Today’s NFL is a passing league, the value on the running back position has decreased, but they are still very important to the success of a offense. Having the ability to run the ball is important, but just as important is their ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, and pickup the blitz, protecting the quarterback. Pass protection for a running back coming out of college into the NFL is often overlooked, if you plan on being a three down back, protecting the QB is a must. Here are my top prospects according to my scouting and film study.
1. Carlos Hyde Ohio St. 6’0 230lbs rSr. Grade: 2nd Round
40 time: 4.66 Bench Press: 19 reps 3 cone: NA Vertical: 34.5 inches Broad Jump: 9’5
Career Stats: 523 Carries 3,198 yards 6.1 ypc 37 TD 34 receptions 271 yards 8.0 ypc 4 TD
Carlos Hyde is a big, strong, one cut, downhill type of running back. Early in his career he played at about 240-45lbs, but got himself in better shape, played his senior year at 230lbs, and it made a big difference. He is a much more explosive and agile runner, has the ability to make guys miss occasionally and get to the corner and break away.
Hyde is a patient runner with good vision, but once he see the hole open, he hits it like a bat out of hell. He’s money inside of the redzone, and he gets stronger as the game goes on, while wearing the defense out. Not used in the passing game much during his career, only 34 catches in 34 starts, on film he did show the ability to catch the ball naturally with his hands. His biggest flaw right now is his pass blocking. For a man his size, he is poor at it. If he is to play three downs in the NFL, he has to improve and show the “want to”.
2. Ka’Deem Carey Arizona 5’9 207lbs Jr. Grade: 2nd Round
40 time: 4.70 Bench Press: 19 reps 3 cone: 7.08 Vertical: 32.5 inches Broad Jump: 9’6
Career Stats: 743 carries 4,239 yards 5.7 ypc 48 TD 77 receptions 679 yards 8.8 ypc 4 TD
Carey’s production in his only two years as a starter was amazing, amassing over 3800 yards and 42 touchdowns. He proved at 207lbs, he was more then able to carry the load. His vision, along with his short area quickness, along with his surprising power make him the running back he is. He’s a tough, competitive runner who rarely gets knocked backwards. He is a willing blocker, Arizona used him on sprint outs to block for the quarterback and he had no problem sticking his face in an oncoming defenders chest. He also has 77 receptions in his career, nice in the screen game and catching balls out in the flat.
Lacks the home run speed you would expect from a running back his size. It’s many occasions on film in which he breaks one and gets caught from behind. Carey isn’t a home run hitter, but he hits plenty of singles and doubles. Running backs have a short shelf life, 850 touches out of college is a big number, I wonder about his durability long term at the next level.
3. Devonta Freeman Florida St. 5’8 206lbs Jr. Grade: 3rd Round
40 time: 4.58 Bench Press: NA 3 cone: 7.11 Vertical: 31.5 Broad Jump: 9’8
Career Stats: 404 carries 2,225 yards 5.6 ypc 30 TD 47 receptions 475 yards 1 TD
Devonta Freeman is underrated prospect at the running back position. While he didn’t amass the amount of touches as the other backs in his draft class due to sharing the backfield with two other future pros, he is still one of the best in the draft.
Freeman is built very solid and low to the ground, has excellent lower body strength which allows him to break tackles and be a much better runner between the tackles then you would expect. I really like his vision, footwork, and lateral quickness. He also caught 22 passes this past year, showing the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.He showed big play ability, with 12 plays from scrimmage of 20+ yards. He is a damn good pass blocker, tough and willing to stick his face into the chest of oncoming, bigger defenders. He was earned the trust of his head coach Jimbo Fisher by his pass protection ability.
The only concern I would have with Freeman is durability, he’s always shared the carried as a college player, but in today’s NFL it’s rare that one back carries the load by himself. Many are going to question me having him third on this list, but I trust my eyes, Freeman is one of this draft’s hidden gems.
4. Bishop Sankey Washington 5’9 209lbs Jr. Grade: 3rd Round
40 time: 4.49 Bench Press: 26 3 cone: 6.75 Vertical: 35.5 Broad Jump: 10’5
Career Stats: 644 carries 3,496 yards 5.4 ypc 67 receptions 567 yards 1 TD
Bishop Sankey is another junior running back that has entered the 2014 NFL draft after two years of major production. Watching him on film, I was very impressed with the power and strength in which he ran with for a man his size. Some have compared him to Emmitt Smith, I won’t go that far, but I see some similar traits, especially Sankey’s ability to run the ball between the tackles. He lowers his shoulders, finishes runs like a man who is 20-30lbs heavier. In 11 of his 13 games this season, he’s carried the ball more then 20 times. Caught 28 passes out of the backfield this season.
