2016 NFL Draft: Running Back

Solid running backs class this year. Elliott should be a star and there will likely be a few more playmakers in the class.

Ezekiel Elliott-RB-Ohio State-6’0”-225-Top 15-97

I absolutely loved watching this kid play in Columbus and I hope he keeps up that level of play in the NFL. Has perfect size for an NFL back and he matches that with vision, quickness, and finishing speed (4.47 in the 40). I really can’t say anything bad about the guy. Elliott went over 1800 yards his two seasons starting for the Buckeyes which not only tells you he’s consistent, but also he doesn’t come out of school with 4 years of hits on his body. He has receiving ability, though it wasn’t overly utilized in college. He has an unusually long and wide stride, reminiscent of Marshawn Lynch, which makes him very difficult to bring down. I think he’s every bit the prospect Todd Gurley was last year, and Elliott comes out healthy whereas Gurley was recovering from an ACL tear. I’m wary because of Trent Richardson’s bust, but Elliott has competitive fire and I expect him to be an excellent pro.

Kenneth Dixon-RB-Louisiana Tech-5’10”-215-2nd Day-85

Very productive back playing in 2nd tier conferences in college football. On some plays he looks remarkably similar to Marshall Faulk. Obviously I’m not saying he’ll be that caliber player, but he has that style of play. Terrific pass catcher out of the backfield, has a good burst and can make people miss in the open field. He has a great stutter move to set up blocks or allow plays to develop. Undersized back with injury history. He’ll be a change of pace, 3rd down type back but he shows enough grit to be able to run on the interior when called upon. Does not have breakaway speed (4.58 in the 40) but his sub 7 second 3-cone backs up the outstanding quickness and cutting ability you see on tape. I really like him as a back and I think he has more versatility than Henry which puts him #2 in this year’s class for me.

Derrick Henry-RB-Alabama-6’3”-247-2nd Round-84

Unbelievable productivity from this kid. National High School record of over 12,000 career rushing yards and 153 touchdowns including a Senior season of 4,261 yards! Wow. Then he goes to Alabama and wins the Heisman as a Junior while rushing for over 2,200 yards and 28 touchdowns. It’s amazing I’m going to say this, but he’s not my kind of prospect. He has build up speed (4.54s) and when he moves laterally he is easy to bring down. The only time he is really effective is with his shoulders square and a head of steam. When that happens though, he’s an absolute terror. He finds holes, breaks tackles, and has the top end speed to finish plays in the endzone which he did with regularity. The problem for me is how one dimensional he is. You should be able to shut him down by plugging the A and B gaps or by getting penetration in the backfield. He also does not add much in the passing game. Those tall backs just haven’t thrived recently in the NFL and it’s really hard to even point to examples (Brandon Jacobs, Chris Brown from Colorado University). His track record speaks for itself though. Grab him in the 2nd Dallas.

Devontae Booker-RB-Utah-5’11”-219-2nd Day-80

Watching him play last fall I fell in love with this kid. He was relentless, putting the entire Utah team on his back. Running out of the shotgun or a deep set, catching the ball out of the backfield (80 catches last two years combined) he did everything for that team. Unfortunately going back over the tape he seems like a solid back, but not one that will excel at the next level. He has good feet, balance, power, vision, and size but not great in any facet. I just don’t see much room for improvement and his lack of speed could really become a problem at the next level. That all being said he’s still a very very solid prospect, instead of an early 2nd rounder, he’s an early 3rd for me. Booker reminds me of Matt Forte, not as smooth but tougher.

Jordan Howard-RB-Indiana-6’0”-230-2nd Day-79

Transfer from UAB where he racked up 1,500 yards in 2014, all Howard did to follow that up was gain 1,200 yards in 2015 along with Big 10 First Team honors. He is a real meaty back that’s a load to bring down, particularly in the open field. He is a short strider, reminds me of DeMarco Murray in that regard, but doesn’t have nearly the speed of Murray (4.59 40 at his pro day). Howard is a bruiser with the potential to be the 2nd best back in this class.

Alex Collins-RB-Arkansas-5’10”-217-3rd Round/Day-76

Watched him play many times the last few years and he was a workhorse for the Razorbacks. Along with backfield teammate Jonathan Williams, Collins got tough yards behind the biggest offensive line in football. Notice I didn’t say college football. That’s right Arkansas had the heaviest O-line on the planet, unreal. Collins enters the NFL after only 3 seasons of college ball, though all 3 went over 1,000 yards including 1,500+ in 2015. He’s a tough tough runner who can tote the rock up the middle on early downs. He’s a mid 3rd round bruiser with nothing too special but definitely the ability to eat up yards on the ground. The Chris Ivory comparison is spot on.

Peyton Barber-RB-Auburn-5’10”-228-3rd Day-63

One of my Auburn Tigers. Barber came out of nowhere to have a good year for Auburn surpassing the 1,000 yard mark. After being buried on the depth chart he emerged as the top back and came through in a few crucial situations. He certainly could have used another year honing his craft in college but he decided he needed to start earning money to support his family. He’s a good back with vision, balance, timing, and size with the potential to be a committee back after some development.