NFL Draft: Ranking The Top 5 Running Backs
By Zack Trapp
5.) Christian McCaffrey, Stanford
A swiss army knife for the creative offensive coordinator to set loose. You’re going to hear a lot of “he’s a white running back”-isms in the run up to the draft. Throw those out. This guy is different. He’s just a natural, gifted athlete. He returns punt, kicks, lines up out wide, and of course does his damage from the backfield.
He’s got good acceleration and better top speed. He runs upright like a sprinter in the open, yet he can stop and change direction on a dime.An ankle breaker. Exceptional elusiveness with quick cuts. From the backfield, McCaffrey is a patient runner who will sit back and wait for things to develop. Vision will never be a problem. Has excellent body control.
Doesn’t have ideal power between the tackles. Goes down easily. Sometimes he’ll get caught trying to go for the home run on a play. Overall, although he likely will never carry the ball 20 times a game, this back can add another dimension to an already potent attack.
From the backfield, McCaffrey is a patient runner who will sit back and wait for things to develop. Vision will never be a problem. Has excellent body control. Doesn’t have ideal power between the tackles. Goes down easily. Sometimes he’ll get caught trying to go for the home run on a play.
Overall, although he likely will never carry the ball 20 times a game, this back can add another dimension to an already potent attack.
Comparison: Darren Sproles meets Reggie Bush
Value: Late Second Round