Struggled versus UCLA and Arizona St. , two of the nations top defenses. Not a guy who will a tackler miss in one on one situations, not much of a self creator. As a lot of running backs in this class, he needs major work in pass protection.
5. Tre Mason Auburn 5’8 207lbs Jr. Grade: 3rd Round
40 time: 4.50 Bench Press: NA 3 cone: NA Vertical: 38.5 inches Broad Jump: 10’5
Career Stats: 516 carries 2,979 yards 5.8 ypc 32 TD 19 receptions 249 yards 1 TD 42 KR 1,107 yards 26.4 avg 2 TD
Tre Mason flourished as a junior in Gus Malzahn’s spread option, run dominant offense in 2013. He played his best in the biggest games, putting himself in contention for the 2013 Heisman trophy, while making himself into a legit pro prospect.
Mason’s greatest attribute as a runner is his elite balance. He runs with a great pad level, and frequently takes tacklers on squarely, bouncing off and breaking tackles. I also was impressed with his vision, read the blocks, made one cut and hit the hole, understands the zone blocking scheme, and almost always made the correct reads off of the block of his fullback.
Mason is limited in the passing game due to the style of offense he played in at Auburn. Only 19 receptions in three years and he is brutal in pass protection. These are things that can be worked on at the next level, especially the pass protection. In today’s NFL, a running back must be able to pass block and catch the ball if he plans on staying on the field. At his size, I do have concerns about him carrying the load through 16 games.
6. Jeremy Hill Louisiana St. 6’1 233lbs rSo. Grade: Late 3rd- Early 4th Round
40 time: 4.66 Bench Press: 20 reps 3 cone: NA Vertical: 29 inches Broad Jump: 9’4
Career Stats: 345 carries 2,156 yards 6.2 ypc 28 TD 26 receptions 254 yards 9.8 ypc
Jeremy Hill’s short but productive career at LSU, comes with plenty of off the field issues. In 2011, while a 18 year old senior in high school, he was arrested on sexual assault charges, then later plead guilty to having carnal knowledge of an underage girl. LSU’s head coach Les Miles still honored his scholarship after that incident. He sat out 2011 because of it, played in 2012 without any issues, but in July of 2013 he plead guilty to misdemeanor battery after sucker punching a man from behind outside of a bar on campus. Hill is a very talented player, but if I was a GM, he would most likely not be on my board after his history of stupid, crude behavior.
On the field, you are getting a big, nimble, back, with surprisingly good feet, cutback ability and speed in the open field. Hill breaks runs and never gets caught from behind, which is great for a man his size. He runs with a high pad level, and rarely lowers his pads to take on tacklers, that will be an issue at the NFL level with bigger, faster, and harder hitting players.
Even though he’s only caught 26 passes in his career, he’s shown the ability to catch the ball naturally away from his body. He is a flatout disgrace as a pass blocker, he wants nothing to do with the contact, it’s disgusting to watch. If he plans on being a full time running back in the NFL, he has to change his attitude when it comes to pass blocking.
7. Charles Sims West Virginia 6’0 214lbs rSr. Grade: Late 3rd- Early 4th Round
40 time: 4.48 Bench Press: 17 reps 3 cone: 7.16 Vertical: 37.5 Broad Jump: 10’5
Career Stats: 592 carries 3,465 yards 5.8 ypc 40 TD 203 receptions 2,108 yards 10.3 ypc 11 TD
Charles Sims is an intriguing prospect, especially to a team that has a pass heavy philosophy. He played his first three years at the University of Houston, in a pass heavy offense where he lined up outside, in the slot and caught passes out of the backfield. He is a nice runner, decent weight, nice speed, good cutback ability, but runs high and upright, which a concern of mines. His understanding of the passing game, route running, and great hands, will have his draft stock rising.
Sims isn’t a 20 carry a game type of player, but in today’s game, in which teams split carries between two backs, he fits in perfectly as the 2nd back and a guy who can lineup at WR and make plays.
