With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Draft: Ranking the top five running backs

By Maxwell Ogden

3ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Derrius Guice #5 of the LSU Tigers reacts after a two-yard reception for touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. Notre Dame won 21-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
3ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 01: Derrius Guice #5 of the LSU Tigers reacts after a two-yard reception for touchdown against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the fourth quarter of the Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2018 in Orlando, Florida. Notre Dame won 21-17. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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If anyone is going to threaten Saquon Barkley‘s status as the best running back in this draft class, it’s likely to be Derrius Guice. Guice burst on to the scene in 2016, when he flanked Leonard Fournette and put up an explosive season of his own.

Guice battled injuries throughout the 2017 campaign, but he still managed to piece together a season that a vast majority of players could only dream of.

Guice has a compelling combination of a 224-pound frame and sub-4.5 speed. He has no trouble getting to the second level as a runner, as he can shed arm tackles and burst through running lanes with remarkable explosiveness.

Guice has also improved his value as an eligible receiver, as evidenced by his doubled production in receptions between the 2016 and 2017 seasons.

Between his strength, speed, and toughness, Guice is a running back who will appeal to coaches with an old school mentality. There are questions pertaining to whether or not he can thrive in the modern game, but Guice has healthy Doug Martin potential.

If a coach is willing to work closely with Guice to help him find his identity as an NFL player, the rewards could be of a Pro Bowl or even All-Pro nature.

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