The offensive positions are not as impressive this year as the defensive positions, however, this is turning out to be a solid RB class. With that Said, let’s introduce our top 10 running backs in this draft!
Note: These are solely based on talent, athletic ability, size, and production. We are only stating the talent value of these players based on that. Any off the field controversies are noted.
1. Leonard Fournette LSU
Height: 6’0 Hand Size: 9 ¼ ”
Weight: 240 Arm Length: 31 5/8”
Games Started: 32
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2014: 13 games, 187 attempts 1034 yards 5.53 avg 10 TDs, 7 rec 127 yards, 24 KR 625 yards 1 TD
2015: 12 games 300 attempts 1953 yards 6.51 avg 22 TDs, 19 Rec 253 yds 1 TD
2016: 7 games 129 attempts 843 yards 6.53 avg 8 TDs, 15 Rec 146 yards 0 Tds
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.51 sec 10 yard Split: N/A
Bench: DNP Vertical Jump: 28.5”
Broad Jump: DNP Short Shuttle: DNP
Three Cone: DNP Combine Notes: DNP Did not participate in many drills
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Leonard Fournette caught everybody’s eye with his monster 2015 campaign. He showed the size, power, agility, patience, and long speed that the NFL looks for in a complete RB. Fournette came into the 2016 as the clear-cut top RB, however, his season was cut short to only 7 games due to injuries. Some questions his injuries, as if he milked the injury to preserve himself for the NFL. He does have a large bulk of carries in just 3 seasons (616). However, he did make the most out of every carry, which is evident in his career average of 6.217. He had some of his best games against other SEC teams. Fournette did show up at his pro day, weighing in at 228, which is 12 pounds lighter than his combine size, and 22 lighter than his believed playing weight. He should regain his explosive ability and peak ability by playing between 225-230.
Round Value: Top 10
2. Dalvin Cook FSU
Height: 5’10 Hand Size: 9 ¼ ”
Weight: 210 Arm Length: 32 3/8”
Games Started: 38
Team Captain: Yes
Career Statistics:
2014: 13 games 170 attempts 1008 yards 5.93 avg 8 TD, 22 rec 203 yards
2015: 12 games 229 attempts 1691 yards 7.38 19 TD, 24 Rec 244 yds 1TD
2016: 13 games 288 attempts 1765 yards 6.13 19 TD, 33 rec 488 yds 1TD
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.49 sec 10 yard Split: n/a
Bench: 22 reps Vertical Jump: 30.5”
Broad Jump: 116” Short Shuttle: 4.53
Three Cone: 7.27 Combine Notes:
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Cook has been an explosive playmaker for FSU since his first year in 2014. He has shown toughness and durability to play with a high volume of touches. Like Fournette, Cook comes with a heavy load of carries, (687) in just three seasons, however, Cook has shown the agility and ability to make people miss in the open field. Cooks is also a productive receiver out of the back field, recording at least 22 receptions every season. Cook runs hard inside, but has been known to be inconsistent as an inside runner. When he sees the opening, he explodes through, and has the quickness to make a defender miss and get more out of the play. He has had some off the field issues, which could drop his stock, depending on how teams weigh those arrests.
Round Value: 1st
3. Christian McCaffrey Stanford
Height: 5’11 Hand Size: 9”
Weight: 202 Arm Length: 30”
Games Started: 38
Team Captain: Yes
Career Statistics:
2014: 13 games 42 attempts 300 yards 7.14 avg, 17 Rec 251 yards 2 TDs, 5 KR 91 yards, 9 PR 154 yards
2015: 14 games 337 attempts 2019 yards 5.99 avg 8 TDs, 45 rec 645 yyds 5 TDs, 15 PR 130 yds 1 TD, 37 KR 1070 yds 1 TD, 2 completions/3 attempts 39 yards 2 tds
2016: 11 games 253 attempts 1603 yards 6.34 avg 13 TDs, 37 recs 310 yards 3 Tds, 10 PR 96 yards, 14 KR 318 yards
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.48 sec 10 yard Split: n/a
Bench: 10 reps Vertical Jump: 37.5”
Broad Jump: 121” Short Shuttle: 4.22
Three Cone: 6.57 Combine Notes:
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
McCaffrey is another RB that got everybody’s attention in 2015, with a TD in every category imaginable. He had 8 rushing TDs, 5 receiving TDs, 1 punt return TD, 1 kick return TD, and 2 passing Tds. McCaffrey can make plays with the ball in his hands. He is explosive in short area, and has very good ability to make people miss. He controls his stride well and can turn choppy feet into a long run. He has very quick feet, allowing him to change direction quickly. He can create mismatches from the back field or from split out wide. He lacks the size that most NFL teams covet at the RB position. He doesn’t break tackles well, if he can’t make a defender miss, he will be tackled. McCaffery will be a playmaker in the right system as a guy that will get 12-18 touches every game, but not all from a handoff.
