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2018 NFL Draft: Running backs you need to know who aren’t Saquon Barkley

By Maxwell Ogden

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Sony Michel #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs to the end zone for a touchdown tying the game 31-31 in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 01: Sony Michel #1 of the Georgia Bulldogs runs to the end zone for a touchdown tying the game 31-31 in the 2018 College Football Playoff Semifinal Game at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Akrum Wadley, Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa Hawkeyes running back Akrum Wadley is one of the most criminally underrated prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft. He’s a patient runner who can hit the hole, get into the open field, and make defenders miss with a seemingly endless array of moves.

Some may question if Wadley is built to be a No. 1 running back, but at the very least, he has the tools to be a part of a productive rotation.

He’s not exactly Adrian Peterson, but Wadley is one of the more athletic running backs in this draft class. He has excellent game speed, which enables him to turn solid gains into explosive plays that could change the momentum of a game.

Wadley can be described as quick and shifty, which is even more appealing when one considers that there are three other adjectives to describe him: Patient, versatile, and elusive.

Wadley can run between the tackles on first and second down, and would have Pro Bowl potential in a zone running scheme. He’s also skilled as a receiving option who displayed the ability to line up in the slot.

Hauling in 64 receptions for 668 yards and six touchdowns between 2016 and 2017 is solid evidence of his proficiency.

While far from a household name, Wadley has the skill set and athleticism to emerge as one of the biggest steals of the 2018 NFL Draft.

Must Read: New York Giants: Five 2018 NFL Draft options who aren't quarterbacks

The question is: Which franchises be smart enough to select one of these running backs at the 2018 NFL Draft?

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