2020 Running Backs

Jonathan Taylor-RB-Wisconsin-5’10”-226-2nd Round-92

I absolutely love this prospect. His savvy as a runner borders on a Frank Gore, Emmitt Smith level. And he has that skillset inside a 230lb frame with balance to boot. He clocked a 4.39 in the 40, which I thought was ludicrous until you see his track roots show up on tape when he’s straight running away from people. Unbelievably productive for the Badgers, Jonathan Taylor is on the very shortlist of college players with over 6000 yards rushing. Yes he has a lot of miles on him but he’s also got proven durability and his frame should keep it that way. Le’Veon Bell and Christian McCaffrey both had a billion touches in college and both have been remarkably healthy in the NFL (hopefully no jinx). He’s the classic deep back but he can play in the pistol as well. He’s sneaky talented in the passing game too. Watching Wisco last fall, every big play was geared to Taylor, seemingly even 3rd and long. I just think he has a higher ceiling than most people realize and has a really high floor. I think his floor is so high because he succeeded in college due to running back skills, not athletic traits. However, he also has those athletic traits which will be essential at the next level. Jonathan Taylor is the best running back to ever come out of Wisconsin. I had Melvin Gordon in the 2nd round, he went top 20. Can this beast get some love on day 1 please?

J.K. Dobbins-RB-Ohio State-5’9”-209-2nd Day-86

The biggest thing in this evaluation for me is looking at that Ohio State vs. Clemson game in the college football playoff. Dobbins was the best player on the field and that includes Trevor Lawrence. Dobbins was absolutely unstoppable in the first half until he got injured. And then the Buckeye’s offense basically shut down. This is an offense with several NFL receivers, a backfield loaded with blue chip recruits, and Heisman Finalist Justin Fields at the helm. And Dobbins goes out and the whole machine grinds to a halt. That’ll tell you how important he is. Short and squatty as a runner, Dobbins is both smaller and faster than I initially thought. Has a few knicks and dings in his past and I don’t see him as a classic feature back, but should be able to stand up as the primary RB. Has added value in the passing game. I think he provides really good value because he’ll be available day 2, and as a polished one-cut runner, he can plug and play in a shotgun offense and provide balance. Bengals should seriously consider bringing him in to pair with Burrow because I don’t think Mixon will fit with him. Pro comp is David Johnson.

Clyde Edwards-Helaire-RB-LSU-5’7”-207-2nd Round-83

Short striding back with a better top gear than his 4.6 forty would lead you to believe. I like the agility he shows navigating inside rush lanes. Looks like he could be every bit as good as Austin Ekeler assuming he can take the beating that that walking muscle does. CEH is a shotgun running back and would be a great fit with some of the young QBs in the league that thrive in that offense. He’s got a really good burst as evidenced by his near 40” vertical.

D’Andre Swift-RB-Georgia-5’8”-212-2nd Round-80

I’ve been watching this kid for years and never knew he was only 5’8”. Looks like a taller player in cleats which makes you think his pad level should be lower. This is a difficult evaluation because he’s been such a good college player, I just don’t see it translating to huge NFL value. First thing, I don’t think he’ll run well out of the shotgun. The least talked about aspect of offensive fit is what formations can the running back play in and what formations can the quarterback play in. D’Andre likes to run out of a deep back set with the QB under center, much like Sony Michel and Dalvin Cook. He needs to go to an offense that plans to use him that way. Swift is fortunate because unlike Sony, he can be an integral part of the passing game and that’s where he can play in the shotgun. Second, he’s fast, but not homerun fast. Clocking a 4.48 is pretty darn speedy, but you really need to see finishing in the endzone to know if a guy has that gear, and unfortunately, Swift doesn’t. Lastly, I don’t think he can stay healthy. Never had major injuries in Athens, but he always had minor ones. And given his frame and running style, I worry about his availability. To be clear, I’m not saying he’s a bust, I’m just saying he is not a one size fits all back, lacks top end speed, and has durability concerns. That’s not a first round running back.

Cam Akers-RB-Texas-5’10”-217-2nd Day-73

Doesn’t jump off the screen, just a solid running back prospect. Reminds me of Damien Williams because he’s got some speed, a little wiggle, can help in the pass game, and looks durable. Akers ceiling is pretty low which puts him in the 3rd round for me. His frame looks narrow and I don’t think he played at 217. Although I like his strength out there and particularly his willingness in pass protection. Akers was a phenom coming to Tallahassee after being Mr. Football in Mississippi. I think he should be a solid pro.

Tavien Feaster-RB-South Carolina-6’0”-221-Undrafted-55

He’s on my note sheet from last fall. This former 5 star recruit played for Clemson for a few years before getting bypassed on the depth chart by Travis Etienne. You going to hold that against him? Then he transferred in-state to be a Gamecock for his graduate season and immediately became the starter, but didn’t have a particularly distinguished season. Feaster has a track background but doesn’t have the top gear you’d hope for. Watching the film, he’s not the most impressive player, not much lateral agility and really no wiggle to speak of. But come on, don’t you want a running back named Feaster?