2021: Running Backs

Travis Etienne-RB-Clemson-5’10”-215-1st Round-91

Been watching this kid for years, and he’s one of those people that is simply dangerous with the ball in his hands. Has a bit of crazy legs in the way he runs, but he makes things happen. Running the ball, catching it in space, he was always the best skill player in that Trevor Lawrence led Clemson offense. He weighed in at 215lbs at his pro day but definitely played smaller than that. Etienne’s game looks like it is perfectly designed after Alvin Kamara. Kamara is literally half receiver and half running back and I view the Etienne the same way.

Javonte Williams -RB-North Carolina-5’10”-212-2nd Round-85

Reminds me so much of Sony Michel. Compact body with good burst and strong finishing ability. Williams doesn’t break a lot of tackles or break through the 3rd level, but gains chunk yardage consistently. Javonte catches the ball naturally although he doesn’t run many routes. A little curious that he couldn’t win the running back starting job, but he produced when he had the chance, which was often. Oh and by the way he was the valedictorian in high school. Kid’s a professional already and without Michel’s injury history, Javonte can be a playmaker.

Najee Harris-RB-Alabama-6’1”-232-1st/2nd Round-83

Big size and really good feet. Certainly not Derrick Henry power or breakaway speed in Najee’s game, but he is a bigger back in today’s NFL. His running style reminds me a lot of Dalvin Cook which surprises me how well he has produced in a one back shotgun scheme for the Tide. Appears to be universally beloved by his teammates which can only be viewed as a plus. Najee has phenomenal balance and above average lateral movement for a player his size. And he adds production in the passing game to the tune of 700 yards over the last two seasons. The biggest hole in his game is lack of top end speed. Harris went back to Tuscaloosa for his Senior season and I haven’t seen this written anywhere, but I’m assuming he wanted to win a National Championship as an upper classman. Mission accomplished. The best running backs in the game (Henry, Aaron Jones, Kamara, McCafrey, Barkley, Chubb) all have breakaway speed and Najee’s lack there puts a cap on his impact. I think he will be good, but I don’t think he will be great – and that puts him mid-2nd round for me.

Trey Sermon-RB-Ohio State-6’0”-215-3rd Day-80

The Buckeye offense missed him immensely in the National Championship game. That really stuck out to me. I was surprised he was in this draft class because I didn’t hear a peep about him. Turns out he spent a few years at Oklahoma State, experienced some injuries and then really flourished in Columbus. Good size for the position with exceptionally long arms that keep tacklers off of him. Obviously the medicals need to check out but he I think his game translates even better to the next level and can be a strong back in the mid rounds. 

Michael Carter-RB-North Carolina-5’8”-201-2nd Day-77

Compact shorter back with a very productive collegiate career. Carter successfully held onto the starting job in Chapel Hill despite Javonte Williams making a strong push for playing time. Fantastic testing numbers in the quick measurements – 6.88 in the 3 cone and 3.98 in the 20 yard shuttle. I don’t see the same change of direction ability on the field and that moves him to the 3rd round.