Saquon Barkley is the favorite to be the No. 1 running back off the board, but there are other NFL Draft prospects worth considering at the position.
There’s a growing belief around the NFL that running back Saquon Barkley is the best player in the 2018 draft class. Even those who don’t believe he’s No. 1 overall generally have Barkley pegged as a generational talent who leads a deep class of running backs.
For as fair as it is to praise Barkley for the special player he could become, the other running backs deserve more attention than they’ve received.
Beyond Barkley is one of the deepest and most promising running back classes in recent memory. Between dynamic playmakers and between-the-tackles specialists, the talent pool is vast enough for teams to find a potential Pro Bowler beyond the first round.
Rather than simply summarizing the situation, however, it would only be fair to give the other running backs their due.
In some cases, the players are well-known by the masses, but somewhat underrated in NFL Draft circles. In others, they’re sleeper prospects who will sneak up on fans and franchises during the draft process and, ultimately, their professional careers.
The question is: Who are the best running backs in the 2018 NFL Draft beyond Penn State Nittany Lions superstar Saquon Barkley?
Nick Chubb, Georgia Bulldogs
Sony Michel became a household name during the National Championship Game, but Nick Chubb was the star of the Georgia Bulldogs when he was healthy. There are questions about if he can excel as a pass-catcher, but Chubb is as naturally talented as anyone in the country.
With three 1,000-yard seasons on his resume, the grizzled SEC veteran should be receiving more attention than he currently is in NFL Draft circles.
Chubb isn’t the most explosive athlete at his position, but he accelerates well and knows how to bust a gap. Blended with his raw strength and physicality at 225 powerful pounds, and his underrated vision, he may very well be the best between-the-tackles runner in this draft class.
Injury concerns are fair after he suffered a gruesome knee injury as a junior, but it’s worth noting he avoided damage to his ACL and bounced back with an outstanding senior season.
Running between the tackles may not be sexy in the modern NFL, but it’s a skill that every team needs if they’re going to execute an effective offense. In Chubb’s case, his ability to grind out yards and elude tacklers in the open field should make him an appealing prospect.
If Chubb tests well in receiving drills, there’s reason to believe he could work his way into the late first or early second round discussion.
Derrius Guice, LSU Tigers
When Leonard Fournette took a step back in 2016, Derrius Guice emerged as one of the most promising running backs in the country. With the speed to break free in the open field, the strength to shed tackles, and the numbers to draw scouts’ attention, Guice became a breakout star.
After a junior season that validated the legitimacy of his stellar sophomore campaign, Guice is ready to test his luck in the NFL.
Guice ran for 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2016, but the key statistic was the insane 7.6 yards per carry he ran for. Many were quick—and fair—to point out what Fournette’s presence did to alleviate pressure, but he bounced back with another big season in 2017.
Guice ran or 1,251 yards and 11 touchdowns, and managed to go for 5.3 yards per carry in a deep SEC—made even more impressive by the fact he hauled in a career-high 18 receptions.
Guice’s appeal at the NFL level is his big play ability, as he can bounce outside and turn something into nothing. He’s also an agile runner between the tackles who does a good job of reading blocks and hitting his lanes with a burst of speed.
Guice may or may not become a star in the NFL, but with the right system, he can move the chains and break games open with his athleticism.
Ronald Jones II, USC Trojans
The prospect who’s making some want to pass on Saquon Barkley and draft a running back in Round 2 is USC Trojans star Ronald Jones II. Whether or not that proves to be a wise decision, it’s a testament to just how dynamic a playmaker Jones has become.
Elusiveness, explosiveness, and toughness are rarely combined in just one player, but Jones checks all three boxes on film.
Jones is more than just speed and agility, as he excels at identifying running lanes. He’s not afraid to cut back across the field, and while that may not be the greatest idea in the NFL, it’s a testament to his uncanny ability to stop on a dime and change directions.
The difference between Jones and some of his USC predecessors is that he’s capable of making plays after contact—a vital ability in the NFL.
Even if Jones doesn’t become a star, he should be a high-level contributor at the next level. His speed when hitting a running lane is almost unparalleled, with that burst of acceleration being the foundation for what makes him special.
If a team with a solid offensive line were to draft Jones, he’d likely end up being a dark horse candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Sony Michel, Georgia Bulldogs
The Georgia Bulldogs have two high-level running backs entering the 2018 NFL Draft. While Nick Chubb was the workhorse of the group, the working theory around the league is that Sony Michel is a better fit for the modern era.
Running for 279 yards over the course of two College Football Playoff games helps his stock, but Michel has been a viable NFL option since long before he received attention.
Michel’s greatest strength is his speed, which is an excellent place to start in the modern NFL. He can run both between and outside the tackles, and while his 2017 production may indicate otherwise, he’s a solid option in the passing game.
Michel pulled in just nine receptions in 2017, but he tallied a combined 48 receptions for 419 yards and four touchdowns between 2015 and 2016.
As for his work on the ground, Michel borders on being unstoppable when he runs with a purpose. His speed and acceleration are like watching a video game, and he’s bigger and tougher to bring down than one might assume.
When paired with the fact that he can read his blocks and navigate the open field, Michel has the look of the No. 2 running back in this draft class.
Rashaad Penny, San Diego State Aztecs
This list wouldn’t be complete without one of the most productive running backs in FBS history. The nation’s leading rusher in 2017, Penny will look to continue the tradition of San Diego State running backs being drafted in 2018.
Whichever team inevitably selects Penny will be getting a player with active feet and the ability to make defenders miss—also known as an invaluable asset.
Despite the fact that Penny ran for over 2,000 yards in 2017, there aren’t many concerns that he’s been run into the ground. He only exceeded 30 carries in two games this past season, going over 25 rushing attempts on just four occasions.
Penny is something of a volume runner, but he’s also a dynamic talent who can turn a minimal gain into a big play without a moment’s notice.
The best credit to Penny is that he runs hard, keeps his feet moving, and breaks free of lazy attempts at a tackle. He can run between the tackles, thrive in a zone scheme, and even make plays out of the backfield as a receiver.
Teams often shy away from running backs who have run for as many yards as Penny, but he hasn’t shown any signs of breaking down—nor should he be expected to.
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.
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The question is: Which franchises be smart enough to select one of these running backs at the 2018 NFL Draft?