The New Reality No.197: Backup RB Landscape

Photo: Scott Galvin, USA Today Sports

Bijan Robinson gained No. 8-overall pedigree by heading to Atlanta as the assumed lead back. However, the rest of the rookie running backs begin the four-month ramp-up to Week 1 as at least upside RB2 types and need some help to be the lead back. Here is a look at the current landscape around the NFL:

Rookie in a Committee (or Better) Role

Jahmyr Gibbs, Lions

The Gibbs selection spurred Detroit to trade away D'Andre Swift and make the big (for a running back) free agent contact to David Montgomery seem questionable. The Lions were the second-best HLO (High-Leverage Opportunities) score in 2022, pointing to strong upside for either back with clarity of usage. With No. 12-overall pedigree, Gibbs will be a prominent part of the backfield and offense quickly in Year 1.

Rookies in Clarified Primary Backup Roles

Tank Bigsby, Jaguars

Bigsby should easily win the RB2 role over JaMycal Hasty, D'Ernest Johnson, and Snoop Conner.

Zach Charbonnet, Seahawks

Charbonnet was a surprising amount of draft capital after Kenneth Walker was an impressive rookie and second-round selection a year ago.

Rookies Who Should Win Primary Backup Roles

Chase Brown, Bengals

Chris Evans has struggled to advance in opportunities, and Brown, despite falling in the draft, should win the RB2 job with his balanced profile.

Tyjae Spears, Titans

Spears has more pedigree than Hassan Haskins a year ago for Tennessee and far more juice.

Zach Evans, Rams

Evans was another running back who plummeted in the draft but was saved by landing on one of the thinnest depth charts behind the starter on Day 3. In addition to Evans, the Rams added prototypically-sized rookie Tiyon Evans as a dark horse.