Top 5 Running Backs going into the 2020 NFL Draft
In this year of college football, the running back class is loaded with talent. Any NFL team that may need a running back will have many to choose from, and I will break it all down for you. As I list the top 5 running backs going into the 2020 NFL draft, all you have to do is read.
1. Jonathan Taylor
As we know, Jonathan Taylor has been lights out all season. His numbers and highlights show him to be the potential #1 rb prospect in this upcoming draft. Out of Wisconsin, the 5-11 214 back has the makings to be a next level back. Here in 2019, he has tallied 1,685 yards off of 261 attempts adding 18 touchdowns through 11 games so far. Taylor is a stocky back running a fast 4.42 in the 40. Jonathan Taylor has everything needed to be an NFL running back, but now we need to see how he performs in the combine and potentially starting on an NFL team.
2. D’andre Swift
Georgia running back D’andre Swift has been a nightmare his whole career at Georgia. The 5-9 214 pound back has the speed and strength to make it to the next level. In high school he ran a 4.41 in the 40 making him one of the faster backs in the SEC, and his field vision is off the charts. He tallied 1,330 yards off 183 attempts adding 7 touchdowns. If there is any downside to Swift’s draft report, it might be the fact that he has arguably the best offensive line in the nation backing him up.
3. J.K. Dobbins
Elusive running back J.K. Dobbins is a speedy running back from Ohio State. He stands at 5-11 and 217 pounds. Dobbins is a quick back who can hit the holes quick, and then can use his speed downhill to outrun defenders. He burst out on to the scene back in 2017 when he tallied over 1400 yards off 194 carries, with an amazing 7.1 yards per carry. In 2019 he tallied 1,446 yards off 219 carries giving him an impressive 6.6 ypc adding 15 touchdowns. In my own opinion, I believe Dobbins has the most potential in this draft class, as he has big play ability. Dobbins has the NFL on watch, I cant wait to see what he does.
4. Travis Etienne
Travis Etienne has produced amazing games for Clemson his whole career. As a freshman he averaged an amazing 7.2 ypc with 13 touchdowns. His carry amount through his career is low, but he still has the same numbers as any of the other running backs listed in this article. In 2019 Etienne has 1,335 yards off 153 carries with an utterly ridiculous 8.7 ypc. Etienne has explosive speed out of the backfield and can drive tacklers the extra 3-5 yards when hit. Out of every running back in this draft, Etienne is probably the most explosive back who if given 25 carries in a game, could produce huge numbers.
5. Cam Akers
Last but not least is FSU running back Cam Akers. Akers has been a long time Seminole and was the #1 overall running back prospect out of high school. In 2018 Akers had a tough year tallying under 800 yards because of a nagging ankle injury. He has completely bounced back with over 1000 yards rushing here in 2019 off of 214 carries and 14 touchdowns. Akers has shown signs of elite running with great explosiveness off the line of scrimmage. One reason Akers may be the most underrated back in this draft might be because he has had one of the worst lines, we have seen in college football, and he has still been able to do what he has done. If you’re an NFL team looking for a running back in rounds 2-3, do not count out Cam Akers.
