2021 NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS - RUNNING BACK

Click on the names of the prospects below to see their draft profiles:

RB #1: NAJEE HARRIS, ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

Height: 6’2”.   Weight: 230lbs

PRO’S: Big, powerful ball carrier who can make people miss as often as run through them. Urgent runner whose feet never stop moving and is ready to attack at a moment’s notice. So much play strength - rarely taken down by the first tackle despite his high cut frame, and will fight tooth and nail for every inch - falling forward consistently at the end of each play. Maintains ball security even when fighting through contact. Finds the hole in the backfield and explodes through it, but also showcases enough speed and patience to get to the edge and be effective as an outside runner. Decision making in the backfield improved in his final year in Tuscaloosa, demonstrating some elusiveness to go with the physicality. Effective pass catcher out of the backfield with soft hands. Extremely productive at Alabama, with more than 3,400 total yards and 50 total touchdowns in his final two years.

CON’S: Lack of nuance in running style - all or nothing on the gas with no demonstration of speed variation to deceive defenders. Top speed isn’t elite - acceleration is excellent but rarely breaks off runs longer than 20 yards. High cut frame gives him a higher centre of gravity than desired and will make him susceptible to cut tackles. Bruising, physical style will take its toll on his body, and with four years of contact already on the clock will his longevity be in question in the NFL?

SIMON CARROLL: “Najee Harris is a formidable running back with legs the size of tree trunks, and just looking at him leaves me feeling intimidated, let alone attempting to tackle him. His final two years for Alabama saw a physical bowling ball develop the other aspects to his game, creating a finished product that looks every inch NFL ready. Teams who want to establish a smashmouth run game will appreciate his ability to avoid contact as much as seek it out, leaving opponents guessing at what he’s going to do from play to play, and the fact he can stay on the field all three downs and be an asset in the passing game is just the cherry on top. Finding fault in his game is difficult, and quite frankly nitpicking. He’s a first round calibre prospect and could see his name called towards the end of day one by a good team looking to add the final piece to their offense.”

COMPARISON: ADRIAN PETERSON

PROJECTION: 1ST ROUND PICK

RB #2: TRAVIS ETIENNE, CLEMSON TIGERS

Height: 5’10”.   Weight: 210lbs

PRO’S: Explosive running back with huge playmaking ability. Ability to hit top speed in the blink of an eye - the minute he sees daylight he’s gone. Superb pinball running back, able to evade, absorb or bounce off contact, keep his legs under his body and get to the next level. Quick foot speed allows him to hit the hole at pace, make subtle cuts and accelerate away from tackles. Etienne doesn’t mind playing through contact, but when it’s time to get slippery he’s a nightmare to get a hold of - such good agility and lateral, sudden movement skills to keep hands off him. Durable - played 55 games in his Clemson career and had no injuries of note. Huge production at Death Valley - had more than 6,100 all purpose yards and 78 touchdowns in four years. Improved markedly as a receiver out of the backfield in the last two years with more than 1,000 receiving yards.

CON’S: Plays a little excited sometimes, and might want to show a touch more patience behind the line of scrimmage. Decision making with the ball in hand hasn’t been poor, but there are times where he’s just relied on his sheer speed to beat men to the marker rather than routes or angles taken. 55 games at college is a huge body of work and teams will wonder about the tread left on his tires. Blocking technique  - particularly in pass protection - needs to be cleaned up.

SIMON CARROLL: “Many people questioned Travis Etienne’s decision to return to Clemson for his senior year after a stellar career for The Tigers, yet whilst his yardage may have dropped he did his draft stock the world of good by proving not only to be a viable receiving threat, but a consistent one who could move around the formation. He is undoubtedly an elite prospect with the ability to change games with the ball in his hand, and will have an immediate impact at the next level. There are some minor issues for a team to clean up but nothing that coaching won’t take care of. Etienne is that rare breed of running back whose college career may attempt a team to pick him on day one despite the discrimination the position traditionally receives.”

NFL COMPARISON: DARREN MCFADDEN

PROJECTION: 1ST ROUND PICK

RB #3: JAVONTE WILLIAMS, NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS

Height: 5’10”.   Weight: 220lbs

PRO’S: Stocky, powerful back who just bounces off tackles and keeps rumbling down the field. Impressive explosiveness; thrives as a one cut running back who can hit the hole at speed and burst through the line of scrimmage. Low centre of gravity allows him to power through contact, keeping his legs churning and getting those extra yards. Way more nimble than his body shape suggests, has quick feet and good presence of mind to evade tackles in confined spaces and can slip through gaps that a man half his size would struggle with. Able to accelerate and cover open field, with a good feel for angles to maximise the distance. Best contact balance in this draft class - true ‘pinball’ style back with the aggression to fight off tackles and make it difficult for defenders to keep hands on him. Stepped up as a receiver in his final year at Chapel Hill, and is a dominant blocker.

CON’S: Doesn’t possess elite top speed, instead using his burst and acceleration to get through the first level and then fighting through contact to increase yardage. Predominantly an inside runner - getting outside the tackles before heading north doesn’t flatter his skillset. Still working on his pass-catching abilities, with some key drops on his resume. Ultra-physical style leads to durability concerns in the NFL.

SIMON CARROLL: “If you like your running backs aggressive and insistent, then you’re not going to enjoy a prospect more than Javonte Williams. Williams turned a successful sophomore season into an otherworldly one as a junior, rolling for 1,140 yards on just 157 carriers at 7.3 yards per touch. He bristles with physicality and a disdain for tacklers, and punishes anyone who dares lay a hand on him, but don’t be mistaken for thinking that is the sole offering he brings; Williams has shown excellent on field awareness and smarts to pick advantageous angles to scamper down the field. He won’t outrun coverage but he does explode through the LOS and accelerate to his own top speed quickly, and just watching him bounce off tackles and keep going is a joy to behold. Sharing a backfield with Michael Carter means he enters the league fresh - he’s a workhorse ball carrier at the next level.”

NFL COMPARISON: MARSHAWN LYNCH

PROJECTION: 2ND ROUND PICK

RB #4: DEMETRIC FELTON, UCLA BRUINS

Height: 5’9”.   Weight: 190lbs

PRO’S: True hybrid RB/WR weapon who had almost as many touches catching the football at UCLA as he did carrying it out of the backfield. Small but well-built and had no injuries throughout his time in college. Possesses a stout lower half that gives him a good base to absorb contact. Extremely quick and shifty over short areas; quick feet and burst through the line of scrimmage, thriving predominantly in gap schemes. Makes people miss and makes it look easy doing it - oily hips and wiggle to leave defenders flat footed as he ghosts round them. Runs with power and finishes fairly well upon contact too.

Took plenty of snaps as a slot receiver as well as a traditional pass-catching running back role; Similar burst out of his stance, knows how to attack the stem and stack his receiver before planting his foot in the ground on his breaks and getting good separation. Minimal loss of speed throughout his routes. Confident catcher of the ball outside of his frame and takes it nicely on the move. Open field looks see him turn on the jets, and possesses good vision and anticipation to take preferred angles and maximise yardage gained. Triple threat - offers kick return ability on special teams too.

CON’S: Small and a little lightweight to do a lot of heavy lifting in a running back role; durability at the next level is a concern; UCLA gave him a limited snap count and NFL teams may look to do the same. Comfortable at the point of contact but doesn’t have much YAC ability and the first tackle usually brings him down. As a receiver, oute running looked a little ‘creative’ at college but seemed much improved at the Senior Bowl. Subtle nuances of the position not quite there - crisper movements and better footwork would see him less reliant on agility to create space.

SIMON CARROLL: “Demetric Felton was always considered a versatile talent at UCLA but it took until his junior year for him and The Bruins to get the balance right and see the production increase. He enters the league with a lot of tread left on his tires after he was protected in terms of work volume, and whilst that is a good thing for his longevity there will be questions as to whether he can handle a bigger workload in tougher conditions. He’ll likely need to increase it from the roughly 10 touches per game he saw in LA, but i’d argue you maximise his impact if you use him selectively. He’s an ascending prospect whose swiss-army knife skillset appeals to modern day offenses and a creative coordinator will already be drawing up a condensed, bespoke playbook for him. He’ll be electric if you give him the ball in space or work him open on routes, but don’t sleep on his ability to manufacture his own magic in a suitable run scheme. I honestly believe we’re just scratching the surface of Felton’s potential. He’ll be gone on day two.”

