Inside the NFL Draft: Running Back Edition.
The 2017 NFL draft features a running back class that has the potential to be not only one of the deepest, but one of the most talented in recent years. Big name players like LSU star Leonard Fournette and Stanford's Christian McCaffrey are headlining their respected positions, while others like Marlon Mack and Wayne Gallman are cementing themselves as late round sleepers. It seems to many that there is a consensus number one running back, but we here at NoLimits may shock you at who comes in at our number one spot.
1) Joe Mixon: Oklamhoma
Surprise, Surprise. Mixon made headlines in 2014 after getting in to an altercation with a female student. After the two yelled back and forth at one another, Mixon ultimately punched the female in the face. This action caused him to miss the entire next season. The running back came out and apologized, but for many NFL teams, it wasn't enough.
Several teams, including the New England Patriots, have already publicly stated that Mixon has been removed from their draft board due to character concerns. But, don't let that take anything away from his on the field talent.
In our eyes, Mixon is the most complete and polished back in the entire draft. He has shown in multiple games that he can run, pass block, and most importantly, catch the ball out of the backfield. Mixon has an outstanding burst along with good balance and patience. The physical back averaged 6.8 yards per carry last year, as he rushed for over 1,200 yards. He also tallied 37 receptions for 538 yards, while racking up 15 total touchdowns.
Although the former Oklahoma Sooner was not invited to the NFL Combine, he impressed at his pro day, putting up a forty-yard dash that timers clocked in the midst of 4.43 to 4.45 seconds. It would shock everyone if Mixon was the first running back called of the board, but it wouldn't shock us if his name is called later in the first round.
2) Leonard Fournette: LSU
To many, Fournette is the clear cut number one back coming out of this year's draft, and it's not hard to understand why. Standing at a massive 240 pounds, the former LSU Tiger ran an impressive 4.51 40-yard dash at this year's NFL Combine.
To compare it to others, Dalvin Cook ran a 4.49 at 210 pounds and Christian McCaffrey ran a 4.48 at 202 pounds. Fournette has classified himself as the best down-hill runner in this draft, and his style has even dragged comparisons from Bo Jackson to Adrian Peterson. The running back uses his brute strength and pure power to run over opposing defenders every down, while lowering his head in to their chests.
But with that being said, there are some red flags for Fournette. He has dealt with a few injuries during his collegiate career, particularly his ankle; which forced him to miss five games last year. Recent news has surfaced that the nagging ankle injury may even require surgery, which is making owners with high draft picks question if he is worth the risk.
All in all, with the potential that he possesses, Fournette could have a phenomenal NFL career if he can stay healthy. While he needs to work on both his receiving and pass blocking, Fournette is bound to go in the top ten, if not the top five.
3.) Dalvin Cook: Florida State
Cook has seen his draft stock fall slightly due to his off the field issues that resurfaced and a nagging shoulder injury. But these factors won't make owners forget the talent that he possesses.
Cook is an all-around running back who can excel in both the receiving and running game. He shattered the Seminole rushing record, as he racked up an impressive 4,464 yards in just three seasons. Cook has a style similar to a healthy Jamaal Charles because of his one cut style of running. He has struggled at times with inside running, as he tends to look and turn the corner on the outside, instead of planting his foot and running it up field. Plus, he has coughed up the ball 13 times in three years.
Because of the shoulder injury and the off the field issues, some analysts have predicted Cook could fall to the early second round, but do not be surprised at all if a team like Detroit or Kansas City picks him up in a heartbeat.
4) Christian McCaffrey
One of the more intriguing prospects in this year’s draft is Christian McCaffrey. When it comes to this running back, it seems that you're either a huge fan of him, or the complete opposite. There is no in between.
McCaffrey has built himself quite the resume: rushing for 1,639 yards last season, and adding on 310 yards through the air. He also cemented himself as one of the best return men in college football as well, which could intrigue NFL coaches and general managers.
So why are some teams still skeptical on drafting the Stanford product?
For one, McCaffrey is only listed at 202 pounds. Plus, he has had over 300 total touches the past two years. Both of these factors could easily lead to durability issues, especially in the pros. While some analysts are skeptical of his size, others have gone as far to say that they guarantee that he won't slide past the top ten teams. Scouts are questioning whether his style will translate to the NFL, or if he will primarily end up switching to a slot receiver. McCaffrey has a lot to live up to after his impressive last two seasons, but he will certainly be one to watch come Sundays.
5.) Alvin Kamara: Tennessee
Kamara showed signs of potential throughout his second season at Tennessee. Although durability issues remain a factor, Kamara could see his name taken off the board in the second round with ease.
His speed and size both fit the NFL stereotype and his style should translate quite nicely. Although Kamara has shown nice versatility, his lackluster ball handling skills will worry coaches and trainers as they look through his tape.
He hasn't been given the opportunity as of yet to show what his full work load capability is. In fact, Kamara hasn't ever logged more than 20 touches in a single game. But, speaking from a talent only perspective, Kamara possesses some of the best skills in the draft.
6) Marlon Mack: South Florida
If you're a team who is in need of a starting running back, but can't afford to spend a first or second round pick on one, I present to you: Marlon Mack.
This late round gem possesses all of the skills and talent that will translate to the NFL game very smoothly. Mack totaled over 1,400 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Bulls last season, and earned first-team All American Athletic Conference honors as well.
What worries teams is the way Mack handles the ball, fumbling it twelve times in three years. He also showed a tendency to bounce the run to the outside, even when not needed. But when Mack is successful on the outside, he can take it for a touchdown on any play. Over 1/3 of Mack's touchdowns last year were from 40+ yards, giving him the home run hitter swagger.
7) Wayne Gallman
Wayne Gallman went unnoticed for a lot of football fans last year. This was partially due to Clemson having two projected top fifteen picks in Deshaun Watson and Mike Williams. But don't be mistaken, Gallman could potentially be a heck of a steal in the later rounds.
Gallman had a better sophomore season than his junior year, but this could have resulted from the drop off of carries he was given. In 2015, Gallman rushed for 1,527 yards compared to only 1,133 in 2016. He finished with a sensational 30 rushing touchdowns over the last two years, while also proving he is a lethal red-zone back.
The former Clemson Tiger is more of a downhill runner than anything. But he has shown that he isn't the shiftiest back, and struggles to make cuts. His vision and patience need to be worked on as well, for he tends to try to run between the tackles, causing him to pick up little to no yards.
