2020 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings – Top 5 RB Prospects: My position-by-position preview for the 2020 NFL Draft continues with a closer look at the top running backs in this year’s class. Yes, the rules continue to push offenses to take more of a pass-first approach, but a reliable running back is still a vital part of any offense. In fact, Derrick Henry nearly ran the Tennessee Titans to the Super Bowl, and a run-heavy attack did take the San Francisco 49ers to the big game. There might not be an Adrian Peterson-type back at the top of this year’s group of prospects, but there is quality depth and a handful of backs with first-round potential.
2020 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings: Top 5 RB Prospects
1. D’Andre Swift, Georgia Bulldogs
Swift averaged 6.2 yards per carry in 2019, finishing with 1,216 rushing yards and seven scores. Georgia’s run-heavy offense made it easy for defenses to key in on Swift, but it clearly didn’t stop him from having a productive campaign. He passes every eye test, showcasing the combination of balance, quickness, vision and high-end speed NFL teams want in a lead back. Swift also followed up his college production with a stellar performance at the Scouting Combine, solidifying his status as the top back in this class. He should be an every-down weapon for an NFL offense from Day 1.
2. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU Tigers
Built like a fire hydrant, Edwards-Helaire was the unsung workhorse of LSU’s high-scoring offense last season. He rushed for 1,414 yards on 6.6 yards per carry, scoring 16 times, and Edwards-Helaire can be a force between the tackles and a big-play threat. He also added 55 catches for 453 yards and a score, leaving no doubt that he can be an every-down player at the next level. There are a lot of backs in this class that project to be effective runners, but Edwards-Helaire is one of the best bets to be an all-around force for an offense.
3. Cam Akers, Florida State Seminoles
With the Florida State football program in shambles, Akers didn’t get the national attention of some of the other top running backs. Despite a shaky offense line, he ran for 1,144 yards and 14 scores, and he lit up the Scouting Combine, delivering in a variety of drills and posting a 4.47 time in the 40-yard dash at 217 pounds. Not surprisingly, Akers was a monster after contact, and his blend of power, speed and agility will obviously translate well to the next level. He is could be the steal of the draft at the running back spot.
Bet On 2020 NFL Draft Props and NFL Futures at Bovada Sportsbook – Signup for a FREE Account!
4. J.K. Dobbins, Ohio State Buckeyes
After somewhat of a forgettable sophomore campaign in 2018, Dobbins exploded last year, rushing for 2,003 yards on 6.7 yards per attempt and scoring 21 times. Displaying an excellent combination of power, quickness and speed, Dobbins has the ability to grind out yards and to rip of long runs. He was at his best in big games, rushing for 157 yards and two scores against Penn State, 211 yards and four scores against Michigan and 172 yards and a score against Wisconsin in the Big Ten title game. He was also absolutely gutting Clemson in the College Football Playoff before suffering an ankle injury. Dobbins is going to be a Day 1 starter, at least on early downs.
5. Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin Badgers
Taylor was ridiculously productive in his collegiate career, piling up the most rushing yards ever through three seasons by a wide margin. Of course, being the workhorse for Wisconsin’s run-heavy offense also means that there is already a lot of wear on his tires, and we have seen plenty of backs post huge numbers for the Badgers and then struggle at the next level. Taylor’s blazing 4.39 time in the 40-yard dash and impressive all-around showing at the Scouting Combine suggest he has the physical tools to back up his college numbers, but he probably won’t be an every-down back based on his lack of an impact in the passing game at Wisconsin. Still, he should be a reliable, 1,000-yard rusher wherever he lands, even if he doesn’t have as much upside as some of the other top backs.
Visit NSAwins.com this football season for the best NFL picks from the best NFL handicappers in the business! BAR NONE.
