 17.8 yards per catch. Lloyd may not have the volume that some other backs in the class had in college, but this results in less wear and tear on the body, and his averages speak for themselves.
Lloyd has the build for a workhorse back in the NFL. He is short but stocky giving him the ability to break off arm tackles and bounce off defenders forcing 47 missed tackles in 2023. Despite his size, he still has speed, registering a 4.46 second 40 time at the Combine. Lloyd led all running backs projected to be drafted in the 2024 class in Elusive Rating with a score of 177, per PFF. The PFF Elusive Rating distills the success and impact of a runner with the ball independently of the blocking in front of him by looking at how hard he was to bring down. 457 of his total 820 rushing yards came after contact in 2023.
Lloyd had weaknesses as well. Rookie evaluators have concerns with his vision and ability to see the hole the offensive line creates. He also struggled with ball security with eight fumbles in his career. These are correctable issues with the right coaching and training. Volume is a mild concern as he played the third lowest amount of snaps compared to the rest of his running back draft class.
Jaylen Wright
Jaylen Wright is 5’11” weighing in at 210 lbs. and is an early-declare running back out of the University of Tennessee where he played for three seasons. In 2023, Wright had 1,013 rushing yards on 136 carries averaging 7.4 yards per carry. He also posted 22 receptions for 121 receiving yards. Wright only scored four touchdowns in 2023, but this was a step back from his 10 in 2022. He had 19 carries last season that went for 15 yards or more showcasing his big play ability.
Wright is a lightning-fast runner and proved that with a 4.31 second 40 time at the Combine. He was reportedly clocked in at 23.6 mph in practice. His 7.4 yards per carry was the highest in the 2024 running back class at 7.4. This comes from his ability in the open field combined with his elite speed as he averaged 4.4 yards after contact per attempt. Wright improved each season and has off-the-charts athletic ability and explosiveness. His patience and ability to let the play develop show up on film.
Wright’s weakness comes in the passing game. Despite having 22 receptions in 2023, they mostly came from screens or in short-yardage situations as he only averaged 6.4 yards per catch. In his previous two seasons, he only had 8 catches totaling 30 yards. Being a natural pass catcher is becoming a very important aspect in today’s NFL, and it’s been difficult for those who didn’t do it in college to adjust.
Conclusion
Both MarShawn Lloyd and Jaylen Wright have the ability to be three-down-backs in the NFL in my opinion. They both have the best two-yards-per-carry averages amongst the 2024 class and have explosiveness in the open field. While Lloyd excels in quick footwork and with the ability to make guys miss, Wright succeeded with a high number of yards after contact and big plays. Even with less volume, I think Lloyd is the better pass catcher out of the two. But it’s hard for me to ignore the 4.31 speed and 7.4 yards per carry shown by Jaylen Wright. He doesn’t have the vision issues that Lloyd has and shows it with his 19 carries in 2023 that went over 15 yards. Without knowing landing spots, I think both backs will be value picks in the 2nd round of Dynasty Rookie Drafts but I will be taking Jaylen Wright over Marshawn Lloyd.
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