Updated running back rankings for the Chargers after the NFL Combine

The 2024 NFL Combine is officially in the books and as it always does, it had a seismic shift on everyone's draft boards. Whether it is justified or not, we all change our draft boards after watching these players do glorified workouts in Indianapolis. And for the LA Chargers specifically, the combine had an impact on several key positions.

Running back might be the position that gets impacted the most by the workouts at the combine. The Chargers need to rebuild the running back room from the ground up and there is so much variance when it comes to running back prospects. Getting to see these guys in person can be a huge North Star that helps the Chargers navigate these unforeseen waters.

There is still a lot of time until the 2024 NFL Draft and the team's big board will almost undoubtedly shift from now until then. But as it stands right now, the NFL Combine provided a more concrete big board of running backs for the Chargers to consider.

Updated Chargers running back rankings for the 2024 NFL Draft:

7. Blake Corum, Michigan

Blake Corum has been tied to the Chargers the most out of any mid-round running back this year because of his ties to Jim Harbaugh. The Michigan running back was the motor of Harbaugh's offense for several years and that familiarity could lead him to Los Angeles.

There are positives about Corum's game that fans can get excited about (hence why he cracks the top seven) but there are several better options that the Bolts can explore. Corum's combine showing was good, not great, and his size may be more of a negative in the NFL than it was in college.

Pro Football Focus ranks Corum as the 88th prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Chargers picking him with the 69th pick would be a bit too rich.

6. Bucky Irving, Oregon

Bucky Irving was high on many Chargers fans' list heading into the NFL Combine and might have been the consensus favorite to go to the Bolts. That changed, as Irving did not have a great showing in Indy.

While Irving's tape is still good and that might supersede what he did at the combine, it is hard to be as high on him after he posted one of the worst Relative Athletic Scores by a running back, ever.

5. Isaac Guerendo, Louisville

Isaac Guerendo climbed up many draft boards during the combine as he turned in the most athletically impressive showing for running backs. Guerendo earned a 9.99 RAS, putting him among the highest running backs to ever test at the combine.

Guerendo is not as high of a prospect as some of these other guys as the running back position is more than just athleticism. But after seeing the show he put on in Indy, he is definitely someone who the Chargers could target early on day three.

4. Marshawn Lloyd, USC

Marshawn Lloyd might be the favorite to be taken by the Chargers (despite ranking fourth on this list) right now after an impressive combine showing coupled with the fact that he just played for the Chargers' new running back coach, Kiel McDonald.

Lloyd has a similar build to Corum and may have a lower floor than the Wisconsin back if his ball-protection issues translate to the NFL. But Lloyd's multi-year celing is much higher, which puts him higher on this list.

3. Trey Benson, Florida State

Trey Benson is in a similar boat as Guerendo as he turned in one of the best combine showings of 2024. Benson comes from a bigger program and was naturally higher on most boards as he can do more at the running back position.

The Florida State running back ran a 4.39 40-yard dash and did so as a six-foot back who is over 210 pounds. Nobody should complain if the Chargers take him on day three of the draft.

2. Braelon Allen, Wisconsin

Speaking of big backs who can reach elite-level speeds, Wisconsin's Braelon Allen looks exactly like the kind of running back that Greg Roman will want to coach. And considering he should be available in the fourth round, he is one of the favorites to be selected.

Allen is massive and still checked in as the second-fastest running back in the off-tackle recognition drill. Add in the fact that he is great in pass protection and Allen seems like a surefire prospect.

1. Jaylen Wright, Tennessee

Jaylen Wright very well could be the first running back taken in the 2024 NFL Draft after his showing at the 2024 NFL Combine. Wright ran faster during his 40-yard dash time than Devon Achane last year, which says it all.

Wright averaged 7.4 yards per carry last season and is a top-ranked running back on many big boards. The Chargers may balk at spending a second-round pick at running back, but Wright would be a home run if he's available in the third.