With The First Pick
Fansided

Top 10 running backs loaded with day two talent for 2020 NFL Draft

By Jeremy Meek

MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 28: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the ball while being tackled by Travis Whillock #7 of the Northwestern Wildcats in the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 28: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs with the ball while being tackled by Travis Whillock #7 of the Northwestern Wildcats in the first quarter at Camp Randall Stadium on September 28, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers carries the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 07: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers carries the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the CFP National Championship presented by AT&T at Levi’s Stadium on January 7, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

2. Travis Etienne, Clemson

Numbers three through ten on this list can be debated. The top two, however, are probably going to wind up pretty universal. Travis Etienne would have been in consideration for the first back off the board last year if he had been eligible. He rushed for over eight yards per carry and a ridiculous 24 scores last year. This year, his yards per carry average actually went up.

https://twitter.com/ClemsonFB/status/1191411717705650176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

In the above clip, Etienne patiently makes his way through the traffic at the line of scrimmage, then once he gets to the second level, he’s gone. His speed is elite and his acceleration is as good as anyone’s. He has also improved as a pass catcher in 2019 as well. His size could scare some, but he’s not tiny, and his other assets will let teams overlook that small detail.

Etienne has been one of the nation’s best backs for two consecutive seasons now. He’s explosive, talented, and just fun to watch. He’ll probably be drafted early in round two, but could sneak into round one after he inevitably blows up the NFL Combine. Don not be surprised to hear his name potentially called in the first night of the draft.

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