NFL COMPARISON: MORE EXPLOSIVE DANNY WOODHEAD

PROJECTION: 2ND ROUND PICK

RB #5: KENNETH GAINWELL, MEMPHIS TIGERS

Height: 5’11”.   Weight: 191lbs

PRO’S: Insane athlete with a diverse skillset that can see him operate as a running back or true receiver. Foot speed is ridiculous; so quick over short areas with remarkable change of direction speed and lateral agility to be a menace in close quarters with or without the football in hand. Hits the line with a controlled, smooth speed that he can kick into an extra gear when opportunity awaits. Innate feel running in zone, flowing with the line way beyond the lane of choice before cutting back into it and turning on the jets. Doesn’t encourage contact but is able to bounce off tackles and keep the ball secure. Attentive as a blocker with the smarts and effort levels to be relied upon. Serious threat as a slot receiver with agility giving him easy separation at the top of routes. More than 2,000 yards from scrimmage in his redshirt sophomore - and final - season at Memphis.

CON’S: Takes some big licks with the ball in hand - working the middle as a ball carrier or receiver has seen him endure some physicality, and a similar game at the next level would leave him susceptible to injury. Inconsistent results as a true inside runner, and is much more effective with a bit of space and time to work with before engaging the line of scrimmage. Subpar top end speed and acceleration is elongated - not many instances of him running away from tackles. Lack of strength in his lower half; doesn’t drive through contact and is’t particularly stout as a run blocker. Just one year of production at Memphis after little usage as a freshman in 2018 and opting out of 2020.

SIMON CARROLL: “Memphis has become something of a production line for talented, athletic offensive weapons and Kenneth Gainwell is the latest one out of the Tigers program; playing QB at high school and recruited as a WR, he eventually found his home in the backfield at the Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. But don’t pigeon hole him into a one-dimensional role just yet; Gainwell excels when being given a diverse playbook and scheming ways to find him the football in space. He’s unlikely to be your sole breadwinner in the backfield and his breakaway speed doesn’t match his shiftiness, but he’s a guy who can create big play moments and turn the field for your team at any moment. An offense that appreciates his versatility and won’t lean on him too heavily would be the perfect landing spot, and no doubt he’ll be high on fantasy football enthusiasts’ rookie lists.”

NFL COMPARISON: CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY

PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK

RB #6: MICHAEL CARTER, NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS

Height: 5’8”.   Weight: 202lbs

PRO’S: Twitched up, agile ball carrier with a compact frame that holds good weight for his size. So agile; routinely juking defenders out of their cleats and making them miss. Elite top speed, able to accelerate away from opponents and be a threat with the ball in hand and field to run into. Excellent field vision; knows where the next point of contact is coming from and adjust his angles to make pursuit as hard as possible. Not afraid of contact, in fact relishes lowering his shoulder and making defenders work. Excellent balance through contact and can reset his feet and bounce off. Extremely productive as a pass catcher out of the backfield and can even line up as a receiver - plus agility aids his route running to maximise separation. Surprisingly accomplished as a run blocker, putting everything he’s got behind his pads.

CON’S: Tiny. No matter how you cut it, Carter is undersized for the NFL. Very unlikely he is a three-down back at the next level, more likely a complimentary, rotational or change of pace ball carrier. Durability a significant concern at his size despite the healthy BMI he brings. Instincts behind the line of scrimmage look a bit muddled on occasion, choosing the wrong lane, attacking at the wrong time etc. Pass protection does not match his run blocking; simply overwhelmed by blitzers who have up to 50lbs on him.

SIMON CARROLL: “Javonte Williams may be drawing all the attention for the North Carolina backfield in the pre-draft process, but don’t sleep on Michael Carter, who actually had more rushing and receiving yards in his Tar Heel career, and a better YPC in his final year too, rolling for 1245 yards from 156 carries at 8 yards a tote. The first thing you notice is that Carter will never be a three-down back in the NFL - his size simply precludes that from happening, despite his efforts and physicality. That limits his draft stock, but having him as a complementary piece of a running game would not only maximise his skillset and ability in the passing game but also elongate his career too. As far as the skillset he provides for the role he is likely to have at the next level, there is very little to dislike.”

NFL COMPARISON: DUKE JOHNSON

PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK

RB #7: JARET PATTERSON, BUFFALO BULLS

Height: 5’7”.   Weight: 195lbs

PRO’S: Bowling ball running back with unreal production at Buffalo. A threat every time he has the ball in his hands; Patterson is an urgent ball carrier who wastes no time hitting the line of scrimmage and finding the route of greatest gain. Short, choppy footwork behind the line allows him to drive through the gap as it develops and accelerate into the open field. Strong, thick frame has a low centre of gravity that makes him a nightmare to get on the ground. Bounces of angled tackles and keeps feet churning and under his torso to rumble for more yardage. Low statute and knee bend give him excellent pad height and leverage, and he’s able to lower the shoulder into contact and run over straight up tackles. Not all power though - enough cut ability to evade contact and is always adjusting his route downfield. Motor runs hot from first snap to the last. Excellent effort and stoutness in pass protection. Plays tough, battling through a leg injury in 2020 with zero effect on his production.

CON’S: Small. Good weight, but short stature may reduce his role to a change of pace piece at the next level. Doesn’t have elite long speed, instead producing almost ‘mini bursts’ throughout his carries. Predominantly an inside runner. Reaction ability to change course before clear of the line of scrimmage is dubious - he makes a decision and sticks to it, regardless of what’s going on around him. Buffalo’s offense rarely asked for him to be a receiver out of the backfield and his proficiency in such a role is unknown. Level of competition may have skewed production numbers, with huge performances against questionable defenses.

SIMON CARROLL: “Every year there seems to be one running back from a group of five school that captures the draft media’s attention, and this year that person is Jaret Patterson. I would argue it is entirely deserved; not only did he light up the MAC in his three years at Buffalo, his game looks ideal for the NFL, despite his size not meeting the traditional level expected. Almost 3,900 yards and 52 touchdowns on the ground in just 32 college games is quite simply ridiculous, no matter the conference you play in. And as for his size? Well he doesn’t match up to the big prospects in this group but he’s durable, tough and rumbles through contact. Those are three attributes that translate to the pro’s - I honestly don’t see it being an issue at the next level. Consensus seems to have him as a rotational back for no other reason than he’s 5’7”. Don’t overthink this; just feed him the ball and watch him rack up the yards.”

NFL COMPARISON: DEVONTA FREEMAN

PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK

RB #8: KHALIL HERBERT, VIRGINIA TECH HOKIES

Height: 5’9”.   Weight: 204lbs

PRO’S: Smooth, quick running back who has excellent agility to create space for himself and maximise yardage. Quick but patient behind the line of scrimmage, letting the gap develop before hitting the hole with ascending speed. Football smarts stand out; quick processor of what he sees in front of him and able to adjust on the fly to the changing landscape. Compact frame and low centre of gravity allow him to pinball off tackles, and when he does get tackled is keen to fall forward at every opportunity. Disciplined ball carrier who understands the need to get through the line of scrimmage before going off script. Excellent ball security shown through his college career. Has some upside as a special teams contributor after returning kicks for Virginia Tech in 2020. Comes to the NFL fresh after just over 500 touches in a five year collegiate career.

CONS: Smooth but not quick; unimpressive burst through the line of scrimmage, and his acceleration is laboured when it’s time to turn on the jets. Yardage at the second level accumulated through usage of clever angles and subtle movement rather than winning a foot race. Barely any production as a pass-catcher; just 34 catches in 46 games in college. Needs better technique when taking on blitzers in pass protection; stout base demonstrated with the ball in hand not shown as a blocker, and susceptible to quick moves. Had persistent hamstring injuries during his time at Kansas, although no evidence of such issues as a senior in Blacksburg.

SIMON CARROLL: “Having shared the backfield with Pooka Williams for the majority of his time in Kansas, Herbert left Lawrence and found a much better situation for his services at Virginia Tech, where his production exploded. Over 1,300 all purpose yards and 9 touchdowns showed that, injuries permitting, he has it in the tank to be a starting running back at the next level. Whether he remains on the field all three downs is questionable - his lack of ability in any role on pass plays and shortfall in speed when given the ball in space might make him more of a two-down hammer. But his elusiveness once through the line is a nice bonus that helps him get the yards you don’t necessarily expect. With plenty of tread still on his tires, I see him as an appealing target for teams at the end of day two.”

