3 running back prospects the Arizona Cardinals need to focus on leading up to NFL Draft
By Brandon Ray
As the game of football progresses, there is a new significance for various positions as time goes on. At one point, having a dynamic running back was a must-need for teams in the league. Fast forward to 2024, the running back position is one of the most devalued positions on a football team. We tend to think that running backs' prime years are over by the time they are between 28-30 years old. In recent memory, the only exception to this is Derrick Henry who is set to hit free agency for the first time in his career.
With 13 draft picks, Monti Ossenfort and the Arizona Cardinals have the a massive opportunity to build the roster into a premier team to get back to the playoffs. One position that they are content with for now is running back with James Conner.
Heading into his last year with the Cardinals. Conner is coming off a productive 2023 season. In just 13 games, Conner accomplished his first 1,000+ rushing yard season in his career and added on 7 touchdowns. He will be going into his 9th season as an NFL starter and we very well could have seen his ceiling last season.
With that being said, the Cardinals need to focus on bringing in another back who can make an impact for the 2024 season and even beyond. While they could take the free agency route, there are three running back propsects coming out of college that Ossenfort will need scout and see what value they can potentially bring to the Cardinals.