Rich's Top 5 RBs
The Running Back crop in this year’s draft is incredible. It has top end talent and depth with teams likely being able to find a really good back in the third or fourth round. Guys like Akrum Wadley, Kalen Ballage, and Justin Crawford are all day 3 guys that could easily carve out a starting role in the NFL. This isn’t about those guys though, this is about the cream of the crop.
1. Saquon Barkley, PSU, 5-11 229
Saquon Barkley isn’t just the number one running back, he is the best overall player. At 230 pounds, Barkley is projected to run in the 4.3s. His game is flawless for the most part. Excellent in pass pro, great receiver, runaway speed the total package. Many draft experts that have league connections like Matt Miller have described Barkley as a better Ezekiel Elliot without of the field issues. If there is a can’t miss with skill position players, its Barkley.
Pro Comparison: David Johnson
2. Derrius Guice, LSU, 5-11 218
In a normal draft year Guice would be the number one running back. His blend of power, speed, and vision is rare. On film, he runs away from defensive backs, but runs over linebackers. If Saquon is an upgraded Zeke, then Guice is a slightly worse Zeke. Guice is crazy good at everything on the field but was hampered this year by injury. He absolutely dominated the SEC and his game should translate to being a workhorse at the NFL level. The lack of need for running backs for a lot of NFL teams might push Guice down in the draft, but this guy is a stud.
Pro Comparison: Ray Rice
3. Ronald Jones, USC, 6-0 195
This guy is one of my favorite runners in the draft. Jones is fast, and I mean FAST. He out runs DBs on film easily and has the vision to make a cutback that wasn’t there until he gets there. Jones is a speedy slasher who also comes with decent hands. Despite his smaller size, Jones runs with good power and can be tough to bring down when he gets a full head of steam which he does quickly. Although his recognition and technique are good in pass pro, he struggles likely because of his size.
Pro Comparison: Jamaal Charles
4. Royce Freeman, Oregon, 5-11 230
Before you start clicking off keep in mind this isn’t who I think the first five running backs selected are, but who I think the best five are. To me Freeman earns a top 5 spot. Freeman is a powerful zone runner with good vision and patience. Although he is powerful his instincts lack and a power scheme would not be the best use of him. For me his strengths outweigh his weaknesses by a lot. I see a big back with wiggle an vision to be the modern bruiser.
Pro Comparison: Johnathan Stewart
5. Sony Michel, UGA, 5-11 215
Nick Chubb fans turn away because you are no doubt appalled. In fairness, Chubb is my RB6 and many see him and Michel as interchangeable. For me, Michel is the better player. He has an Alvin Kamara like running style and frame. He doesn’t look huge, but he is deceptively powerful. Excellent receiver out of the back field with speed to pull away from defenders. This guy isn’t going to be picked until maybe the 2nd or 3rd round, but he is going to be a stud.
Pro Comparison: Alvin Kamara
