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The 2024 NFL Combine has come to a close, as many draft-hopeful prospects cemented their draft stock over the weekend headlined by a record-breaking 40-yard dash from Xavier Worthy.
Heading into the event, the running back position had very little separation between top prospects. In a year where there is no “transcendent talent” or projected first-round pick at the position, there are still many viable options that can come in and immediately contribute at the NFL level.
After Saturday’s running back workout, three former college runners put on a show that undoubtedly improved their stock heading into April’s draft.
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Isaac Guerendo, Louisville
Running the fastest 40-time of all running backs, Isaac Guerendo did just what he needed to do in Indianapolis. The former Wisconsin and Louisville running back measured in at 6 feet and 221 pounds, an ideal NFL size, and clocked a lightning-fast 4.33. He also logged the highest vertical among the position group (41.5”).
Isaac Guerendo is a RB prospect in the 2024 draft class. He scored an unofficial 9.99 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 2 out of 1745 RB from 1987 to 2024.
Splits projectedhttps://t.co/K4OFfjGj1g pic.twitter.com/RuRtevhCsz
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) March 2, 2024
Guerendo’s off-the-charts athleticism surged him up draft boards from no sure thing to be drafted to a potential Day 2 pick. After sitting behind the likes of Jonathan Taylor and Braelon Allen at Wisconsin for four years, Guerendo split the backfield with Jawhar Jordan at Louisville and broke out with 810 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. His low tread and top-tier athleticism are sure to attract NFL teams and he could find himself immediately contributing at the next level, whether in the return game or out of the backfield.
Jaylen Wright, Tennessee
One of the most polarizing prospects from an athletic standpoint, Jaylen Wright showed out as expected at the 2024 NFL Combine. The former Tennessee Volunteer clocked the second-quickest 40-time amongst running backs, checking in at 4.38. He further showcased his athleticism by notching an 11’2” broad jump to lead the position group.
JAYLEN WRIGHT 4.38 40!🤯 pic.twitter.com/QxrtwOKIZw
— Rocky Top Now (@rockytopnow) March 2, 2024
Wright is likely a Day 2 pick after a successful collegiate career gashing SEC defenses. Splitting the backfield with fellow draft-hopeful Jabari Small, Wright was a major piece of the 2022 Tennessee team that pulled off a historic upset over Alabama. He rushed for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns this past season and is just 20 years old as a prospect. His breakaway speed has scouts hooked and he will likely be an immediate contributor.
Kimani Vidal, Troy
One of the more underrated running back prospects answered questions on Saturday with an outstanding combine performance. Kimani Vidal was projected to run a slower 40-yard dash given that his game isn’t his speed but the Sun Belt prospect went out and ran a 4.46, proving he is more than just a hard runner. His 10-yard split was a 1.53, showcasing the coveted ability to quickly accelerate. Vidal measured in at 5-foot-8 and 213-pounds, enough size to play the position at the next level.
Kimani Vidal is one of my favorite RB sleepers.
4-year starter (90.0+ PFF Rushing Grade in final 2 seasons).
2nd in the NCAA in rushing yards (297/1661/14) in 2023; 2nd in broken tackles (94).
Excellent pass-blocker (79.3 PFF Pass-Blocking Grade).
Absolutely yoked up at… pic.twitter.com/R4tW2kfqzt
— David J. Gautieri (@GuruFantasyWrld) March 3, 2024
Vidal had a decorated collegiate career at Troy, rushing for 4,010 career yards and 33 touchdowns. With his combine performance proving that he has a similar athletic profile as the top prospects, there are no questions about whether he can continue to produce at the next level. Vidal’s stock is on the rise and he will continue to be a fun prospect to follow up through draft day.
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