NFL COMPARISON: CARLOS HYDE

PROJECTION: 3RD ROUND PICK

RB #9: JAVIAN HAWKINS, LOUISVILLE CARDINALS

Height: 5’9”.   Weight: 196lbs

PRO’S: Explosive playmaker with the ball in his hand. Stupid acceleration and early speed - able to get to the outside and stretch the defense laterally before attacking vertically. Dances through early contact art or near the line of scrimmage, and from almost stop-start he can turn on the jets and attack developing open field. Excellent agility in short areas, showcasing loose hips and good ankle flexion to contort his body away from contact and keep moving. Game-changing speed; can flip the field out of nothing. Dangerous as a receiver on swing passes or dump offs, and will be effective in an expanded passing role or given manufactured touches in space. No injury history at Louisville despite his lean frame, and enters the league relatively fresh with just two years and less than 400 carries during his college career.

CON’S: Not the smallest prospect in this class, but has a lightweight linear frame with little in the way of hidden play strength. Contact usually takes him down in the first instance, and if he can’t evade tacklers he’s not going anywhere. Despite big plays Hawkins’ average yards per carry is modest, alluding to as many stuffs at the line as there were breakaway runs. Guilty of thinking big and not seeing immediate dangers to his carry. Itchy feet find it difficult to allow blocks to develop before taking flight. Ball seems away from his body at times, and whilst hasn’t been a pertinent problem at Louisville could be exposed in the NFL.  Has the speed to create separation but can’t seem to maintain that velocity and gets caught downfield before hitting paydirt.

SIMON CARROLL: “Someone should just rename the Lousiville Cardinals as ‘the factory of speed’, because all they ever do is produce burners at every position - even Mekhi Becton could move! Javian Hawkins joins receivers Tutu Atwell and Dez Fitzpatrick as legitimate speed weapons heading into the NFL, and potentially is the most exciting out of the three; his combination of speed and agility make him a home run threat on any given play. Teams will get excited about the potential he offers in the passing game - perhaps the presence of Atwell meant he wasn’t used in such a role for the Cardinals, but he has the hands and shiftiness to be a weapon for a quarterback. I think the size concerns are a little oversubscribed considering his durability, and whilst you might want to limit his touches I think if he falls to day three you’ll get a hell of a lot of value for the price point.”

NFL COMPARISON: TARIK COHEN

PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK

RB #10: CHUBA HUBBARD, OKLAHOMA STATE COWBOYS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 207lbs

PRO’S: Excellent blend of size, strength, agility and speed. Belies his size through the hole, showing dainty, nippy feet and is always on his toes ready to react to the changing landscape in front of him. Excellent burst through the line of scrimmage; sears through the gap on power runs and shows dramatic cut ability in zone, planting his foot and driving towards his chosen lane. Healthy top speed once into open field, but garners most yardage through adjustments and angles to avoid unnecessary early contact. Powerful lower half and stout when it comes to engaging defenders; plays with a low pad level and can drive into contact, keeping his legs churning and pushing through it. Impressive contact balance, and if defenders don’t have their body behind the tackle then he’s able to brush it off almost nonchalantly.

CON’S: Not quite as well built in his top half, and is more vulnerable to high contact. Despite quick feet behind line of scrimmage does not display agility or elusiveness in the open field - he picks his route and sticks to it. Impatient on power and gap runs, failing to let his lead blocker set up the block before outrunning him. Seemed to embrace the physical side of the game less in his final season in Stillwater, gearing down on contact and going to ground easier. Problematic ball security; holds the ball away from his frame whilst on the move, and has fumbled seven times in the last two years as a result. Battled through an ankle injury last year, and production fell off a cliff as a result. Pitiful effort as a pass protector, failing to bring physicality and a strong anchor against blitzers, often choosing to just cut block which inevitably became predictable.

SIMON CARROLL: “Chuba Hubbard’s decision to return to Oklahoma State in 2020 appears to be ill-judged. An explosive sophomore season saw him rack up more than 2,000 rushing yards and 221 touchdowns, but a combination of the disrupted season, injury and dare I say lethargy brought a disappointing final campaign with The Pokes. The big question for NFL scouts is whether 2020 was a blip or whether we have already seen the best of Hubbard, who on his day is a serious playmaking threat and a consistent producer for an offense. There’s no doubt the ankle injury inhibited him down the stretch, but is that all that held him back? If he can get back to 2019 form Hubbard would be an ideal lead back in a zone scheme where he can use that devastating one-cut agility to break off big chunks of yardage.”

NFL COMPARISON: GUS EDWARDS

PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK

RB #11: TREY SERMON, OHIO STATE BUCKEYES

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 213lbs

PRO’S: Tough ball carrier whose ability through contact makes him very difficult to get to the ground. Oozes power in the backfield, striding through the line of scrimmage and bulldozing through early contact. Once free and into the second level can open his legs, and has good top end speed once his long legs have got him going. When he’s in the mood, he’s nigh on impossible to stop - came alive down the stretch last season and destroyed both Northwestern and Clemson’s defense in the Big 10 Championship and CFP semi-final respectively, to the tune of 524 yards in total. Surprising agility beyond the line of scrimmage, making defenders miss with sharp cuts and a devastating stop-start move that belies his high-cut frame. Solid and effective as a pass protector from inside blitzes. Competent receiver of the football out of the backfield despite limited opportunities in college.

CON’S: Needs to develop instincts behind the line of scrimmage; utilised in tow open offenses at college with a lot of inside and outside zone runs yet didn’t always have the feel for the correct hole. Processing speed from hole development to putting his foot in the ground and bursting through it a shade off. Very much a momentum running back with spells of ineffectiveness. Lack of true physicality for a bigger back, gearing down on contact rather than running through it. Needs to play with better leverage, particularly through the LOS and at the point of contact. Injury has had something of an effect on his college career, missing significant time in 2019 and leaving the National Championship game in 2020 after just one carry with a shoulder problem.

SIMON CARROLL: “Highly touted coming out of high school, Trey Sermon started as a freshman in Oklahoma and gave them two solid if unspectacular seasons of production. Expecting a break out in 2019, injury scuppered his season and he decided to finish his collegiate career at Ohio State. Showing better consistency but a lack of explosion, things finally clicked for Sermon down the stretch and he is an ascending prospect in this class as a result. Whilst he looks every inch an NFL running back, I would temper expectations if you’re basing them on the Northwestern & Clemson games - Sermon’s full career has not consistently had that game-changing ability. His competency in the passing game and in pass protection give him a feather in his cap other ball carriers may not have, but I would argue his role at the next level is that of a change of pace or backup running back.”

NFL COMPARISON: LATAVIUS MURRAY

PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK

RB #12: KYLIN HILL, MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS

Height: 5’10”.   Weight: 214lbs

PRO’S: Brooding, physical ball carrier who is full throttle on every single carry. Strong throughout his entire body, with thick muscular legs and a stout lower half matched by a wide and burly torso. An absolute nightmare to get to the ground; trucks through contact with defenders pinging off him, and has the power in his lower half to run through low tackle attempts. Hits the hole hard and powers through the line of scrimmage. Doesn’t look to evade contact and doesn’t need to; still gets impressive yardage despite having to fight through attention. Quick decision maker who won’t be caught deliberating with the ball in his hand. Remarkably durable for a prospect with such an aggressive style of play, missing no contests. Production skyrocketed as a junior, with 1,350 rushing yards and ten scores in thirteen games.

CON’S: One dimensional running back; gets the ball, sees the hole and hits it. Little evidence of agility behind the line of scrimmage or in the open field - lack of cutting ability to make defenders miss and likely not suited to zone running schemes where stringing out the play before cutting back through the gap is needed. Little patience shown in the backfield, trying to press through the line before the gap has developed. Very much a momentum back, with as many big games on his resume as there were quiet ones, and has feasted on the easier competition. Uncomfortable as a pass catcher and has limited versatility out of the backfield. Improved field vision and better angles taken could have seen greater yardage returns.

SIMON CARROLL: “2020 will be a year that we remember for a lot of reasons, but Kylin Hill’s threat to never play for Mississippi State again unless the state flag was changed was a highlight, and shows the maturity and esteem to which this prospect is held in by his peers. On the field he is a blunt force instrument who punishes defenders for even having the temerity to try and bring him down, and plays with a physicality and intimidation that not many players can match. His lack of versatility was evident in 2020, and his fit in new HC Mike Leach‘s offense was predictably awkward. He did the smart thing to opt out, leave some tread on his tires and prepare for the draft, but a two-down, tone-setting role in a backfield committee is likely his best usage.”