Round Value: 1st
4. Joe Mixon Oklahoma
Height: 6’1 Hand Size: n/a
Weight: 226 Arm Length: n/a
Games Started: 25
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2015: 13 games 113 attempts 753 yards 6.66 avg 7 TD, 28 rec 356 yds 4 TDs,
2016: 12 games 187 attempts 1274 yards 6.81 avg 10 TD, 37 rec 538 yds 5 TDs, 21 KR 494 yards 1 TD, 1 attempt/1 completion 26 yards 1 TD
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.43 10 yard Split: n/a
Bench: n/a Vertical Jump: 35”
Broad Jump: n/a Short Shuttle: n/a
Three Cone: n/a Combine Notes: Was not invited.
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Mixon is a tough one. On the field, there is no doubt that he can be a top running back in this draft, but after the incident at a bar, of striking a woman, he has fallen off many teams boards. He showed plenty of big play potential at Oklahoma, piling up 17 TDs, in 4 different ways. At 6’1 226, Mixon is a big back with explosive ability. Very similar to LeVeon Bell, Mixon is overly patient at times, which causes his running lanes to close quicker than he anticipates. He does tend to wait for a big lane before exploding through them. When he sees the hole, he does explode and can turn a short run into a huge gain. Mixon is a 1st round talent without a doubt, but he will likely fall hard because of his off the field.
Round Value: 1st-7th (could be UDFA because of off the field)
5. D’Onta Foreman Texas
Height: 6’0 Hand Size: 10 1/8”
Weight: 233 Arm Length: 31 3/8”
Games Started: 28
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2014: 7 games 16 attempts 74 yards, 1 rec 7 yards, 1 KR 5 yards
2015: 10 games 95 attempts 681 yards 7.17 yards 5 TDs, 5 rec 64 yards 0 Tds.
2016: 11 games 323 attempts 2028 yards 15 TDS, 7 rec 75 yards 0 TDs
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.45 sec 10 yard Split: n/a
Bench: 18 reps Vertical Jump: 33”
Broad Jump: 120” Short Shuttle: n/a
Three Cone: n/a Pro Day Notes: Did not drop a single ball at his pro day
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
D’Onta Foreman impressed scouts at his pro day clocking a 4.45 40 twice, while weighing 234. Foreman is a power runner, that has the ability to turn a short run into a big run. He is avery stout runner with excellent athleticism, for RB that size. Even with his size and strength, he tried to make defenders miss, which usually causes him to be tackled. At times, he can be indecisive at the LOS. When he is decisive, he powers through the hole, and once he is at the second level, he can turn on the long speed. He needs to work on his pass protection if he is going to play more in the NFL.
Round Value: 2nd – 3rd
6. Alvin Kamara Tennessee
Height: 5’10 Hand Size: 9 1/4”
Weight: 214 Arm Length: 32 3/4”
Games Started: 24
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2015: 13 games 107 attempts 698 yards 6.52 avg 7 TD, 34 rec 291 yards 3 tds, 8 PR 100 yards 1 TD, 1 attempt/1 completion 24 yards 0 TDs
2016: 11 games 103 attempts 596 yards 5.79 avg 9 TD, 40 rec 392 yards 4 TDs
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.56 sec 10 yard Split: N/A
Bench: 15 reps Vertical Jump: 39.5”
Broad Jump: 131” Short Shuttle: N/A
Three Cone: N/A Combine Notes: None
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Kamara got his chance to shine when Jalen Hurd left Tennessee. Kamara a hard runner that fights for extra yards, and doesn’t like to go down easy. He has a quick twitch about him and can be a very decisive runner. He doesn’t have great long speed, however, he makes up for that with good elusiveness. He combines speed and power well, but often times will run himself right into a defender. He doesn’t always allow his blocks to set up in the 2nd and 3rd level.
Round Value: 3rd -4th
7. Marlon Mack USF
Height: 5’11 Hand Size: 9”
Weight: 213 Arm Length: 32”
Games Started: 36
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2014: 12 games 202 attempts 1041 yards 5.15 avg 9 TD, 21 Rec 160 yards
2015: 12 games 210 attempts 1381 yards 6.58 avg 8 TD, 16 rec 111 yards 1 TD
2016: 12 games 174 attempts 1187 yards 6.82 avg 15 TD, 28 rec 227 yds
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.50 sec 10 yard Split: n/a
Bench: 15 reps Vertical Jump: 35.5”
Broad Jump: 125” Short Shuttle: n/a
Three Cone: n/a Combine Notes:
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Mack has fluent movement in his hips and the ability to make people miss. Hard to tackle when moving laterally, and can stretch outside runs with his movement. He has good burst helps him turn a short run into a big gain. Does not run with consistent power, as one would hope with his size, however, he does do a good job of making defenders miss and hitting his second gear. Likes to bounce outside runs too far and tends to miss the down hill lane. He doesn’t keep looking for the running lanes in traffic. He does find ways to slip tackles and continue running without power.
