2020 NFL Draft: Prospect Studs and Duds After Week One
By Chris Ross
Stud: Top-tier Running Backs
Between Clemson’s Travis Etienne, Wisconsin’s Jonathan Taylor and Georgia’s D’Andre Swift, the 2020 draft class has the potential to have some serious star power at the running back position. After a Week One in which all three players were able to put up monster production, the only question is which of these players will ultimately be the most successful in the NFL. Etienne has incredible burst and is a threat to break off a long run on any given play. Taylor, while not the athlete Etienne is, is still plenty fast enough and is probably the player best-suited to be an every-down workhorse in the NFL. Swift, on the other hand, has the vision and agility to give any defense headaches.
Running backs may not be as valuable as they once were, but talented players like these three don’t come around often. Each has a history of putting up big-time production against some of the best defenses in the country, and they all have the talent to be top 15 rushers at the next level. Not only do they pass the eye-ball test on film, but each of them also has the production to back up the hype.
With an eye-popping 8749 career rushing yards between them as well as 84 career rushing touchdowns, the on-field production has exceeded all expectations. Etienne is the touchdown leader among them with 40 rushing scores, while Taylor leads the pack in rushing yardage with 4306 career yards on the ground. Swift, meanwhile, hasn’t put up the same statistics due to limited reps, but he has been more productive as a receiver, leading the three players in catches and receiving yards.
What is clear is that between these running backs, talent is abundant. Running back value may be declining in the NFL, but between Etienne, Taylor and Swift, the future of the position is bright.