8. Terrance West Towson 5’9 224lbs Jr. Grade: Late 3rd-Early 4th
40 time: 4.54 Bench Press: 16 reps 3 cone: NA Vertical: 33.5 Broad Jump: 10’0
Career Stats: 802 carries 4,854 yards 6.1 ypc 84 TD 36 receptions 385 yards 10.1 ypc 2 TD
West flat out dominated the FCS level as a junior, rushing for 2,509 yards and scoring 41 touchdowns. He was a man among boys, and even though weekly the plan was to stop him, he couldn’t be stopped.
West is built low to the ground, has thick strong legs, runs with a low pad level and with power. He’s a patient back with good vision, who has shown the ability to break off long runs and not be caught from behind. He caught 26 passes in 2013, flashing the ability to be a factor in the passing game. As most of the running backs in the draft, he must improve his pass protection. He scored a touchdown on every 9.7 touches in his career, has a nose for the red zone.
I’m not a guy who allows combine results to sway my judgement, but for guys who played vs lower level competition, it does mean something. West’s 4.54 40 at 224lbs shows me that he is as fast as he looks on tape and he is right there with the top backs in the draft speed wise.
9. Andre Williams Boston College 5’11 230 lbs Sr. Grade: 4th Round
40 time: 4.56 Bench Press: NA 3 cone: 7.27 Vertical: 38 Broad Jump: 10’7
Career Stats: 704 carries 3,739 yards 5.3 ypc 28 TD 10 receptions 60 yards 6.0 ypc
Steve Addazio and Andre Williams were a match made in heaven, and the proof is the season Williams had in 2013. Addazio’s power running offense, built around the strengths of Williams, allowed him to run for 2,177 yards and 18 touchdowns.
Williams is a traditional I formation type of running back, big, downhill , physical runner. He constantly breaks arm tackles, he is a guy that tacklers have to square up and hit low to get down. He lowers his pad level and delivers to boom to guys trying to tackle him. Has surprising speed in the open field, never gets caught from behind.
He isn’t a guy who creates for himself, doesn’t make a guy miss, and lacks lateral and short space quickness. Is easily stopped and taken down when not forced to turn shoulders and run laterally. Caught ZERO passes as a senior and only 10 in 4 years of college, lack of production in the passing game is a concern, but he is a fairly good pass blocker. He is going to be a good fit for a team that uses a fullback and two tight ends frequently, not an explosive guy, but is steady and reliable.
10. Lache Seastrunk Baylor 5’9 201 lbs rJr. Grade: 4th Round
40 time: 4.51 Bench Press: 15 reps 3 cone: NA Vertical: 41.5 Broad Jump: 11’1
Career Stats: 289 carries 2,189 yards 7.6 ypc 18 TD 9 receptions 107 yards 11.9 ypc 1 TD
Arguably the best home run threat in the entire draft, Seastrunk’s running style is perfect for the spread offense he played in at Baylor. Taking advantage of soft 5-6 man boxes, he averaged 7.6 yards a carry. He likes the runs to the perimeter and has the speed to get to the edge and make plays. Makes guys miss in the open field.
Not built to run between the tackles and take an NFL pounding. Didn’t catch a pass out of the backfield all season, and was piss-poor at picking up the blitz. Didn’t run kickoffs during his career either. A guy his size, a change of pace back, also has to develop the ability to be a part of the passing game, and add value on special teams as a return guy. With his explosiveness, speed and ability in the open field, he could be a real asset if he improves on these things.
11. James White Wisconsin 5’9 204 lbs Sr. Grade: 5th Round
40 time: 4.57 Bench Press: 23 reps 3 cone: 7.05 Vertical: 32 Broad Jump: 9’5
Career Stats: 643 carries 4,015 yards 6.2 ypc 45 TD 73 receptions 670 yards 3 TD
Shared the backfield during his career, in a pro style, I formation, power run system. Of the Badger running backs in recent history, White has the ability to make guys miss in the open field, and catch the ball as well. Does he benefit from a big, powerful offensive line? Yes, but it still takes vision, patience, and a feel for running the ball and that is what White has. He reminds me of former Giants running back Joe Morris. He also has experience as a kick returner ( 38 for 750 yards), and has caught 77 passes in his career. When you are slotted as a 4th-5th round pick, the more you can do, the better chance of you getting drafted and making a roster.Not a great pass blocker, not due to effort, but because of size.
