Prospect Position Rankings
Offense
QB, RB, WR, TE, G, OT, C
Defense
DT,DE, LB, DB/FS/SS
Special Teams
Last 7 NFL Drafts
Year – Total – 1st RD
2018 – 21 – 3
2017 – 30 – 2
2016 – 26 – 1
2015 – 22 – 2
2014 – 22 – 0
2013 – 26 – 0
2012 – 21 – 3
Total- 168 – 11
.08% RBs Drafted In 1st RD
Average 24 Drafted Per Year
2017 Position Grade – A
Top 5 Conferences
Last 6 Years
First Round RBs
3 – SEC
3 – BIG 10
1 – PAC 12
1 – MWC
Top Running Backs
1. Miles Sanders, PSU, Jr 5’11 215
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2018 – Saquon Barkley 1st
What To Know
Personally, feel that if Saquon Barkley was not in front of Sanders, then Sanders would be considered a lot higher up in the eyes of many in the media world of NFL Draft coverage. Barkley is a sick force of nature from the running back position and while Sanders is not on the level (Who is?) Barkley, he is a very versatile back. Good NFL size runs with quick direction. He wastes little time picking and choosing his spots with good cutback ability and acceleration. Sanders possesses the speed to out run secondary.
2. Josh Jacobs, Alabama, Jr 5’10 216
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2018 – Bo Scarbrough 7th
2016 – Derrick Henry 2nd
2015 – T.J. Yeldon 2nd
2015 – Jalston Fowler 4th
What To Know
Alabama has the finest ingredients when making NFL Draft prospects, but none the less caution remains with the results of the many who have dominated before him at the collegiate level. Jacobs does appear to be built in a different mold than his predecessors, he is a very versatile running back with great speed. The familiar faces reminiscent of Alabama running backs are tough-nosed in between the tackle bruisers, but not Jacobs. He is elusive, in fact that is an insult to him. He is extremely quick when changing direction and can make defenders look foolish.
3. Devin Singletary, FAU Jr 5’9 200
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
1997 – Troy Davis 3rd
What To Know
Singletary is a production phenomenon. His junior production (minus two games) did not match this sensational sophomore season, but I always like to say there is only one asterisk on the back of the bubble-gum card for your all-time best. He rushed for 1,920 yards and 32 touchdowns. Singletary followed that performance up with another season over 1,000 yards (1,358) and 22 touchdowns with a combine 54 rushing touchdowns over the last two seasons. Most would think of Singletary as a pass-catching weapon out of the backfield, but that was not the case. He carried the football 714 times and caught only 51 passes during his collegiate career. Curious to know why he was not used more as a pass-catching option in the FAU offensive scheme, especially since he is so dangerous in the open field. That said, sometimes it appears he is untouchable on the field. He jump-hop-skips into action after retrieving the football and off to the races he goes. A smallish compact but muscular frame. Very smooth and wastes little time and energy getting to his top gear. His size allows him to get small and hide behind his offensive line before hitting the hole. Cat like quickness making cuts. Instantly think Alvin Kamara, but with more escape ability (if that is possible).
4. Damien Harris, Alabama, Jr 5’11 215
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2018 – Bo Scarbrough 7th
2016 – Derrick Henry 2nd
2015 – T.J. Yeldon 2nd
2015 – Jalston Fowler 4th
What To Know
Great forward lean. Harris has a thickly built frame with powerful legs. The speed to get to the edge and conquer at the point of attack. Violent legs when running through traffic, Harris also has cutting ability to shake would be tacklers. He really brings it each and every down. Absent in Alabama’s passing attack, Harris is strictly used to just rush the football. Alabama running backs have not exactly set the NFL on fire, despite their lofty collegiate careers, keep that in mind as he tears through the SEC. Watching Harris, he just reminds me of a scrappy workhorse. A guy to covet when looking to pick up those nasty tough to come by yards.
5. Rodney Anderson, Oklahoma, Jr 6’1 225
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2017 – Joe Mixon 2nd
2017 – Samaje Perine 4th
2015 – Aaron Ripkowski 6th (Fullback)
2014 – Trey Willard 7th
What To Know
On 9/10/18 – Anderson suffered the injury on the final play of the first quarter Saturday against UCLA, he will missed the rest of the season. Against Kansas State, in 2017, Anderson was given the keys to the Oklahoma backfield and never looked back. He rushed for 1,079 over the last eight games of the year and went over 100-yards in six of those contests, ending the season against Georgia with a career best 201-yards rushing. Possibly the most complete running back amongst the current list of 2019 NFL Draft Prospects. Anderson can be three-down option for NFL teams. Surprisingly agile for his size. He possesses good stop-start speed. More than capable receiver, showing a variety of route prowess. Former Sooners’ running back Joe Mixon went 48th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, and Anderson may eclipse that number in 2019. The ACL injury of course factors into the draft process but still like his long-term upside which is why he’ll remain No. 1 on the list. Often injured throughout his college career creates doubt about durability but when healthy he is terrific.
