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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 Javonte Williams. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Javonte Williams – North Carolina

The first of a dynamic duo of running backs for the Tar Heels last season is the bruising Javonte Williams. The junior 220-pounder scored 22 total touchdowns in a dominant showing at North Carolina in 2020. Even in a timeshare with fellow star Michael Carter, Williams was able to showcase his NFL ability every week in the ACC.

The benefit to Williams splitting carries is the lack of wear and tear on his body as a RB prospect entering the 2021 NFL Draft. That is one area that favors Williams in comparison to Etienne or even Najee Harris. He is a sturdy runner with adequate hands that will start right away as a potential top-50 pick.

4. Trey Sermon – Ohio State

Sermon is a well-traveled and extremely intriguing prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft. The former Oklahoma Sooner flashed as a freshman in Norman before falling behind on the Sooners’ depth chart. His decision to transfer to Ohio State for the 2020 season proved fruitful for his professional prospects.

The lean, powerful runner spent most of 2020 in an even timeshare with fellow bruiser Master Teague. However, Sermon separated himself as a 2021 NFL Draft prospect with his impressive postseason play with the Buckeyes. He rushed for over 500 yards combined in two games leading Ohio State to the National Championship game and could settle in as a second-rounder in April.

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