NFL COMPARISON: MIKE DAVIS

PROJECTION: 4TH ROUND PICK

RB #13: LARRY ROUNTREE, MISSOURI TIGERS

Height: 5’10”.   Weight: 216lbs

PRO’S: Robust ball carrier with the requisite size for the NFL. Nice all-round game with a determination to get every yard on offer. Impressive burst to the line of scrimmage; runs with urgency yet plays on the balls of his feet ready to adapt to the changing landscape. Quick footwork makes subtle lateral movements easy and effective, keeping clean from immediate danger and getting further downhill. Can gear down and up very quickly - plants his foot in the ground and turns on the gas. Ultra-physical when the time comes - will embrace contact and fight for more yardage, and has proven to be a capable goalline back during his time at Missouri. Serious body of work at Mizzou, with almost 800 touches in 48 games and no injury history of note.

CON’S: Predictable. Has some short area movement to avoid early contact but won’t change course and basically takes what the play gives him. Top speed is unimpressive, and open fields usually result in being caught quickly from behind rather than big plays to flip the field. Has a high pad level and despite throwing aggression into contact will often be stifled as the defender wins the leverage battle. Not particularly a factor as a pass catcher - his biggest yard total through the air in any one season was 100 yards as a senior, although he showed his capability in Senior Bowl practices. Slightly disappointing results as a pass protector considering commitment he demonstrates with the ball in hand - technique issues mostly to blame.

SIMON CARROLL: “Larry Rountree has the feel of an overachiever who has created production at Missouri that his traits and skillset don’t particularly match up with; he runs bigger and tougher than he is, and he shows some niftiness and urgency that his agility and speed don’t match. That’s a testament to his dedication and effort, yet it likely means that there’s not much more to come from him and his ceiling is low as a prospect. There are definite areas he could stand to improve such as ball security and being a feature in the passing game, something Mizzou’s offense seldom asked of him. That will increase his appeal to teams, and when you factor in the consistency, reliability and work ethic he provides he has the potential to be a true change of pace back at the next level. A mid-round selection feels right for his services.”

NFL COMPARISON: ISAIAH CROWELL

PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK

RB #14: ELIJAH MITCHELL, LOUISIANA RAGIN' CAJUNS

Height: 5’10”.   Weight: 215lbs

PRO’S: Prototypical size, strength and speed for an NFL running back. Well-proportioned frame with good thickness in both his lower and upper halves. Stout lower half and able to get low on contact and ride tackles. Strong arms and upper body allow him to bounce off defenders who come at him high. Despite thick frame prefers to avoid rather than engage; runs with excellent balance at speed, showing an ability to remain on his feet despite body leaning elsewhere to avoid contact. Has all the moves in his arsenal and not afraid to employ them to get more yardage, and will finish with a thump if there’s nothing more to be had. Impressive vision and instincts behind the line of scrimmage, excelling on zone runs where he can push hard laterally and jolt back through gaps. Blew away speed concerns with a blazing 4.32 second 40 yard dash at Louisiana’s pro day.

CON’S: Short-area quickness is his primary weakness; no notable burst through the line of scrimmage, and sharp lateral movements like stutter steps, cuts or stop-start moves aren’t particularly effective - he won’t be juking linebackers out of their cleats, rather sliding by them with good body contortion. Faster in shorts than in pads and his long speed doesn’t hold out for huge gains. Likes to bounce runs outside but doesn’t necessarily get to the corner before the edge has been set by the defense, resulting in negative plays. Flashed some ability as a pass catcher out of the backfield but not a big enough workload to be confident in a projection. Not particularly creative; he lives and dies by the play called and isn’t known for making something out of nothing.

SIMON CARROLL: “Louisiana is becoming something of an offensive line and running back production line, and 2020 was no different in that regard. Elijah Mitchell (and his partner in crime Trey Ragas) feasted in this offense, exploiting the zone running game to constantly get to the second level of the defense and rack up yardage. Mitchell’s college resume speaks for itself; approaching 4,000 all-purpose yards over 42 games in a committee backfield, and because he shared duties with Ragas he enters the league relatively fresh with little tread lost off his tires. The usual narrative of wondering how he would fare against elite opposition is of course worth pondering; As per PFF, Mitchell only had 44 carries versus Power-5 defenses in his entire career. But to suggest that pigeon holes him as a complimentary back at best I think is unfair. He’s productive, durable, physical and has enough athleticism to thrive in the NFL, and finding a home on an offense that utilises an inside zone run game would be ideal.”

NFL COMPARISON: ENO BENJAMIN

PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK

RB #15: JERMAR JEFFERSON, OREGON STATE BEAVERS

Height: 5’9”.   Weight: 215lbs

PRO’S: Productive low-cut running back who thrived in Oregon State’s zone running scheme. Stocky and burly with good weight that his short frame carries very well. Shows excellent vision in the backfield, figuring out the lane with the best opportunity for maximum yardage before putting his foot in the ground and attacking the hole. Quick processing speed allows him to diagnose and engage instantly. Physical finisher to every carry; low stature with good base allows him to drive through final contact and fall forward to finish. Excellent motor and brings the edge throughout the contest, wearing down defenses. Excellent agility to help his cutbacks, either through the line of scrimmage or eluding would be tacklers at the next level. Reliable as an escape valve out of the backfield, showcasing good hands and usage of blockers in front of him on swing and screen passes.

CON’S: Top speed is average at best; doesn’t possess the ability to outrun contact and bring game-changing ability to consistently break off 30 yard runs. Doesn’t show the quick burst to attack gaps in traditional power or gap running schemes as effectively as he does in zone, where he can build up speed and use his smarts to identify plans of attack. Lack of early speed to consistently attack the outside and put strain on defenses trying to set the edge. Works well as an emergency option in the passing game but couldn’t call him a true receiving threat, with less than 300 yards in 27 games at Oregon State.

SIMON CARROLL: “Jermar Jefferson is a physical, insistent running back who burst onto the scene as a Freshman at Corvallis, racking up 1,280 yards and 12 TD’s on the ground as part of a heavy workload. He brings it every time he has the football in his hand, and you can physically see defenses getting tired of him as contests progress. He makes tacklers work every time there’s contact, and his lunch pail work ethic will impress NFL teams with a blue collar approach to offense. The lack of burst, speed and wow factor to his game isn’t completely prohibitive to his success at the next level, but using him in the ‘hammer’ role as a change of pace back in a predominantly zone running scheme - both inside and outside - would be the perfect usage of the skillset he brings.”

NFL COMPARISON: ZACK MOSS

PROJECTION: 5TH ROUND PICK

RB #16: CHRIS EVANS, MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

Height: 5’11”.   Weight: 216lbs

PRO’S: Big but shifty runner with a versatile and all-round game. Excellent agility; quick feet and ability to change direction at speed make him elusive and able to alter course at the drop of a hat. Shows excellent patience behind the line of scrimmage, smoothing out his speed to let the gap develop and stringing out zone runs until the best lane reveals itself. Pushes hard laterally in zone, almost to the point of overpursuing the gap before cutting back and firing through it to maximise the window. relatively tall for a running back but has low torque and plays with a good pad height, giving him excellent balance through contact - able to bounce off defenders and avoid being wrapped up. Takes good angles and makes subtle adjustments to steer clear of unnecessary contact, but can play hard and run through tackles when needed. Shows real promise as a receiver in the backfield or on short vertical routes with good hands and a feel for space.

CON’S: Remarkably small portfolio of work to lean on; Evans had two promising seasons as a backup as a sophomore and junior before missing the whole of 2019 due to an academic suspension. His return to the team in 2020 was interrupted by COVID, a lack of games and a small workload - he’s only carried the football 16 times in the last two years. Demonstrates moments of mental immaturity, where adversity such as fumbles seem to make him go missing for long stretches. Lack of breakaway speed isn’t too debilitating due to his agility, but plays where he flips the field are few and far between. Role as a blocker needs to improve and match his proficiency as a pass catcher if he is to command a role on third down.

SIMON CARROLL: “There is no doubt that Chris Evans represents a huge gamble in terms of his projection to the NFL. He simply hasn’t had the body of work necessary to make a confident appraisal of his skillset, but from what he has got on film there are definitive traits and flashes of ability that leave you excited. Teams will have to get to the root of his inability to see more snaps, and the academic suspension offers another level of unknown to his CV. As a late-round prospect though he gives the suggestion of serious upside; a running back who potentially has three-down capabilities and a complete game that only a handful of others in this draft class possess. He can fit in any running game and is well worth a punt towards the end of day three.”

PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK

RB #17: GREG MCCRAE, UCF KNIGHTS

Height: 5’10”.   Weight: 175lbs

PRO’S: Lightning fast straight line speed that will be a challenge for any defender to keep up with. Streaks through the line of scrimmage at pace, with ridiculous foot quickness to be ready to react to danger entering his peripheral vision. Excellent agility, with the loose hips and ankles to make devastating cuts that turn defenders inside out. Excellent anticipation; seems to know when holes will develop and shows good timing to hit them before opponents can react. Extremely physical finisher despite his slender frame, lowering his shoulder and putting everything he has into contact. No issue running between the tackles, with plenty of A/B gap totes on his resume as well as the more predictable outside runs. Shows proficiency as a check down receiving threat even if not used in that role so much at UCF. Remarkably durable too with no injury or note in his four years in Orlando.

CON’S: Small. Plays tough but there’s no way 175lbs is going to absorb the contact a starting running back takes in the NFl, and he’s likely a complementary back at the next level. Cannot question effort or aggression, but play strength is naturally a shortcoming and contact usually means the end of the play - McCrae won’t bounce off tackles for extra yardage. SImilar scenario as a blocker; attentive to his duties but picking up bigger blitzers will be a struggle. Exploded as a sophomore with huge production but never came close to replicating those numbers in his final two years as defenses were aware of his playmaking abilities and bottled him up. Abilities as a kick returner rather unknown  - sat back 20 times for the kickoff in his final two years, and the ball was touched back on every single one of them.

SIMON CARROLL: “Greg McCrae is an explosive, game-changing talent who - if it wasn’t for his diminutive frame - would be much higher up teams draft boards right now. The combination of speed and field vision he possesses make him a threat every time he has the football, and it feels like there is almost untapped potential lurking in him as a real receiving threat and kick returner that will give a franchise a real return on investment. His size is without doubt prohibitive, despite the intensity and ‘small man syndrome’ he brings to each snap, and most teams will regard him as a player you give limited exposures to in order to maximise the impact and elongate his shelf life. Clever offensive coordinators with room for s skillset like this in their RB room will be thinking of how to get McCrae the ball in space and let him off the leash. This kid gets drafted, and makes an impact at the next level.”

PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND

RB #18: POOKA WILLIAMS, KANSAS JAYHAWKS

Height: 5’10”.   Weight: 175lbs

PRO’S: Lightning quick, jitterbug running back who is able to adapt his runs on the fly and create yardage out of nothing. Has all the speed and acceleration needed to be a facet as an outside runner, comfortably quick enough to reach the corner and head upfield. Plenty of experience at Kansas between the tackles too, showing excellent burst through the line when his lane is kept clean, and good cutting ability to evade immediate trouble. Extremely patient running back and thrives in zone blocking schemes where he can see the field and choose his gap. Shows good balance through contact, can bounce off tacklers and does well to maintain his feet when hit low. Excellent receiving threat out of the backfield who has sure hands and can get upfield in a hurry, but also has the versatility to line up as a receiver. Has game-changing, big play ability in those cleats.

CON’S: Way too light for a full-time, lead back role. Some running backs his height have 50lbs on him. Struggles through the line of scrimmage with any kind of interference or squeezing of his lane, and if defensive linemen can get their hands on him before he’s cleared the LOS he’s going down. Poor situation at Kansas meant the inside run game was tough, and he’s developed an over-eagerness to bounce outside which he will need to unlearn. Durability is a big concern, not just because of his lean frame but for the brutal hits he lets his body be susceptible to in search of extra yards. Zero effectiveness in pass protection. Williams was arrested for domestic violence towards a female on the Kansas campus in December 2018.

SIMON CARROLL: “A much-coveted high school star, Williams surprised many when he selected Kansas as his collegiate destination, but it didn’t take long for him to make his mark in Lawrence. Almost 2,700 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns in his first two years shows his production capabilities, and whilst a lot of that yardage came on huge chunk plays he deserves credit for racking up such numbers for a program that routinely languishes at the bottom of the Big 10. Williams was found out in 2020 though, as defenses squeezed him at the line of scrimmage and preyed on his lack of play strength. Unless he can somehow pile on healthy weight it’s a crutch he’ll have to bear at the next level too, and likely restricts him to a 3rd down role - but his ability in the passing game should mean he thrives in such a scenario. Domestic violence has quite rightly become an issue that delivers serious consequences to your career in the NFL, and Williams will be drafted late as a result. But there’s no doubt he has game-changing ability.”

NFL COMPARISON: WENDELL SMALLWOOD
PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK 

RB #19: RHAMONDRE STEVENSON OKLAHOMA SOONERS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 227lbs

PRO’s: Huge. Absolute bully of a running back who is willing to run through anyone to get to his destination. Literally has zero pity on tacklers, punishing them for trying to stop him. Never gets brought down by first contact, and will carry a body with him if necessary before a helping hand stops him. Not slow either - can move that frame vertically and really builds up a head of steam as he ploughs through the line of scrimmage. Thrives running behind a blocker on the move and shows good anticipation to vary his course dependent on what the protection does. Rarely used as a receiver but showcased soft hands and a comfort in space from swing passes etc when called upon. Has the frame and aggression necessary to be a proficient blocker.

CON’S: Lack of agility makes him pretty much a north-south runner; Lack of lateral movement to get to the corner or flow behind a moving line in a zone scheme. Stiff hips and lack of burst make cuts laboured, and more rumbles through holes rather than darts through them. Questionable decision making behind the line of scrimmage; better suited to a gap or power scheme rather than zone where he has to determine the best gap to attack. Straight line speed is good but takes some time to get up to it, and you wouldn’t say he explodes through the line. Style of play likely to result in a shorter career as all the contact takes it’s toll. Better technique and effort picking up blitzers will be expected at the next level. Failed a drugs test and was suspended by Oklahoma for 6 games between 2019 & 2020, including the playoff semi-final versus LSU.

SIMON CARROLL: “Rhamondre Stevenson spent some time in the JuCo ranks before belatedly joining the top level of college football. Just two years and only 165 carries is not a lot of tape to get a full picture of his skillset or projection as an NFL prospect. What he does show is an aggressive, powerful running style that no defender wants a part of, and you can see opponents wearing down as games progress. There is little nuance to his style, and you don’t want to overcomplicate his role in an offense, but as a downhill runner that can come in and offer a change of pace he can be very effective. The failed drugs test is a concern and teams won’t invest anything other than a day three pick in him, but he can definitely play at the next level.

NFL COMPARISON: JOIQUE BELL

PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK

RB #20: TREY RAGAS, LOUISIANA RAGIN' CAJUNS

Height: 5’10”.   Weight: 227lbs

PRO’S: Stout, compact running back with a low centre of gravity who can rumble down the field and dig out the hard yards for an offense. Low cut, thick frame that looks extremely durable; zero injury issues throughout a four year, 49 game career at Louisiana. Excellent production levels every year for the Ragin’ Cajuns and was remarkably consistent in terms of yardage, YPC and touchdowns. Physical runner; does’t go looking for contact but is unperturbed when it arrives, making himself difficult to latch on to and bounces off tackles. Love his contact balance as he pinballs off defenders; excellent ability to stay on his feet despite distortion of torso away from legs and often running backwards. Ultra-secure with the football - first and only fumble was recorded on Boxing Day of 2020 in his final collegiate game. Shows good timing in zone runs to hit the hole at its widest.

CON’S: One-speed running back with little agility or elusiveness to his game; simply bowls into you and if you don’t wrap him up, he’ll keep on going. Stiff hips in his lateral movements - no jump cuts witnessed on tape and linebackers will feel confident they have him contained. Zero breakaway speed and doesn’t have a big play in his locker. Stole most of the passing down snaps off Elijah MItchell but seemed less suited to the role - awkward hands and looked uncomfortable on dump offs waiting patiently for the football. Poor angles taken once through the line of scrimmage to delay contact for as long as possible. Little in the way of reactionary quicks to take advantage of unexpected opportunity or blown assignments from the defense.