6T. David Montgomery, Iowa State Jr 5’11 220
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
1997 – Troy Davis 3rd Thought for sure he was destined for a good career
Montgomery is a real running back at the next level. No gimmicks or tricks. He is well built and is a naturally gifted back. Montgomery is a slipper back and is hard to hit squarely. Possesses all the instincts and more than capable pass catcher and willing blocker in pass pro. His ability and frame should give him an opportunity to become a workhorse back. Montgomery drives his legs and is seldom knocked back. Good hand-eye coordination and natural hands.
6T.Elijah Holyfield, Georgia, Jr 5’11 215
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2018 – Sony Michel 1st
2018 – Nick Chubb 1st
2016 – Keith Marshall 7th
2015 – Todd Gurley 1st
What To Know
Georgia has been red-hot in providing high-end quality running backs over the last five years. Every prospect is different but anyone who second guesses the level of Wisconsin offensive linemen or LSU defensive backs then the ideology is the Bulldogs have a very firm grasp recently in identifying and molding high school recruits into very strong options at the running back position for NFL teams to evaluate. Genetics also play a slight role since his father Evander was the Heavy Weight Champion of the World, those bloodlines are important. He was a team captain (junior), with little wear-and-tear on his durable bulked up frame. He hits the hole with exceptional burst and power. Very no-nonsense running style and ability to cut. Possesses bullish strength in the trenches.
7.Benny Shell, Kentucky Jr 5’11 223
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
What To Know
Snell excels at running inside. He finds the hole quickly and displays a good burst. The junior running back can catch the football and is used in wildcat formation. Snell has the tool set to be a three-down back at the next level. Randoll Cobb was drafted in the second-round of the 2011 NFL Draft. The 32nd-overall selection arguably is the best offensive Wildcat since Dermontti Dawson entered the league in 1988. Snell has the skill set to be one of the highest drafted running backs out of Kentucky. George Adams went 19th overall in the 1985 NFL Draft and left the league with a bust label, after six unproductive seasons. Snell is going to be in the conversation of top running backs, and hopefully he can break the Kentucky curse of lousy NFL backs out of Kentucky.
8.Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M Jr 5’9 200
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
The last Aggies running back drafted was Christian Michael in 2013
What To Know
Immediately made an impact as a true freshman, becoming the only true freshman in Aggies history to accomplish the mark. He nearly doubled his sophomore production (798) rushing yards with an outstanding junior campaign that totaled 1,524 yards on the ground. Williams size is his biggest enemy. If he was a few inches taller along a few more pounds he very easily could be considered the top running back in the draft class. He is that good. The reality is that frame numbers to not exist and it will be intriguing to see how he is viewed amongst the deep class of running backs. The normal scenario is smaller is quicker. Bigger is more durable and powerful. Williams is right in that mix of not being the fastest nor the most powerful. That is where his value lies for NFL teams eyeing this Aggies running back. Surprisingly strong running the ball, Williams has a lot of positives. Vision is there. He is very aware of securing the football properly and can catch. Well-rounded running back. A good running back.
8.Darrell Henderson, Memphis, Jr 5’11 215
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2006 – DeAngelo Williams only RB draft out of Memphis
10.Dexter Williams, Notre Dame Sr 5’11 215
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2016 – C.J. Prosise 3rd
11.Bryce Love, Stanford Sr 5’10 202
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2017 – Christian McCaffrey 1st
2014 – Tyler Gaffney 6th
What To Know
Love was incredibly productive in 2017 for Stanford (2,118 rushing yards with 19 TDs). He does not possess an NFL frame to be used as a bell-cow at next level. Swivel hips, quick feet, help make Love difficult to stop with the football. He has a great burst and finishing speed. Love sees the field extremely well allowing him gain massive chunks of yardage. In 2018, he missed time and lost the production and buzz of being considered one of the top echelon running backs available in the up-coming draft. His 8.5 yards per carry (extraordinary) slipped to 4.5 his senior season, but none the less is very solid. Just a disappointing season for Love, who now must capture that incredible 2017 magic to get hot before the April NFL Draft.
