Draft Central: Position Rankings – Volume III – Running Backs

by Harris Oates

To continue the trend of offensive skill positions, this week I have broken down the top-rated Running Backs eligible for the 2019 NFL Draft. Over the past decade, running back value has looked as volatile as the stock market. One year we see none taken in the first round, the next year we see three, repeat, repeat, repeat. I can’t fully grasp this running back class comparatively, however one thing I do know for certain is that running back demand is at an all-time low. Most teams are either too committed to the passing game or have found their stud to really spend a high pick UNLESS it is a generational player like Saquon Barkley or Melvin Gordon. So, will there be a generational player in this spring’s draft?

Top Tier

1. Benny Snell, Jr. – Kentucky

NFL Comparison: Kareem Hunt

Draft Prediction: 1st Round

Snell has been an absolute monster this season, posting 868 yards and 9 touchdowns while averaging 5.5 yards per carry in the toughest conference in football. Snell has NFL size and speed, which will propel him into the first round, even though the value of running backs have become so low. I see Snell having an immediate impact for whichever team chooses him, like a Barkley, Gurley or Hunt prototype runner. One of Snell’s biggest weaknesses has been his receiving volume, which might just be limited due to Kentucky’s offensive playbook. Snell’s breakaway speed is also a question, but I think he will erase all concerns by draft night. If Snell can run a respectable 40 it will be highly unlikely that he will still be on the board outside the top 15 picks unless his character issues keep him off of draft boards.

2. Damien Harris – Alabama

NFL Comparison: Jay Ajiya

Draft Prediction: 1st to 2nd Round  

If Harris it can hit 1,000 yards this season it will make it three seasons in a row. Although history leads us to believe this is likely, it will be an uphill climb as Harris sits at 435 yards and faces LSU, Mississippi State and Auburn after a cupcake of first half season. Despite Harris’s lack of statistical success in 2018 and Alabama’s disappointing translation of running backs in the NFL, Harris is poised to be a highly touted prospect. For once an Alabama running back doesn’t just boast unbelievable size or strength, rather tremendous football IQ and vision.

3. Darrell Henderson – Memphis

NFL Comparison: Christian McCaffrey

Draft Prediction: 1st to 2nd Round

I am as big on Henderson as anyone in this draft. Boy, is he a walking highlight reel. Henderson may be short in stature (a generous 5’9”), but his numbers are big. He has already posted 1,148 yards and 13 touchdowns in just six games this season and has added another 200 through the air. Henderson’s biggest weakness is his size, but I think anyone with as much speed and production as he has should be worth at the very least a late first rounder.

4. Bryce Love – Stanford

NFL Comparison: Lesean McCoy

Draft Prediction: 2nd Round

Love is also bit undersized, however is equipped with great speed and agility. Although he may look small, he is one of the hardest players to tackle in the Pac-12. The McCoy comparison is due to size and build, rather than workload. In order for Love to get picked up in the first two rounds he must prove to scouts that he can be as much as a pass catcher as anything. Love’s speed and athleticism will also be utilized on special teams. If he can put on some more weight (currently around 200) before the combine and prove that he can be a legitimate receiving threat, someone will fall in “Love.”

5. LJ Scott – Michigan State

NFL Comparison: Le’veon Bell

Draft Prediction: 2nd Round

Scott has been plagued with injuries, but has still been able to post modest statistics in his four years. The guy is a freight train, coming in at 6’1” 225 lbs. His running style reminds me a lot of guys like David Johnson and Le’veon Bell. Look for Scott to impress scouts at the combine and senior bowl, when game stats aren’t particularly as important. If Scott can run a 4.4 forty yard dash his stock will be worthy of a second round pick.

Middle Tier

6. Rodney Anderson – Oklahoma

NFL Comparison: David Johnson

Draft Prediction: 2nd Round

Anderson is hands down the best receiving running back in this draft class, and might be the most complete prospect we have seen in a while. However he suffered a season ending knee injury earlier this year. I still him rank extremely high for these circumstances as I know he is the type of athlete to grind out rehab and be ready to hit the field again soon. Teams will most likely not be willing to use a first round selection on Anderson, but I think 33-50th overall will hit the sweet spot for a guy of this talent. According to Evan Lalande, Oklahoma Sooners fanatic, Anderson has “explosive, breakaway speed with a high (injury) risk and high reward. He is a 3-down player.”

7. Jordan Scarlett – Florida

NFL Comparison: Alvin Kamara

Draft Prediction: 3rd to 4th Round

Scarlett is an elite NFL talent and perhaps the most worthy running back prospect, however he has some serious character concerns that will be under the microscope in May. In 2016 Scarlett found himself in trouble with the law when his involvement in a credit card scandal broke news. This will absolutely be a major concern among NFL GM’s, but somebody (like the Cowboys) will be willing to take the risk on his talent. If he can take the high road, Canton here we come.

8. Justice Hill – Oklahoma State

NFL Comparison – Tarik Cohen

Draft Prediction: 3rd to 4th Round

Hill lacks one puzzle piece from being a first rounder – size. He is nearly 50 lbs too light to be an elite NFL prospect, however look for someone to make him into a 3rd down back. Every time I watch this kid I have to remind myself that I am not playing madden because he brings the jukes. Hill will be an awesome NFL contributor, but doesn’t possess the frame to take 20+ handoffs a game. He may be wise to market his ability as a receiver instead of a running back, but I am constantly amazed by his ball carrier vision and ability to break tackles at the line of scrimmage. He is a naturally gifted running back.

Everyone Else

9. David Montgomery – Iowa State

Montgomery has been a solid running back out of Iowa State and will find his way into an NFL rotation. He possesses great size and speed.

10. Mike Weber – Ohio State

Another great prospect out of Ohio State. However, I am not quite sold on Weber yet, since he has struggled with his consistency after his 186 yard and 3 touchdown game in the opener vs. Oregon State. But Weber could be the mid round back that turns into an NFL star. 

11. Karan Higdon – Michigan

Higdon has had a very hot season so far, but is a little undersized for my taste. If he can hit 1,500 yards this season he’ll fly up my board. The crazy thing is that Higdon is probably at the same level of hype Kerryon Johnson was at this point last year.

12. Trayveon Williams – Texas A&M

Similar to Higdon, Williams is a monster in the statistical category, yet lacks NFL size. Williams’s stat line is extremely inconsistent.