RS12
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1. Ezekiel Elliott, Ohio State – 1st Round
Elliott is a top three prospect in the 2016 class, showing the game-breaking ability to be one of the best backs in the game. He’s incredibly strong between the tackles, and has the athleticism to make defenders miss and win the edge. Ridiculously talented blocker and receiver as well.
2. Derrick Henry, Alabama – 2nd Round
There’s the misconception out there that Henry is a power back stylistically, but the tape shows otherwise. The Alabama running back’s game is built on finesse and intelligence, it just so happens that those traits are wrapped up in a ripped, 6-3, 247-pound frame. I think Henry will be at his best in a gap-scheme rushing attack, but his advanced vision and experience will help him succeed regardless of the system.
3. Paul Perkins, UCLA – 2nd Round
Perkins is one of my favorite players in this class, boasting exceptionally quick feet and the ability to pick up yardage after contact. He’s the most elusive back in this draft, dancing around tacklers with impressive lateral burst and agility. Perkins isn’t the largest or the fastest back, but I think he’ll become one of the biggest steals from the 2016 class.
4. Jonathan Williams, Arkansas – 2nd Round
Speaking of underrated backs, if Jonathan Williams hadn’t missed the entire 2015 seasonwith a foot injury, he might be no. 2 on this list. He heads back to Indy for medical re-checks this weekend, and if the news is overwhelmingly positive, Williams should go no later than the second round.
5. Kenneth Dixon, Louisiana Tech – 2nd Round
I really grade Dixon in the late second/early third round portion of the draft, which is probably a little bit lower than some have him. I think he’s a good back and a solid starter at the next level, but I don’t know if I see a special ceiling. Dixon is an excellent receiver and will mix it up between the tackles, and to top it all off, he’s a trash-talking chirper as well.
6. Devontae Booker, Utah – 3rd Round
Booker truly is the forgotten man in this class, sporting a balanced skill set and the ability to help a team right away if healthy. Unfortunately that is a big “if”, as a torn meniscus will keep Booker from working out for NFL teams before the draft. A three-down back with excellent receiving skills and toughness between the tackles, Booker could be a day two steal with his steady skill set.
7. Alex Collins, Arkansas – 3rd Round
Collins has a strange combination of stiff hips and quick feet, and while he certainly won’t win any elusiveness awards, he can make some unexpected cuts in space for a bigger back. Collins game is predicated on power however, as the Arkansas product is at his best moving north with a low pad level. I don’t think he’s as dynamic a player as those ahead of him on this board, but Collins is a pretty high floor NFL prospect given his play strength and smarts.
8. C.J. Prosise, Notre Dame – 4th Round
Prosise is the wild card of the 2016 class, with only one year of experience at running back after making the switch from wide receiver. He’s an excellent athlete with the size, strength and quickness to become a great NFL player some day, but two things worried me on tape. One, I didn’t see the consistent physicality that a 220-pound back should show, and two, Prosise is really inconsistent in his reads and vision at the line of scrimmage. There are flashes of brilliance, but you’re definitely drafting Prosise more for the upside than you are the current product.
9. Kelvin Taylor, Florida – 4th Round
Taylor isn’t a great athlete, and that will slide him down some boards, but he’s a crafty runner with the natural instincts and determination to become a starter at the next level.
10. Daniel Lasco, California – 4th Round
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2016/04/13/2016-nfl-draft-big-board-final-running-back-rankings/
2. Derrick Henry, Alabama – 2nd Round
3. Paul Perkins, UCLA – 2nd Round
4. Jonathan Williams, Arkansas – 2nd Round
5. Kenneth Dixon, Louisiana Tech – 2nd Round
6. Devontae Booker, Utah – 3rd Round
7. Alex Collins, Arkansas – 3rd Round
8. C.J. Prosise, Notre Dame – 4th Round
9. Kelvin Taylor, Florida – 4th Round
10. Daniel Lasco, California – 4th Round
http://draftwire.usatoday.com/2016/04/13/2016-nfl-draft-big-board-final-running-back-rankings/
) next to Eddie Lacy I saw on twitter today. Eddie Lacy looks like a midget next to Henry.
