2015 NFL Draft: Running Back

The running back position is losing value, how many times have you heard this recently? Well in this year’s draft the tables have turned. This is the best running back class I’ve ever scouted for sure. It is highlighted by Todd Gurley who is possibly the best prospect since Adrian Peterson who fell all the way to 7th behind stalwarts like JaMarcus Russell and LaRon Landry. There are power backs, receiving backs, and home run backs in this draft in multiples. The league was stupefied with the 2014 class of receivers, well I think a similar reaction is coming for the 2015 running backs. As always this position is a delight to scout, not only because I’m a RB maniac, but because the immediate dividends the top 8+ rushers will provide next year. Do not, I repeat do not, sleep on the running backs in rounds 1 and 2. With the low cost of draft picks and immediate impact talent of this class I think we’re looking at an early run on tailbacks for the first time in recent memory. Here they are in descending order.

Todd Gurley-RB-Georgia-6’1”-222-1st-94

Oh man what a player. Absolutely the best RB prospect since Trent Richardson. Kid’s got size, balance, vision, and finishing speed. If he didn’t shred his knee last year he’s a top 10 pick. He was suspended 4 games for signing his own name which still makes no sense to me but probably isn’t a big character concern. On the field he’s a beast averaging over 7 yards per carry in 2014 playing against SEC defenses. He can be every bit as good as DeMarco Murray who shuffles his feet more than Gurley does. He plays with phenomenal pad level for a tall back and runs through the secondary like they’re teasing him for his last name. Catching the ball is a bit of a question mark as he wasn’t asked to be a big part of the passing game. Biggest concern is his injury history. He missed 3 games in 2013 with an ankle injury then tore his ACL this fall. Murray had similar concerns coming out of Oklahoma and it pushed him to the second round. I expect Gurley to be a 1st round pick, but I think he’ll drop into the 20’s for durability reasons.

Melvin Gordon-RB-Wisconsin-6’1”215-1st/2nd-88

Ridiculously productive in 2014. Gordon ran for 2,587 yards including hanging 408 yards on Nebraska. I know they always have good O-lines up in cheese country but god damn he’s a player. Plays more powerfully than you’d think for a 215 pounder because this guy is beyond yoked. Has solid top end speed for a bigger back clocking in at 4.52 at the combine. I worry slightly about his change of direction speed but the 4.07 seconds in the 20 yard shuttle alleviates those concerns. He runs upright similar to Eric Dickerson which might affect his durability. He’s a borderline 1st round runner who would excel in Dallas or in a zone blocking scheme if he can be tamed into a 1 cut system. He did fumble six times in his final 5 games which should be monitored. Doesn’t contribute in the passing game which puts him in the 2nd round for me.

T.J. Yeldon-RB-Alabama-6’1”-226-Day 2-86

I’ve been watching this kid for years and I’m always impressed with his balance and pad level. He’s flying a bit under the radar and I don’t know why. He played well in the SEC going for about 1,000 yards in each of the last 3 seasons adding 46 catches for good measure. I see a direct parallel between Yeldon and Le’Veon Bell. Both ran 4.6 at the combine at 6’1” and about 230 pounds. Bell went in 2nd round, dropped a couple lbs, and became one of the best backs in the NFL. Yeldon absolutely has the same potential. He’s a tough tackle with a burst in the hole and a mean ass jump cut. I’m not saying he’ll definitely be as good as Le’Veon or his old teammate Eddie Lacy, but I think his skills and running style are a great fit for the pro game and he can be the sleeper of this running back class. If I'm picking offensive rookie of the year for 2015, I'm choosing T.J. Yeldon on the 49ers. Fuck that it's Amari Cooper on the Raiders, but Yeldon's in the damn running.

Ameer Abdullah-RB-Nebraska-5’9”-205-Day 2-83

One of my favorite players in this entire draft. The senior back has been an absolute workhorse for the Cornhuskers putting up 1600+ yards the last two years and adding over 20 catches 3 times. You might be concerned with the number of hits he’s taken especially at his size, but at the next level he’ll be a 15 touch guy with most of his damage coming in the passing game. He would be a surefire second rounder if his 40 time was in the 4.4’s unfortunately it came back at 4.60 seconds. I still think he’s a 2nd round prospect because he has excellent short area quickness (42” vertical!). He can make people miss in the running game and easily separate from man coverage. One scout even said he gave Abdullah the highest possible character grade. I would absolutely love the Pats to grab him at 64.

Tevin Coleman-RB-Indiana-5’11”-206-Day 2-83

He looks almost exactly like Melvin Gordon on film. They share the same speed, running style, and playmaking ability. Coleman rushed for over 2,000 yards in 2014 and has averaged over 7 yards per carry the last two years. He doesn’t look as powerful as Gordon. I think the Darren McFadden comparison is spot on. He could go for 60 on any play, but if he doesn’t you’re looking at no gain, not much in between. Would like to see more pass catching. He has the necessary tools just needs to learn the skills in the passing game. Didn’t run at the combine but I bet he’d be around a 4.5 in the 40 yard dash.

Duke Johnson-RB-Miami-5’9”-207-3rd Round/Day-80

The all-time leading rusher for the U ahead of Edgerrin James, Clinton Portis, Frank Gore etc. He was the number 1 running back in the nation coming out of high school. He’s a nice little prospect that doesn’t have big back size or top end speed (4.54 40). What he does have is tremendous feel for the game. He shows good vision and cutting ability, particularly his elusiveness in the hole. His running style reminds me of Emmitt Smith. Out of the backfield he can separate from linebackers and catch the ball. Has an injury past and has a habit of running laterally in the open field instead of taking what’s there. I hope he’s a Patriot only because I wanna say Duuuuke.

Jay Ajayi-RB-Boise State-6’0”-221-Day 2-74

He’s a pretty standard big back. Plays with patience, good balance, and can drive a pile. The problem with Ajayi is that he doesn’t do anything great. He has ok speed (4.57 in the 40), decent power, and can catch the ball. But he’s not going to break big runs, run over a defense, or separate against man coverage. He’s a good pick for a team that wants to free up roster spots, but I think he’s a standard big back that should be paired with a scat back for the passing game. Has fumbling issues, character concerns (stole sweatpants in 2011, yeah fucking sweatpants), and was originally a soccer player in England. Point is: he doesn’t appear to be a real difference maker, just a decent back with a lot of vowels in his name.

Jeremy Langford-RB-Michigan State-6’0”-208-3rd Round/Day-73

Loved watching him the last couple years. Big time Spartan fan and this kid played well wearing Sedrick Irvin’s #33 jersey. The way he runs reminds me of Clinton Portis, the same type of stride. He turned a lot of heads at the combine posting a very respectable 4.42 in the 40. I still think he’s a 3rd round back because I’m not sure he’s big enough to consistently be an effective runner between the tackles. As a former receiver he has have enough skill to play on 3rd down. I would give him similar value to Roy Helu a few years back.

Mike Davis-RB-South Carolina-5’9”-217-Day 3-67

This guy stood out to me multiple times this fall. He was Marcus Lattimore’s back up but became a solid runner in his own right. He’s real compact with solid balance like Travis Henry. Forty yard dash time of 4.61 will keep him on day 3 where he could be a sleeper. Younger brother of Clemson product James Davis who was another favorite of mine who did nothing in the NFL so take this analysis with a large grain of salt.