SIMON CARROLL: “As a running back tandem, Trey Ragas and Elijah Mitchell were the perfect compliment to each other, and the Louisiana run game was an absolute force in the Sun Belt the last few years. There’s no doubt that Ragas’ game isn’t as nuanced as his former team mate; he’s a bowling ball running back that will get everything on offer from the play you called but little else. He reminds me quite a lot of CJ Anderson in that regard; can hit the hole and will take some bodies with him, but don’t expect him much further than 10 yards beyond the line of scrimmage. Ever. Unlike some similar skillsets in this draft Ragas may have some saving attributes; his goalline production was impressive and he figures to be an excellent gunner on special teams. If a team has a power run scheme and wants a hammer to protect their star running back, they could do a lot worse than to check out Ragas.”

PROJECTION: 6TH ROUND PICK 

RB #21: BRENDEN KNOX, MARSHALL THUNDERING HERD

Height: (5’10”).   Weight: 205lbs

PRO’S: Cut the way they like ‘em in the NFL. Condensed, packed frame with a low center of gravity. Excellent knee bend and pad level keep him even lower to the ground and make it a nightmare to win the leverage battle against him, particularly when he’s operating in pass protection. Rather sinister level of aggression at the point of contact; isn’t focused on finding it but never wavers when it’s there, and keeps his legs churning through the contact to break free or fall forward. Despite the physical demeanour he appreciates avoiding contact is the priority, and employs a filthy stiff arm to keep hands off his frame. Not fast but is quick; surprises you once in a while with a quick step or adjustment that makes defenders whiff on him. Fair burst through the line but runs with urgency on every snap.

CON’S: Somewhat hasty; seems uncomfortable loitering in the backfield and prefers finding his gap immediately, as if he’s happy to have eradicated the chance of negative yardage even if it’s removed the opportunity for a longer play. A little more patience and vision to let his blocks develop and select the correct course would enhance his game to the next level. Seems to panic a little when through the wash, and not sure what the best angle or direction is on big breaking plays - could have added more scores onto his resume. Lack of top speed precludes him from outrunning pursuit. Feels like a lack of natural confidence in his own game and decision making is affected as a result. Meagre role in the passing game at Marshall.

SIMON CARROLL: “Brenden Knox was a fun watch. When he’s on his game he’s a serious handful for defenders, and they do not enjoy seeing him in the fourth quarter; He’s a clever blend of initial quickness and physical finisher that has seen him cultivate a decent career in Huntington. His aggressive streak has seen him pick up a lot of redzone duties which could translate well to an early down, short yardage role at the next level, and averaging almost 100 yards a game would leave you thinking he could be a bit more than that. The intangibles sometimes seem to hold Knox back - he seems unsure and doubts himself on occasion, and his rhythm can get interrupted when it happens. If he played with more instinctiveness I think he’d be seriously coveted by NFL teams as a rotational piece in their RB room. Regardless, I can see him getting drafted and he could surprise a few people.”

PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK.

RB #22: CJ MARABLE, COASTAL CAROLINA CHANTICLEERS

Height: 5’10”.   Weight: 190lbs

PRO’S: Productive ball carrier who proved to be a pass-catching weapon at Coastal Carolina. Well-rounded and balanced game; 

smooth accelerator with the ball in his hand and has enough juice to test defenses in the short area beyond the line of scrimmage. Well-proportioned frame if not a little small, and Marable didn’t miss a game during his time at Conway, playing 36 games and recording 575 touches without injury. Smart and evasive with the ball in hand and does well to take subtle angles and lean his body to avoid tackles - shows good balance when his body isn’t directly over his legs. Excellent hands and was a real threat as a receiver, not just on the classic dump offs but also on angle routes and could work the area between linebackers and secondary. Serious special teams potential after featuring as a kick returner the last three years for the Chanticleers.

CON’S: Lack of true speed and doesn’t scare defenses in terms of breaking off huge plays. Evasive but not agile - sharp cuts or stop-start moves aren’t a part of his repertoire and he merely delays contact rather than avoids it completely. Undersized frame has proved durable but lets him down at the point of contact - not many examples of him breaking tackles or bouncing off bodies. Ball security is an issue, with five recorded fumbles in his final year alone. Little in the way of creativity out of the backfield; commits to a running lane and lives or dies with that decision rather than adjusting to the defense. Likely role as a third down back betrayed by his ineffectiveness in pass protection.

SIMON CARROLL: “CJ Marable is an intriguing running back that seems to offer competency in most aspects of the position but doesn’t particularly excel at anything. He’s a reliable ball carrier who racked up almost 2,700 yards across three seasons at Coastal Carolina at a healthy 5.5 yards per carry, but rarely threatened the deep field with the ball in hand and it’s likely he won’t match those levels of production in the NFL. The extra-curricular attributes and value he brings to the table will likely get him drafted - he’s extremely competent as a receiver and will be an option on special teams, but his role is largely capped as a third down back who needs to get much better blocking if he’s to elongate his pro career.”

PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK

RB #23: GERRID DOAKS, CINCINNATI BEARCATS

Height: 6’1”.   Weight: 225lbs

PRO’S: Monster of a running back who plays with aggression. Stacked throughout his body; big chest and thick muscular legs give him impressive functional play strength at every facet of the position. Power running style that - for the most part - invites contact and considers tackles as collateral damage to be taken along with him for the ride. Simply will not stop going until he has earned every yard on offer. Urgent to the line of scrimmage but not rash, and shows good play diagnosis and adjustment to choose the best path. Surprisingly quick feet in this regard; able to bounce to an alternative lane or make healthy cuts to take advantage of better space. Simply dominant as a blocker; pre-snap smarts on show again here as he’s able to detect where blitzes are coming from, and eagerly greets them with strength. 

CON’S: Can move, but wouldn’t refer to him as agile. Stiff hips make lateral movement sluggish and zone scheme reps aren’t going to lend themselves to his skillset. Unable to avoid contact in the open field, making every carry a physical one. Basic angles taken downfield mean pursuit is at his heels quickly, and game-changing plays are at a premium. Looked more proficient in the passing game as a senior but wasn’t something he showcased a whole lot over his Bearcat career, and is likely little more than a check down option in that regard. Unspectacular production numbers in his college career. Had some injuries at Cincinnati that have caused him to miss gametime, including missing the whole of the 2018 season with vague groin and hip ailments. Some fumbling issues displayed at the quarterback exchange.

SIMON CARROLL: “Watching Gerrid Doaks rampage down the field makes me nervous for the defense; he’s like a runaway train that gets faster the further he goes, with little intention of stopping. Whilst he’s not a blunt force instrument and has some modest movement skills, his primary modus operandi is to get the ball downfield in a straight line and woe betide anyone who tries to stop him. NFL scouts will love his commitment levels, particularly as a blocker, and it’s a skillset that lends itself well to a third down, short-yardage back who can also be useful in pass protection. Whilst he’s shown no ill-effects of the injuries, it is a warning that his physical style of play may mean a short shelf life, and the production compared to other prospects at this position is underwhelming. But he should hear his name called and could stick around in the league for a while.”

PROJECTION: 7TH ROUND PICK

RB #24: DEON JACKSON, DUKE BLUE DEVILS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 220lbs

PRO’S: Big, tough running back with the measurables that NFL scouts covet. Smooth, patient runner behind the line, with an easy manner in which he builds up speed to hit the hole in a power scheme or flow to the lane in zone. Shows good patience and allows his route to develop, and works well behind pulling lead blockers to allow them to establish their block before running past them. Long strider who, once in full flow, covers ground quickly. Plays with good leverage for a taller back, keeping his pads low on contact and giving himself a fair shot to fall forward. Versatile - receives passes out of the backfield, can line up in the slot as a pass catcher, has shown proficiency as a kick returner and can even throw the football on trick plays, which he did three times for Duke - one a first down, one a touchdown, and one an interception. Team captain and locker room leader.

CON’S: Athletic profile falls short of standards scouts look for. Unimpressive burst through the line of scrimmage - acceleration is rather elongated and it takes him some time to build up reasonable speed. Lack of quick feet to plant and go when the opportunity arises, and struggles to get to the corner on outside runs before the defense gets there. Anticipation for contact through the line is subpar; unable to sense the lane being squeezed and gets caught up in the wash too easily, resulting in negative yardage or minimal gains. Holds the ball away from his frame whilst moving and has had a fumbling issue at Duke, putting the ball on the ground 11 times, 5 in his final season. Not the surest of hands in the passing game despite being used heavily as a receiver; anything outside his frame is an effort and he dropped 9 out of 87 targets in his four years at Durham.