12.Myles Gaskins, Washington Sr, 5’10 193
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2016 – Dwayne Washington 6th
2014 – Bishop Sankey 2nd
What To Know
Gaskin is an athletically gifted football player. Superb ability to shift and shake through the interior. Built more like a wide receiver than a running back, he also catches the ball like a wideout. Gaskin is surprisingly stout at the point of attack and finishes his runs with good forward lean, considering his size. Looks natural catching the football, with nose for the end zone. Has gained over 1,300 yards in each season at Washington. He has amassed 4,055 yards along with 45 rushing touchdowns.
13.L.J. Scott, Michigan State Sr 6’0” 228
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2015 – Jeremy Langford 4th
2014 – Le’Veon Bell 2nd
What To Know
Scott has never catapulted off his freshman season of 699 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. He has never eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing entering his senior season with the Spartans, while seeing his touchdown production dip (14 rushing last two years). However, he is a big-framed, versatile running back for Michigan State. He excels at following his blockers and showing the patience to maximize each carry. Appears to prefer bouncing most of his runs outside. Does not run angry, given his size and stature. Played in only five games his senior season and missed the Senior Bowl while nursing and injury. The NFL Combine is going to be an enormous stage for Scott to show he has the goods to compete with the very best. Modest stats and production, Scott should be in the mix to be a mid to late round prospect next season.
14.Karan Higdon, Michigan Sr 5’9 202
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2008 – Mike Hart last true Wolverines running back drafted
What To Know
Higdon more than doubled his rushing production from 2016 to 2017. He rushed for 994 yards compared to 425, his sophomore year at Michigan. His role in the Wolverines offense expanded, in 2018, allowing Higdon to reach the 1,000-yard plateau for the first time his senior season. He rushed for 1,1,78 along with 10 rushing touchdowns and an impressive 5.3 yards per carry. He did a solid job in my opinion at the Senior Bowl. He likes to bounce outside a lot with his speed, but do not be fooled, Higdon is fearless attacking the interior if the edge does not develop. Ideally prefer running backs to be shorter when hovering around 200-pounds, it seems like the frame does not meet production at the next level. Ditto that for Bryce Love as well. It does scare me at ludicrous as it sounds but check the body sizes. Adding bulk would be advise in my opinion.
15.Mike Weber, 5’10 214, Jr, Ohio State
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2016 – Zeke Elliott 1st
2014 – Carlos Hyde 2nd
What To Know
Weber will be part of the two-headed monster with J.K. Dobbins at Ohio State. Splitting carries diminishes the overall production Weber could achieve but also keeps him fresh for his run at the NFL. Tree trunk mid-section, Weber has powerful thighs, with a thick base. He runs with authority and shows the speed to seal the deal. Seldom used in the Buckeyes’ passing attack. Any other school besides Ohio State or Alabama, Weber would have celebrity status, due to his ability. There is so much talent in Columbus, he gets lost in the shuffle.
16.Qadree Ollison, 6’2 225, Sr, Pittsburgh
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2017 – James Conner 3rd
What To Know
Ollison has reemerged in the Panthers offense. He brings terrific size and athleticism to the position of running back. He is agile enough out of the backfield to handle the football, while possessing the power to punish defenses. Displays good vision when choosing his best way to advance the football up the field.
17.Justice Hill, 5’10 190, Jr, Oklahoma State
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2017 – Chris Carson 7th
What To Know
Hill will get drafted higher than the many other pure collegiate running backs due to his special skill set as a complementary running back in the NFL Draft. Despite missing time his junior season, his production as a freshman ranks as the all-time best in school history (1,142) and followed it up his sophomore year with a career best 1,467 rushing yards. His junior season his rushing totals dipped to 930 that coincided with missing three games. He is most effective moving laterally prior to getting up-field. Elusive with good speed.
18.Jacques Patrick, 6’2 231, Sr, Florida State
Last Five Running Backs Players Drafted in Last Five Years
2017 – Dalvin Cook 2nd
2015 – Karlos Williams 5th
What To Know
Cam Akers will see plenty of action keeping Patrick from the bulk of carries available at Florida State. Patrick is a battering ram running back. He runs with a no-nonsense style, where he wins the point of attack and carries on down the field. Patrick also can be used catching the ball out of the back field. Displays soft hands for his size and knack for making guys miss even at his size (6-foot-2 and 231 pounds). There is something vintage about watching Patrick play, gives me Chuck Muncie vibes.
Xavier Turner, 5’10 225, Sr, Tarleton State
Tre King, 5’10 190, Sr, Texas Tech
Jalin Moore, 5’10 212 Sr, Appalachian State
Lexington Thomas, 5’9 176 Sr, UNLV
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