Overview of different types of running back prospects
Not every prospect at a given position plays the same, looks the same, or can play in all schemes. Throughout the evening on Saturday, Nick provided insight on a variety of running backs from both big and small schools, as well as a variety of skill-sets.
A sleeper running back prospect is Georgia Tech RB Jordan Mason. While Mason is only a redshirt sophomore, he has been the heart of the Georgia Tech offense and ran for 94 yards and a touchdown today. Mason will never be the most athletically gifted, but his footwork, toughness, and overall attention to the technical craft of being a running back are things that should be attractive to NFL teams throughout the process.
Alabama always seems to have a number of running back prospects that collectively can do it all at the very least. Two notable running backs are worth keeping mind this year for draft purposes:
It’s time to talk about the show that Najee Harris and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are putting on today. Edwards-Helaire is tough as nails and has some juice in his step. His lateral agility and short-area burst are where he really wins. He’s not fast, but he’s quick, strong, decisive, and has great hands. Harris has come alive in this third quarter. His cuts and agility are much improved from last year. He might still not be on the top level of D’Andre Swift or Jonathan Taylor, but he is a playmaker who can create yards for himself through his agility and contact balance.
Not many people may know about the next running back given that he plays in the FCS but that should change. His name is only going to increase when it comes to discussing some of the top players at running back.
An FCS player that everyone needs to pay attention to is Illinois State RB, James Robinson. I am not sure if he will get that Senior Bowl call, but he will most certainly have his opportunity either at the Shrine Game or at the NFLPA Bowl. He now has 14 touchdowns on the season. Robinson’s cutting ability, contact balance, and receiving ability are really, really impressive. He is split out wide in the Illinois State system and used. They have confidence in him running routes and catching the football and that speaks volumes about his ability. Keep an eye on him, he could have his name called on draft day.
Big-play ability is a big selling point for this former Last Chance U star.
Did Arkansas have one ugly loss today to Western Kentucky? You bet they did. But Arkansas RB Rakeem Boyd continues to be a massive bright spot on this team. He only had eight carries today but he went off for 185 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Talk about making your touches count.
Boyd’s been a big-play machine all season and that has not changed regardless of the level of competition. The former Last Chance U star looks really good, but it might be his athletic gifts that will make him an appealing running back for some team.
No touchdown no problem for arguably the top running back prospect in the 2020 draft.
If you ever had any doubt that Jonathan Taylor was not a top running back prospect, his 250-yard performance against Iowa just cemented that even more so. He did not register a single touchdown, but he was the cog that made the Badgers offense move all day long.
His ability to create yards for himself both through his elusiveness and ability to press the line and manipulate defenders are undeniable. He has been showing off his hands all season long and leaves no doubt that he can become an adept receiver in the NFL. Not to mention his freakish athleticism. Taylor is a great running back prospect and continues to prove that.
On a non-running back note, one wide receiver who could be a steal in the April draft was discussed by Matt at the 3:15 update:
FSU receiver Tamorrion Terry has been a force this season. He’s only a redshirt sophomore, however, with how porous FSU’s defense has been, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him declare this season. Terry has dominate physical traits and could be a mid-round steal for a team needing boundary receiver help.