SIMON CARROLL: “For a physical banger of a ball carrier Deon Jackson has many facets to his game, making him a rather intriguing late-round prospect for teams looking for the complete package on third down. To earn that moniker though he’ll need to clean up a lot of holes in his skillset - the ball security is the biggie that teams will just not tolerate from a backup. The frequency at which Duke moved him around the formation contradicts how poor his hands can be at times, perhaps an overeagerness to get downfield and do what he does best, which is run over people. With the ball in his hand and room to run into he can be quite formidable, and whilst he won’t be challenging the top of depth charts some dedication to the fundamentals and a bit of development of the nuances of the position could see him create a role for himself in an NFL offense.”

NFL PREDICTION: 7TH ROUND PICK

RB #25: BEN MASON, MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

Height: 6’3”.   Weight: 256lbs

PRO’S: Fullback prospect that has all the measurables you want from a lead blocker at the next level. Filthy aggressive in his blocking duties; takes an almost perverse pleasure in lining up a linebacker, taking him for a backwards walk then putting him in the ground. Excellent fundamentals; plays with his feet underneath him and comes in low, driving upwards and moving people at will. Can move - speed he gets to the second level is impressive. Rarely used as a playmaking weapon at Michigan, but was very effective as a goal line hammer his first couple of seasons in Ann Arbor, notching up nine touchdowns. Showed some versatility, playing a handful of defensive snaps (used to be a linebacker at high school) and will likely be used as a h-back on occasion in the NFL. Just three catches for the Wolverines but had soft hands and further demonstrated upside as a pass catcher during practices at the Senior Bowl.

CON’S: Lack of production as a ball carrier or receiver, in today’s NFL, makes it difficult to justify a roster spot. Just 87 rushing yards in his college career on 37 carries - has little in the way of agility or ability to make defenders miss and gain hidden yardage. Literally just a hole hitter at full pelt. Had more incompletions as a receiver than he did catches. As a blocker, locks on to his intended target ahead of the snap and is a little rusty identifying and flipping to other dangers that present themselves throughout the play. 

SIMON CARROLL: “I can’t remember the last time I evaluated a true fullback! Watching Ben Mason in action is so much fun; he’s a throwback to the good old days of smashmouth football and it’s refreshing to see him carve out a big role at a power five program in an era of vertical collegiate offenses, albeit in one of the tougher running conferences. Anyone expecting the next Kyle Juszczyk might want to temper expectations; he’s had little exposure to the football in his four years at Michigan, and was there primarily to move people for the guy who does have the ball. That being said, the little evidence we have seen is promising, and he definitely turned heads in Mobile with some stellar practices and splash moments in the actual Senior Bowl game itself. Outside of that, as a blocker, likely core special teamer and bonus short yardage weapon, there’s definitely a roster spot awaiting him. He might get drafted, he might not - but he’s going to have a pro career.”

PROJECTION: UDFA

RB #26: RAKEEM BOYD, ARKANSAS RAZORBACKS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 213lbs

PRO’S: Versatile, intriguing rusher who lives life between the tackles but has shown proficiency being aligned sporadically as a receiver at Arkansas. Healthy size and weight, with good play strength that suits his physical style of running. Excellent patience behind the line of scrimmage, with a good trigger to move when it’s time to do so; waits for the hole  to develop then sticks his foot in the ground and bursts through. Got healthy athleticism for more of a power back, which he blends with smart angles to get through the open field as efficiently as possible. Reactive ball carrier who can change mode of attack based on what he sees. Finishes strongly through contact. Useful threat out of the backfield and is comfortable in roles outside the remit of a traditional running back.

CON’S: Production slightly disappointing, particularly in his senior year where he looked a little battle weary and averaged just 3.8 yards per carry. For the varied offering in the passing game he never had more than 165 yards receiving in a season and never caught a touchdown pass. Lack of notable acceleration; bounces into gaps rather than blazes through them, and prefers zone runs where he can build up some momentum and cut back into a lane. Smart trajectories with the ball in hand but a noted lack of agility when it comes to avoiding contact, instead preferring to lower his shoulder and run through it. Meagre offering in pass protection, picking up blitzers late and almost a token offering of effort to keep his quarterback clean.

SIMON CARROLL; “Rakeem Boyd has had something of a nomadic college career, starting liffe out at Texas A&M before starring in the JuCo ranks and finally settling at SEC level with Arkansas. Boyd is a composed, patient ball carrier who is quite methodical in his approach to the position  but offers little in the way of dynamism or explosive plays. The consistent yardage he garnered in his first two years in Fayetteville faded away in 2020, a surprise considering it was a season with some signs of promise for the Razorbacks. His one-dimensional style of play is saved by his versatility in the passing game, but even that dried up as a senior with just ten receptions in six contests. It’s hard to see him garnering much interest from the NFL ranks, although scouts with fond memories of his junior campaign might pound the table for a late day 3 selection to see if there’s anything still in the tank.”

PROJECTION: UDFA

RB #27: SPENCER BROWN, UAB BLAZERS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 235lbs

PRO’S: Broad, physical downhill runner. Ridiculous muscle mass on his frame; so big and bulky in both his lower and upper body it takes some play strength for a single defender to match his power. Excellent field vision and reaction speed behind the line of scrimmage; early diagnosis of a defense’s intentions allows him to pick an advantageous route and quick adjustment gets him there, beyond the line and into the open field. Decisive early in his carry based on what he has seen, and commits full blooded to it. Stout anchor allows him to comfortably pick up blitzers in pass protection, and on the rare occasion he had to get out and lead block he relished it - almost as much as carrying the ball itself.

CON’S: Just a battering ram. Hits the hole and goes for it, straight line and down the throats of a defense. No extra gear, no clinical burst; a on-speed runner who can move but you would not call him fast. Little to no demonstration of agility beyond the line of scrimmage; stiff hips mean no wiggle to juke tackles, and lack of knee bend and ankle flexion brings laboured cuts when he attempts them - contact is inevitable. Speaking of which for a really big, brawny back he is far from dominant at the point of contact. Doesn’t get low enough and can get stonewalled by linebackers 20lbs lighter than him. Not a factor in the passing game; just 20 receptions in his four year career.

SIMON CARROLL: “ 2,500 yards and 26 touchdowns in his first two years in Birmingham put Spencer Brown on the map. A junior season dogged by injury was followed up with a nice bounce-back season in his final year at UAB, and he leaves college with an incredible 4,000 yards and 41 touchdowns on the ground. With numbers like that and the size he possesses, you would assume a pro career was on the cards, but Brown’s one-dimensional game really is rather limited and it doesn’t project well to a role at the next level. A downhill runner with a lack of notable foot speed who can’t evade contact and isn’t overly competitive when it arrives anyway is not the most in-demand skillset. He will probably find home at a training camp but a roster spot, or even a role on the practice squad is far from certain.

PROJECTION: UDFA

RB #28: CALEB HUNTLEY, BALL STATE CARDINALS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 226lbs

PRO’S: Bruising ball carrier who looks to have the mindset of a linebacker at the point of contact. Brings intensity to every carry, relishing meeting tacklers and running right through them. North-south runner who shows little hesitation or indecisiveness behind the line of scrimmage; determines early if his planned lane is viable and if it is, he hits it hard. If not? Hit a different lane hard instead. Ultra-physical style wears defenses down as games progress. Has a very good top speed for his size, and is like a runaway train if allowed to build up momentum. Consistent producer of yardage, breaking 1,000 yards as a freshman and average close to 5 yards a carry every season, with small but healthy increases year on year. 

CON’S: Significant lack of agility. Zero shiftiness in the backfield to exploit developing, advantageous routes, and doesn’t have much wiggle in the open field to juke or cut away from incoming attention. Power runner only with just a single focus of running through the designated hole and getting the most yards - little creativity with the ball in hand. Field vision is sufficient to appreciate imminent contact but not enough to avoid it. Rarely asked to block at Ball State, despite his size suggesting he should be accomplished in such a role. Very little effect in the passing game with just nineteen catches in his college career. Spotty but significant injury history, missing half of his sophomore campaign with an achilles injury (it hampered him through his six starts too, averaging just over six carries per tilt), and fractured ribs as a senior which ultimately led to him opting out after three games.

SIMON CARROLL: “The epitome of reliability, Caleb Huntley was leaned upon heavily by the Cardinals during his four seasons in Muncie. Bringing fire and brimstone to every carry he became something of a cult icon for the Ball State team, yet his projection to the NFL appears rather limited. A linebacker carrying the football, Huntley will run through brick walls for you but never round them, and because of that he leaves a lot of yards on the field. His physical style of play has already had it’s effect on his college career and it’s safe to presume a similar scenario would unfold at the next level. Even if he remains free of injury, his game is too one-dimensional to be anything other than a bottom of the roster guy, and his inexperience as a blocker, receiver or special teams contributor does not bode well for him. He may get a shot in training camp, but carving out a career will be tough.”

