2018 NFL Draft: Running Backs
This is a solid running back group featuring a game breaker at the top. Recent young running backs have had outsized impacts like Gurley, Elliott, Kamara, Kareem Hunt, and Jordan Howard. I think this is upgrading the value placed on early backs for the first time in a while.
Saquon Barkley-RB-Penn State-6’0”-233-Top 7-98
I’m not breaking any news here, Saquon is a mutant athlete. Outstanding size for a back that he somehow pairs with a 4.40 second 40 yard dash and 41 inch vertical leap. On the field he has balance, home run speed, and receiving ability. He’s the most hyped running back prospect in some time. The only knock I have on him is it looks like he leans on his athleticism too much at times, trying to bounce it and make hero plays. A lot of that probably comes from simply being so much more advanced than his competition, which is a lesson Melvin Gordon had to learn in the NFL. It’d be a real toss up between Barkley and Ezekiel Elliott as Barkley has more speed and receiving chops but I think Zeke had better feel and discipline. But I’m splitting hairs. Saquon is well worth a top 5 pick and I can’t believe I’m saying this, but the Barry Sanders comparisons aren’t that far off. Closer to LaDainian Tomlinson in my book. True three down back that no defensive coordinator wants to face.
Sony Michel-RB-Georgia-5’11”-220-1st-92
I was screaming at the TV during the national championship game, “Give the ball to Sony”. This playstation was making plays every time he touched the ball but for whatever reason they kept pounding Nick Chubb. Maybe they believed Chubb was wearing down the defense, or that Sony didn't have the endurance, but I think that decision potentially cost Georgia the game and I don't think that's overstating it in a game that close. Michel was Florida player of the year coming out of high school, pretty damn impressive. A two time team captain, Sony contributed all four years for the Bulldogs, albeit in a complementary fashion for most of it. Culminating in a senior campaign of 1200 yards at a 8 ypc clip with 16 touchdowns. He has size, speed, and receiving ability to go with great elusiveness. I’m not sure if they worried about his durability or conditioning in Athens, but he could’ve put up big numbers in a larger role and did on the biggest stages. Gurley had more top end speed, but Michel has excellent 0-60 acceleration. His receiving ability pushes him into the first round for me. Love this kid and hope he finds the right situation which will likely team him with a larger back again.
Ronald Jones II-RB-USC-5’11”-205-2nd-83
Ronald had a nice little career in Pasadena breaking Charles White’s freshman rushing record on his way to 987 yards. His sophomore campaign exceeded 1000 yards with 12 TD’s while splitting time. And to top all that off he finished his junior season in 2017 with 1500 yards and a whopping 19 touchdowns, good for 3rd team All-American honors. Jones has some skills as a back, maybe the best being his vision and the accompanying jump cut. I see the the Jamaal Charles comparisons with the leggy running style, but Ronald Jones ran a 4.65 and Charles was a champion sprinter (4.38 in the 40). An Ahman Green running style comparison also makes sense, though with less power. Jones will be limited at the next level by his average speed and athleticism but I like what he can bring in the passing game. His comparison would be a poor man’s Melvin Gordon.
Derrius Guice-RB-LSU-5’10”-212-1st-79
Very productive back for the Tigers racking up 2600 yards and 26 touchdowns over the last two years. The first thing that jumps out is the ferocity he runs with. It looks like he wants to punish defenders for challenging him. That works out great in the short term, but at 212 lbs that may not be the best approach over a 16 game NFL season. Guice has good speed at 4.49 in the 40 but it’s straight line speed. He doesn’t move well laterally so when he cuts he loses a lot of speed. With smaller holes at the next level that’s going to be a problem and will significantly cut into his big play ability. The game against Alabama is an example of this where he averaged 3.7 yards per tote despite facing the prevent defense. Guice was banged up much of 2017 and that hindered his play. His receiving skills and willingness to block will help get him on the field more, as could his kick return experience. He's also thought of as immature. Knowshon Moreno is a good comparison.