Round Value: 4th
8. Wayne Gallman Clemson
Height: 6’0 Hand Size: 9 1/8”
Weight: 215 Arm Length: 32 5/8”
Games Started: 42
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2014: 13 games 161 attempts 769 yards 4.78 avg 4 TD, 24 rec 108 yards 1 TD
2015: 14 games 283 attempts 1527 yards 5.40 13 TDs, 21 rec 213 yards 1 Td
2016: 15 games 232 attempts 1133 yards 4.83 avg 17 TD, 20 Rec 152 yards 0 TDs
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.60 sec 10 yard Split: n/a
Bench: 21 reps Vertical Jump: 39.5”
Broad Jump: 120” Short Shuttle: 4.28
Three Cone: 7.17 Combine Notes:
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Gallman is a smooth runner with better lateral quickness than long speed, but he has enough burst at the LOS to get to the second level. A bit of an upright runner, but a patient runner that can lower his pad level in traffic. Doesn’t stop moving his feet and fights for the extra yards. He is more of a side to side runner, but does not make sudden cuts, which causes him to be tackled for a loss at times. Runs too up right at the LOS, which will allow LBs to get under him and stop him for no gain. Gallman has good feet and is a tough RB, that will fight for the extra yards, which will keep him somewhat high on the draft board. Look for a zone running offense to look at a guy like Gallman
Round Value: 4th
9. Kareem Hunt Toledo
Height: 5’10 Hand Size: 9 5/8”
Weight: 216 Arm Length: 31 3/8”
Games Started: 44
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2013: 12 games 137 attempts 866 yards 6.32 avg 6 TDs, 12 rec 68 yards
2014: 10 games 205 attempts 1631 yards 7.96 avg 16 TDs, 9 rec 39 yards
2015: 9 games 178 attempts 973 yards 5.47 avg 12 TDs, 11 rec 45 yards
2016: 13 games 262 attempts 1475 yards 5.63 avg 10 TD, 41 rec 403 yards 1 TD
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.62 sec 10 yard Split: n/a
Bench: 18 reps Vertical Jump: 36.5”
Broad Jump: 119” Short Shuttle: n/a
Three Cone: n/a Combine Notes:
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Kareem Hunt is a compact back with a strong build, and powerful legs. He has the ability to make the initial defender miss in the backfield, allowing him to turn negative plays into positive plays. Straight forward runner, that only uses cuts when the hole isn’t there. He has good vision and ability to find the cut back lane. Runs with low center of gravity and forward lean. Struggles to accelerate after making cuts and can be caught in the open field. His initial burst is not the fastest, but with good vision he can find the open lane. Kareem Hunt had a good 2014 season, but battled injuries in 2015. In 2016, he got back to where he was and had another productive season. He is a big back with good vision and should find a spot on an NFL roster. Should fit well into a zone run system.
Round Value: 4th
10. Brian Hill Wyoming
Height: 6’1 Hand Size: 8 7/8”
Weight: 219 Arm Length: 31 3/8”
Games Started: 42
Team Captain: No
Career Statistics:
2014: 12 games 145 atts 796 yards 5.49 avg 7 TD, 13 rec 204 yards
2015: 12 games 281 atts 1631 yards 5.80 avg 6 TD, 20 rec 132 yards
2016: 14 games 349 attempts 1860 yards 5.33 avg 22 TD, 8 rec 67 yards
Combine / Pro Day Testing:
40 Yard Dash: 4.54 sec 10 yard Split: n/a
Bench: 15 reps Vertical Jump: 34.0”
Broad Jump: 125” Short Shuttle: 4.32
Three Cone: 7.03 Combine Notes:
Scouting Report from Scout Bret LaGasse:
Brian Hill is a well balanced runner with good power and balance. He had a tremendous season in 2016 rushing for 1860 yards and 22 TDs, which added on to his 2015 season, where he at 1631 yards and only 6 TDs. Hill does not like to go down at first contact and will keep his feet driving. He has good balance to run through tackles and keep moving. He has a powerful stiff arm that keeps defenders at bay. Pass blocking is good when taking on blitzing LBs, but struggles to protect the edge. He hasn’t shown to be a dangerous receiver, but he does make himself available to the QB when the Qb gets in trouble. He is a punishing runner, that will try to run through the defender. Doesn’t have extreme break away speed, but he does have good enough speed to make big plays. The more I watch, the more he climbs the board.
Round Value: 4th
There you have it! 10 Running backs, all could go in the first 4 rounds. Joe Mixon could have been a 1st round pick, however, his off the field has drawn some concerns. This is a good year for any team needing RB help. There is so much value to be had on day 1, 2, and 3.