12. Isaiah Crowell Alabama St. 5’11 224lbs Jr. Grade: 5th Round
40 time: 4.57 Bench Press: 23 reps 3 cone: NA Vertical: 38 Broad Jump: 9’7
Career Stats: 514 carries 2,813 yards 5.5 ypc 35 TD 26 receptions 181 yards 7.0 ypc 1 TD
Coming out of high school in 2011, Crowell was the top ranked running back in the country, and committed to U of Georgia. As a freshmen he rushed for 850 yards, scored five touchdowns and was the SEC freshman of the year. He was kicked out of the school following the season after a felony firearms charge, that was later dropped. There were also reports that he failed multiple drug tests during his freshman year as well. He transferred to Alabama St. and was immediately eligible to play.
If my ranking were based upon talent and talent alone, Crowell would have a 2nd round grade and possibly be the number one back in this draft. Great natural running ability, he has the vision, acceleration, agility, power and speed to be a top end starter in the NFL. He weighed 190 lbs as a freshman in ’11 and has since bulked up to 224lbs, while not losing speed and explosiveness. Going down a level, he clearly was a standout, it looked to easy at times.
Crowell is limited in the passing as a receiver and blocker, wasn’t asked to do much of either in college, so that will be an learning experience as a pro. He is very talented, but has a troubled past that could hurt the possibility of him being drafted. What team is willing to take a risk on him and in what round?
13. Storm Johnson Central Florida 6’0 209 lbs rJr. Grade: Late 5th- Early 6th round
40 time: 4.60 Bench Press: 16 reps 3 cone: NA Vertical: 35.5 Broad Jump: 9’8
Career Stats: 335 carries 1,765 yards 5.3 ypc 19 TD 41 receptions 289 yards 7.0 ypc 3 TD
Johnson played his final two years of college football at UCF after playing at the U of Miami as a freshman in 2010. Johnson is a one cut, hit the hole hard type of back, with good lower body power. He runs with a good pad level, arm tackles never bring him down and he rarely gets knocked backwards, always finished his runs falling forward. Johnson also caught 30 passes out of the backfield in 2013, proving himself to be an reliable target.
Not an explosive athlete, doesn’t threaten the defense on the edges, and is not a home run threat. He only carries the ball in his right hand, at the next level guys are coached to punch and rip at the ball. 8 fumbles in his career.
14. Tyler Gaffney Stanford 5’11 220 lbs rSr Grade: 6th Round
40 time: 4.49 Bench Press: NA 3 cone: 6.78 Vertical: 36.5 Broad Jump: 9’6
Career Stats: 486 carries 2,500 yards 5.1 ypc 33 TD 32 receptions 264 yards 8.3 ypc 4 TD
Gaffney returned to the football team in 2013, after leaving the program in 2012 to focus solely on baseball. He is a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates organization and plays the outfield. Gaffney had a great year in 13′, over 1700 yards and 21 TD on the ground, proving to be the power back that Stanford has produced over the recent years.
Gaffney’s style is nothing pretty, its about as plain as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. While he is a patient runner and has power, he lacks the quickness, explosiveness, and lateral agility of a top level running back prospect. He ran a 4.49 40 at the combine, but doesn’t play that fast on the football field. Personally I think his future in more in baseball then as a running back at the NFL level, but his production will warrant a late round pick and or a invite to training camp.
15. James Wilder Florida St. 6’3 232 lbs Jr. Grade: 6th Round
40 time: 4.86 Bench Press: 18 reps 3 cone: 6.92 Vertical: 35 inches Broad Jump: 10’1
Career Stats: 226 carries 1,363 yards 6.0 ypc 20 TD 24 receptions 182 yards 7.6 ypc 2 TD
Son of former NFL running Back James Wilder, Wilder Jr. entered the draft after a three year career at FSU, with limited touches, as he shared the backfield with future NFL players Devonta Freeman and Karlos Williams. Even though he is built more like a outside linebacker or big safety, he is well put together. He is a straight line runner without any wiggle or lateral quickness. Doesn’t make tacklers miss, he tries to run over or by them. He is already tall for a running back, and he runs with a high pad level, leaving plenty of chances for his chest, midsection, and legs to be tattooed. He didn’t look very fast on film, and his 4.86 40 at the combine confirmed that. I thought he left school early, but he obviously thought he had no chance to beat out Karlos Williams in 2014.
Five more to lookout for: Raijon Neal Tennessee, Jerick McKinnon Ga. Southern, Antonio Andrews Western Kentucky, Marion Grice Arizona St., Kapri Bibbs Colorado St.
