With The First Pick
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2017 NFL Draft Position Rankings: Offense

By Jon Dove

Nov 12, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) drops back for a pass against the California Golden Bears during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars quarterback Luke Falk (4) drops back for a pass against the California Golden Bears during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
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November 5, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) runs against Oregon State Beavers cornerback Xavier Crawford (22) during the third quarter at Stanford Stadium. The Cardinal defeated the Beavers 26-15. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
November 5, 2016; Stanford, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) runs against Oregon State Beavers cornerback Xavier Crawford (22) during the third quarter at Stanford Stadium. The Cardinal defeated the Beavers 26-15. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Running Back

1. Christian McCaffrey, Stanford

2. Leonard Fournette, LSU

3. D’Onta Freeman, Texas

4. Nick Chubb, Georgia

5. Dalvin Cook, Florida State

6. Donnel Pumphrey, San Diego State

The 2017 NFL Draft class features a strong group of running backs. This is a position that has good top-end talent and overall depth. We could see as many as 4 running backs taken in the 1st round and two in the top-10.

Christian McCaffrey is my top ranked running back because of his versatility. He’s someone who can contribute as a runner, pass catcher and return man. There are just some many ways he can hurt a defense that it’s nearly impossible to shut him down.

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Leonard Fournette is more of a prototypical running back who can grind out the tough yards. He’s very effective between the tackles where he lowers his head to push the pile. However, Fournette has the second gear needed to break off long runs.

Most have Fournette rated at the top running back prospect. He’s just slightly behind McCaffrey in my rankings because he’s not a major threat as a pass catcher.

Both Nick Chubb and Dalvin Cook have a shot at being 1st round picks. Chubb is a grinder who moves the chains. Cook is a home run threat who has the breakaway speed to score every time he touches the football.

Despite both having 1st round talent, it’s more likely that both are one of the first few players selected on day 2 of the draft.

D’Onta Freeman of Texas is a fast rising prospect. This is a big-bodied runner who has deceptive speed. He’s a touchdown waiting to happen and has the speed to outpace any defensive angle.

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