Last updated 21 February 2021
Name | College | |
---|---|---|
1 | Najee Harris | Alabama |
2 | Travis Etienne | Clemson |
3 | Javonte Williams | North Carolina |
4 | Kenny Gainwell | Memphis |
5 | Michael Carter | North Carolina |
6 | Chuba Hubbard | Oklahoma State |
7 | Jaret Patterson | Buffalo |
8 | Demetric Felton | UCLA |
9 | Trey Sermon | Ohio State |
10 | Rhamondre Stevenson | Oklahoma |
11 | Kylin Hill | Mississippi State |
12 | Javian Hawkins | Louisville |
13 | Khalil Herbert | Virginia Tech |
14 | Elijah Mitchell | Louisiana Lafayette |
15 | Pooka Williams | Kansas |
Lots of places I’ve seen have their top 2 the opposite way round but I’ve absolutely got to disagree – Najee Harris is an absolute beast who runs like Derrick Henry between the tackles but has the ability to turn the corner and get upfield too.
Based on the lack of value the NFL places on the running back position at present these two are the only ones who may get drafted in round one, and even then I wouldn’t be sure that either actually will.
Javonte Williams is another powerful runner and absolute machine in the red zone and formed an incredible 1-2 punch with Michael Carter at North Carolina, while Kenny Gainwell and Chuba Hubbard have all shown the ability at college level to be 1,000 yard rushers in the NFL.
Buffalo running back Jaret Patterson may come from a small school but he’s been incredibly dominant at that level, while the rest of this top 10 should all find themselves a role on the field early in their careers.
Demetric Felton has been tearing it up at the Senior Bowl, particularly while running receiver drills and so might find himself the darling of a team that features its backs heavily in the passing game – I’m incredibly tempted just to mock him to the Kansas City Chiefs at 95 overall and never change that pick again!
Both Trey Sermon are Rhamondre Stevenson are big bruisers who will run hard between the tackles and be a threat close to the goal line, and while Kylin Hill may be shorter he’s also an incredibly powerful runner.
The rest of the guys in this top 15 should all see some live action reps as rookies. Sure, they all have their limitations but the way the NFL uses backs situationally they all have their place and will be able to help an offense somewhere.