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2020 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings

2020 NFL Draft
2020 NFL Draft running back rankings are here. Who makes the top 10 on the big board for the RB’s? D’Andre Swift tops the list. (Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

2020 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings

After doing the quarterback big board, it’s time to jump to the running backs in the 2020 NFL Draft. Overall, I think this is a really strong group. 4 running backs I absolutely love. There are a bunch more than I think can fill certain holes and will become solid contributors. Let’s break down the top 10!

1: D’Andre Swift (Georgia)

The Georgia running back tops the board because he’s the best pure mover in the draft. Simple as that. I’m not saying he’s McCaffrey but Swift is the best talent in the draft. You can’t teach the cuts he makes. Swift is a threat in the run and pass game. I don’t believe in taking running backs in the first round but I would pull the trigger on Swift in round one. He’s one of the best player regardless of position.

JK Dobbins
(Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

2: JK Dobbins (Ohio State)

More rushing yards than Eddie George and Ezekiel Elliott. Yes, JK Dobbins belongs in that conversation. If you’re looking for the most complete back in the league, Dobbins is it. There’s nothing he can’t do. We’re talking about a guy who averaged 7.2 yards per carry as a true freshman. You’re going to get a workhorse back that will come in as an every down starter.

2020 NFL Draft
(Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports)

3: Cam Akers (Florida State)

Talk about a freaky athlete. If you want to hit a home run, Akers is your guy. Akers was the most decorated recruit coming out of high school and played behind a brutal offensive line. No running back was contacted behind the line of scrimmage more than Akers. NOBODY. The fact that he averaged 5 yards per carry and 14 touchdowns is a miracle. His combine showing says it all.

4: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (LSU)

Mix Darren Sproles and Maurice Jones-Drew together and you get this guy. Clyde Edwards-Helaire is a bowling ball of energy. He’s hard to find and even harder to tackle. Quicker than fast but runs with his hair on fire. Edwards-Helaire is a short running back not a small running back. There’s a big difference. I think we’re looking at a much better version of Austin Ekeler. I think Edwards-Helaire is that good.

5: Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)

After the top 4, there is a major drop off in my eyes. Taylor has the production and speed on his side. However, there are things I worry about. Fumbling issues, can’t catch, lack of shiftiness, played behind great offensive lines, and can’t pass protect. I think the ceiling is poor man’s Saquon Barkley. The floor could a flame out Wisconsin running back like Montee Ball. I don’t know how you can’t be terrified by the workload.

6: AJ Dillon (Boston College)

Dillon could end up being a steal in the middle rounds. Some comps that come to mind are James Conner, Brandon Jacobs, and LeGarrette Blount. Dillon has the ability to be a workhorse but has agility for a big back. He has a bit of an upright style and could use to run a bit nastier, but Dillon is a quality back.

2020 NFL Draft
(Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports)

7: Zack Moss (Utah)

Given the last name and the fact that he’s related to Sinorice Moss, you would think Zack in finesse. NOPE. Nobody is a bigger thumper than the Utah product. Moss will punch you in the mouth. He would rather have the contact come than avoid it. He’s going to be a nice power back in short yardage. I see some Royce Freeman. Moss has a good chance to be a better version.

8: Anthony McFarland (Maryland)

Anthony McFarland is my sleeper. Elite speed and runs hard. McFarland played for a bad Maryland team but had elite games in the past. The Ohio State one where he gave Urban Meyer a heart attack is hard to ignore. Home run ability is there with make you miss cuts. You won’t go wrong here taking a flier in the later rounds.

9: Ke’Shawn Vaughn (Vanderbilt)

Vanderbilt is a tough watch, but Vaughn is a terrific player. When Vandy had a respectable quarterback, he averaged 7.9 yards per carry in 2018. That number went down in 2019 with brutal offensive line play and tough SEC competition. Vaughn has more than good enough speed but he comes with plus power. He drags defenders forward after contact.

10: DeeJay Dallas (Miami)

DeeJay Dallas is another dude looking to steal your lunch money. He embraces contact and runs hard. He was the leading rusher at Miami beating out some tough internal competition. Dallas is a dude that will stick around because of how tough and physical he is. He probably should have went back to school and has limited playing time but he’s going to make it. Reminds me a bit of a simmer version of Gus Edwards.

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