The 2018 NFL Draft Running Back class features several prospects capable of making an immediate impact and one with limitless potential.
Penn State’s Saquon Barkley is the cream of the running back crop. He is arguably one of the better running back prospects to come a long in the past few years. His presence at the top of the draft has caused some mystery.
Overall, this year’s running back group has some strong depth. There are several prospect who could come off the board in the middle rounds and make an immediate impact. As usual, this group has a handful of 3rd down backs who are also intriguing.
Below is a list of my top rated running back prospect for the 2018 NFL Draft:
1. Saquon Barkley, Penn State
Big Board Rank: No. 1 Overall
Barkley is my top rated overall prospect and a true difference maker. He will have an immediate impact on the league and should contend for the rushing title.
2. Derrius Guice, LSU
Big Board Rank: No.17 Overall
Guice is a bruising runner who looks to initiate contact. He is someone capable of grinding out the tough yards as well as breaking off some longer runs.
3. Sony Michel, Georgia
Big Board Rank: No.36 Overall
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Michel is a balanced runner who can produce big plays. His ability to make an impact catching the ball out of the backfield increases his value. The big question mark with Michel is his injury history.
4. Nick Chubb, Georgia
Big Board Rank: No.49 Overall
Chubb is known commodity who put up big numbers in the SEC. He’s not overly explosive, but runs with excellent patience and vision.
5. Akrum Wadley, Iowa
Big Board Rank: No.59 Overall
Wadley brings some juice to the field and is a home run threat. He is always in attack mode looking to quickly get north and south.
6. Ronald Jones II, USC
Big Board Rank: No.62 Overall
Jones is a versatile back who can impact the game as a runner, pass catcher and on special teams.
7. Rashaad Penny, San Diego State
Big Board Rank: No.77 Overall
Penny is a steady performer who is capable of carrying the load.
8. Mark Walton, Miami
Big Board Rank: No.97 Overall
Walton is the prototypical 3rd down back who can help in the passing game as a catcher and blocker.
9. Kerryon Johnson, Auburn
Big Board Rank: No.134 Overall
Johnson is a physical runner who looks to get his shoulders north and south.
10. Bo Scarbrough, Alabama
Big Board Rank: No.141 Overall
Scarbrough is a big bodied running back who put up some impressive numbers at the combine. His numbers at Alabama are on the downside based mainly on sharing the workload.
11. Josh Adams, Notre Dame
Big Board Rank: No.143 Overall
Adams is an upright runner who has some power. He will need to show less of his frame if he hopes to stay healthy at the next level.
12. Hyheim Hines, NC State
Big Board Rank: No.144 Overall
Hines is a burner who should be able to find a role as a 3rd down back.
13. Royce Freeman, Oregon
Big Board Rank: No.174 Overall
Freeman has some power to his game, but overall he lacks the elite quickness needed to be a difference maker at the next level.
14. Kalen Ballage, Arizona State
Big Board Rank: No.182 Overall
Ballage has the tools to be an NFL contributor but is very inconsistent.