PROJECTION: UDFA

RB #29: JAQUAN HARDY, TIFFIN DRAGONS

Height: 5’8”.   Weight: 211lbs.

PRO’S: Hardy is a D2 prospect with the size, power and athletic build to potentially make the jump to the pros. His solid pro day included a 4.56 dash with a 1.58 10-yard split. He added a 33” vertical, 9-11 broad jump, 6.98 cone drill and an impressive 21 reps on the bench. The Tiffin runner put up dominant production over lower-level competition over three seasons. He finished with a monster 2019 season that included 1,554 rush yards at 7.6 per attempt and 15 rushing touchdowns. A high character prospect, he has done significant community work and persevered to overcome a potential career ending injury.

The bowling ball back has an NFL caliber frame, short-area quickness and burst. The lower body explosion demonstrated results in some dramatic lateral cuts and shifts to evade potential tacklers. Hardy consistently makes full use of his shorter frame, low center of gravity and natural pad level. That contributes toward the impressive contact balance that is a staple of many of his highlight plays. He is regularly able to bounce off contact, maintain forward momentum, break tackles and extend runs for larger gains. Hardy finds ways to keep his feet in situations where most others would go down. He throws in an effective stiff-arm for added impact.

CON’S: Hardy brings a lot of positives as a ball carrier, but currently lacks a well-rounded and complete skill set. There are improvements required as a receiver and pass protector. He has modest usage and production in the passing game, with a maximum of 15 catches in a season and 38 total over three seasons. His hands appear solid but can be imprecise as a route runner. A poor combination of recognition, setup and technique in pass protection, Hardy is currently unreliable in that area.

The Dragons RB takes advantage of being a better athlete and physical presence than most of the overmatched D2 competition he faces. That also means he can take some opportunities to dance in the backfield, extend plays laterally and overcome some questionable vision and decision making to still make positive plays. However, he likely will have to adapt and tighten up his running style for the step up from D2 to the pros. He has had some fumbling issues with 9 in three seasons, including 6 in 2017. He cleaned that up on his return in 2019 with just one fumble on the year.

The sometimes-questionable vision is noticeable both in the initial phase at the line of scrimmage in showing patience and setting up his blockers, as well as in space on the second level. There is not a great deal of nuance in how he sets up linebackers to declare early. As a result, he can be inconsistent at maximizing available potential yardage. Hardy has a possible medical red flag, missing the 2018 season with a knee injury. It was significant enough that there was concern as to whether he would be able to play again.

REBECCA RENNIE: “Hardy can be a frustrating watch at times. Incredible plays to escape tackles and bully his way through contact are contrasted by debatable feel, patience and vision in other examples. Improving his pass protection will be a must in order to earn snaps on offense. If he can refine his game however, he has clear NFL-level tools. Hardy is explosive and physical with outstanding balance. The upside may result in hearing his name on Day 3 of the draft. If undrafted, he should be quickly snapped up as a priority free agent.”

PROJECTION: UDFA

RB #30: STEVIE SCOTT, INDIANA HOOSIERS

Height: 6’2”.   Weight: 231lbs

PRO’S: Absolutely ripped. Stacked powerful frame that oozes strength. Controlled, deliberate game with a confidence he can outpower anyone at the point of contact. Shows composure and patience in the backfield to let his blocks develop before attacking the hole. Shifty; can adjust his movement through the line and in the tight confined areas to keep his balance and feet moving. When he sees the field, he cranks things up; builds up to a fair speed and is a problem to stop; simply does not slow down upon impact. Gets extremely good leverage for a man his size, dropping his pads and firing up into contact, trucking defenders out of the way. Excellent yards after contact average, rarely going down with a single tackle. 4th and short hero, seemingly getting the hard yards when needed. Redzone weapon on inside runs, hitting paydirt regularly for Indiana.

CON’S: Sluggish movement. Limited burst through the line, taking some time to get to top speed. Getting clear of the LOS to open field is a task for Scott. Intimidating when moving at speed but doesn’t have serious quickness, and won’t outrun defenders to the endzone. Predictable, straight-line running style that, if a tackler has some strength and can square him up, should pose no real issues. Nimble footwork before the line doesn’t appear after it - no moves to elude tacklers or quick changes of direction. Exploded onto the scene at Indiana with a monster freshman campaign, but carries, yardage and average yards per carry have dwindled each year. Offers a safe pair of hands out of the backfield but little else.

SIMON CARROLL: “Stevie Scott is a powerhouse running back who makes no apologies for the style of play he brings to the table; he’s a north-south runner who - beyond the line of scrimmage - shows little agility or imagination and challenges a defense to match his power upon contact. Watch tape from his freshman year and he looks a fair bit leaner and seems to have more speed, and this is borne out in his stats; he had almost 300 less yards the following season. Perhaps the muscle mass made him lose some athleticism, but in truth he’s probably accentuated the one area of his game that stands out. Without any proven impact as a blocker Scott is basically an early down hammer with goal-line and short yardage duties. It’s a small portfolio to bring to the NFL but a team impressed by his sheer strength may look to give him an opportunity after the draft.”

PROJECTION: UDFA

RB #31: NATE MCCRARY, SAGINAW VALLEY STATE CARDINALS

Height: 6’0”.   Weight: 220lbs.

PRO’S: Already an interesting prospect, McCray has garnered some wider attention in part due to some notable testing results. Taking part at Central Michigan’s pro day, the SVSU runner reportedly ran in the low 4.4s (high 4.3’s on some watches). He added a 36” vertical, 10-5 broad jump, 4.06 shuttle and 19 bench reps. If accurate, the result is an appealing size, strength and speed profile. The play speed on film may not quite live up to the numbers but clearly has nice burst for his size.

Though taller than some backs, McCray is frequently able to lower his pads into contact with good form and leverage more often than not. Once free on the second level, he proves difficult to take down at maximum velocity. A good straight-line athlete, he also shows some shift as he navigates through bodies between the tackles. While particularly impressive when heading north, he can surprise with some effective jump cuts and bouncing the action outside.

McCrary is at his best utilizing his size and physicality. He takes on tacklers proactively as he absorbs hits. He plays up to his physical traits between the tackles and does not go down easily to the first defender. A solid power-through-contact runner, he has the leg-drive to gain good yardage after contact, finishes runs and routinely fall forward.

With more to his game that just physical attributes, McCrary should not be undersold for his positional IQ. He flashes some nice patience to set up his blockers. The Cardinals runner is generally a reliable decision maker with trustworthy vision. With a nose for the end zone, he has piled up 28 rushing scores over three seasons. The All-GLIAC 1st teamer surpassed 1,000 rush yards in 2019 at 6.3 yards per carry.

CON’S: The lack of usage as a receiver in the passing game is one of the primary concerns with McCrary. Whether just a function of the offense or a reflection of his abilities, he has had minimal impact in that area of the game. He totalled just 12 receptions over three seasons, with only two in his final year in 2019.

While there are good examples of reducing his pad level, there are his share of runs in which McCrary plays more upright. It generally does not negate the power element to his game against Division 2 defenders. However, more consistent pad level will aid his chances of continuing to be productive at the NFL level.

REBECCA RENNIE: “Several undrafted small school running backs have found success in the NFL when landing with the right team. The Chargers’ Austin Ekeler and James Robinson of the Jaguars last year are prominent examples. McCrary has potential of being the next, given his intriguing combination of frame, power and movement at his size. He has developmental potential, possibly via the practice squad initially.”

PROJECTION: UDFA

Mock Draft

SIMON CARROLL

HEAD OF CFB/NFL DRAFT CONTENT

PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN SCOUTING DRAFT PROSPECTS FOR MORE THAN A DECADE.  HE FULLY MIGRATED TO THE TOUCHDOWN AS HEAD OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND NFL DRAFT CONTENT IN JULY 2019. ALL THE RANKINGS ABOVE ARE HIS OWN, AND DO NOT NECESSARILY REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF ALL THE WRITERS AT THE TOUCHDOWN. FOR DISCUSSION OF ANY OF THE DRAFT PROSPECTS ABOVE, HIT HIM UP ON TWITTER @NFLDRAFTSI.

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