This running back class is one of the more talented ones in recent years and I see three, maybe four running backs going in the first round. I'm taking only what I see on the field in this ranking not off the field issues. Note: The number after the name in parentheses regards to their ranking which I set in a different article. If you wish to read that article, click this link: 1. Leonard Fournette, RB, Louisiana State University (4) Fournette brings a unique set of smash and dash. Born in raised in Louisiana, Fournette was the unanimous best running back prospect coming out of high school. Fournette is balanced in that he can truck, juke, block, and receive. His ability to receive has been questioned because of his lack of receptions in college and high school but when targeted I feel he was adequate enough to compete in the NFL. He already looks like an NFL back and plays like a grown man. Fournette always pushes for extra yards and has that mindset to keep pushing through, not unlike Marshawn Lynch. He can easily throw players off of him with powerful hips and a nasty stiff arm. I see him going in the first 10 picks and I will be very surprised if he manages to slip from that position. I think he wants to go to the Saints but at the top of the board fits for him would be the Jaguars, Jets, and Panthers. 2. Joe Mixon, RB, Oklahoma (13) This pick may raise many eyebrows but this ranking takes only talent at the running back position into question not off the field issues. In 2014, in an Oklahoma restaurant, Joe Mixon was suspended for an entire year for punching and knocking out a woman. Talent-wise, Mixon is the number two running back prospect. He brings a patient style as a running back and reminds a lot of people and me of Le'Veon Bell, using the more popular style of letting blocks develop before running. While Mixon is known for his elusiveness, he has the ability to quickly change into a power back. While 6'1" is just a little tall for a player at his position, his quick feet tell a different story. He is excellent in the passing game, probably the best in the running back class except for Christian McCaffrey. He has an ability to make runs that look blown up into 15-20 yards runs. Because of his off-field issues, his draft stock is going to be heavily attacked and I see him going mid to late second round and slipping even into the third round. His grade is difficult to assess but I think a team is going to take a chance on him where talent outweighs personality problems. Fits for him would be the Colts, Redskins, Raiders, and Packers, in the second round. 3. Dalvin Cook, RB, Florida State University (15) Most have Cook as number two or even number one on their boards but I don't see it. Cook is a very talented player who has some off the field issues that no one seems to mention, including possession of a gun on campus, robbery, and battery. He has had some injuries and surgeries which has affected his draft stock. As a player, he is productive in the red zone and eats up touchdowns. He broke the all-time Florida State record for rushing yards in a career. He has good vision on the sidelines but needs work reading blocks and blocking. He mainly cut blocks which becomes predictable and easy to avoid. His running style is very dash-y and he darts in and out of defenders. He can change direction almost effortlessly, something that takes a lot of practice. I see him going mid first round to late first round. Team that he would do well if they draft him are the Colts, Redskins, Raiders, and the Giants. 4. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford (10) The only reason I have McCaffrey this low is because, as a runner he isn't as polished as Cook, Fournette, or Mixon, but as a prospect he stacks up higher than probably Cook and Mixon because of his ability to line up as a receiver and as a kick returner. McCaffrey is probably my favorite player in this draft and his running style isn't that different from Joe Mixon or Le'Veon Bell. Scouts question his durability or strength after putting up only 10 reps in the Combine. Among the top 5 on this list, McCaffrey edged out the others in the 40 yard dash and he provides an offensive weapon to any team that takes him. He has exceptional vision and reads his blocks very well. He has the ability to make linebackers, corners, and safeties miss as well as the speed to take it to the house. I see him going anywhere in the first round outside of the first five picks. I seriously doubt him finding himself in the second round. 5. Alvin Kamara, RB, Tennessee (33) Kamara is well liked in his locker room and has been referred to as a team leader. He can bounce and spin off tackles for long distances. He's productive, getting 23 touchdowns on 284 touches at Tennessee, meaning 8% of his touches were touchdowns. He has talent as a receiver and punt returner but needs work on blocking and letting blocks develop to set him up for less tackles. At the Combine, he shined in jumping drills with a 39.5 inch vertical and a 10'11" standing broad jump, both the best among running backs, but I don't know how that translates to the pros. I see him going in the late first round or the early to mid second round. Teams that should have interest are the Raiders, Chiefs, Packers, Jaguars, and Jets.
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