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2021 NFL Draft: Gorman’s RB rankings led by Travis Etienne, Najee Harris

By Scott Gorman

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers runs the ball against Derion Kendrick #1 of the Clemson Tigers during the first quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers runs the ball against Derion Kendrick #1 of the Clemson Tigers during the first quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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NFL Draft
NFL Draft prospect Najee Harris. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2021 NFL Draft rankings process continues this week with an elite class at the running back position. After ranking the wide receivers and quarterbacks the past two weeks, the running backs get their due in a deep, versatile, and exciting group of runners. The skill positions continue to excite 2021 NFL Draft enthusiasts, and the RB position appears littered with All-Pro talent and NFL starters throughout.

Below, I list my top-10 in what figures to be a loaded class with plenty of value throughout the entire seven rounds of action. Take a look and see if you concur with the ranking of these great talents, beginning with some familiar faces from Clemson and Alabama.

Travis Etienne leads the pack of 2021 NFL Draft RBs

The battle for the top running back spot in the 2021 NFL Draft is a close one, and the nod goes to Clemson’s all-time leading rusher, Travis Etienne. The senior running back is a home-run hitter with great speed, slashing ability, and vision. Minnesota’s Dalvin Cook is a favorable comparison as another former great ACC back and early-round pick.

Etienne’s potential to become a Cook or Alvin Kamara-type dual-threat and elite touchdown-scorer set him apart from the other backs in this class. He has worked extensively on his pass-catching ability and improved dramatically throughout his four years at Clemson. He could be selected as early as the top half of the first frame in April’s 2021 NFL Draft.

2. Najee Harris – Alabama

When discussing the top pass-catchers out of the backfield, that conversation has to include Alabama’s Najee Harris. For being one of the bigger backs at 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, Harris has very soft hands. He broke the single-season record at Alabama for receptions by a running back with 43 in 2020.

As a former top recruit, Harris had to bide his time with the Crimson Tide behind other top running back prospects like Josh Jacobs and Bo Scarborough. He flashed early but cemented his status the past two seasons as one of the best backs in all of college football. His ability as a receiver combined with his terrific athleticism and power should guarantee Harris a spot in the top-32 picks.

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