MORE: Read the latest NFL Draft news at SN's draft HQ. I would trust the same running back infinitely more on the Kansas City Chiefs than I would on the New York Jets, for example. After two seasons, the former Mr. Football in Tennessee transferred to Vanderbilt and sat out the 2017 season. He lifted 225 pounds 23 times. However, he also has the possibility of running himself out of a starting role. He's an explosive, versatile player who is dangerous in space, breaks tackles and can contribute as a runner, receiver or returner. He had 586 career carries for the Seminoles. He didn't run the 40-yard dash at the combine. In 2017, he averaged 5.2 yards per carry for … Bowden, despite not officially listed as a running back, did lead the SEC in rushing with 1,468 yards in 2019. Mick was the Overall Champion of both the 2016 Football Challenge – Roto and 2017 Play 3 Football contests hosted by CDM Sports. In 2019, Warren rushed for 1,265 yards and 14 touchdowns. He finished the season with 403 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, 1,468 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, and 348 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. If that were not bad enough, he had eight drops. https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/d8/e0/swift-dobbins-moss-041320-getty-ftr_1g4c29fiyeb9815k6hovzig0rw.png?t=2040341601&w=500&quality=80, https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/79/eb/dandre-swift-081818-getty-ftrjpg_o6sla5b0w5iq1ozx9kaoysbt1.jpg?t=852636749&w=500&quality=80, https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/fa/a0/cam-akers-051921-getty-ftr_1s6nnurkrrpw416cwoo7atn5sz.jpg?t=-599464086&w=500&quality=80, Read the latest NFL Draft news at SN's draft HQ. The SI Gambling team of golf experts breaks down their top wagers for this week’s Shriners Hospitals for Children Open. His 4.65 40-yard-dash time at the Combine left a lot to be desired, but the 5-10, 222-pounder is a tough runner and solid receiver (66 receptions, 685 yards despite playing sparingly as a freshman and missing several games as a junior). was a three-year starter for the Seminoles. He's been hurt every year except for his junior year in college since his junior year in high school. the staff at Pro Football Focus recently put out a, top 10 running backs in this year's draft class. The compact runner has the elusiveness and burst to turn the corner and run to daylight, but he also showed a willingness to run the ball between the tackles. It's tough to say, but one thing we do know is there are several who have the potential to provide an immediate impact. His game against SMU showed the type of upside he has with the ball in his hands. 40-yard dash: 4.39. Taylor finished his career with 3,182 rushing yards, which ranks fifth all-time at Arizona. https://images.daznservices.com/di/library/sporting_news/fa/a0/cam-akers-051921-getty-ftr_1s6nnurkrrpw416cwoo7atn5sz.jpg?t=-599464086&w=500&quality=80. On the West Coast, Todd Gurley seemed to have turned the tide back in running backs’ favor two years ago by agreeing to a long-term extension that made him the richest at his position in the NFL. This was a simple film to watch and great if you're an old school rushing attack fan. But ater his production dropped significantly during his sophomore campaign, Vaughn decided to transfer to Vanderbilt and sat out the 2017 season in line with NCAA transfer policies. Moss. Antonio Gibson may qualify at wide receiver in some leagues, so pay attention to your league’s settings when considering him. Yes. Also check out Gary Davenport’s 2020 Pre-Draft NFL Rookie Rankings. For proof, look no further than last year’s NFL rushing champion. He finished the season with 403 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, 1,468 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, and 348 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown. He was rarely called upon as a receiver (21 career receptions), so that will hurt his draft stock, but his 4.53 time in the 40-yard dash was decent enough, especially given his size (6-0, 250 pounds). He dropped nearly 12 percent of his career targets. D'Andre Swift, Georgia, 5-8, 212 (first round): He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds at the scouting combine. If there is an area he needs work on, it is pass protection. He averaged at least six yards per carry in each of his three seasons in Athens while eclipsing 1,000 yards on the ground in each of the past two … He's a hard-charging runner who also can catch passes out of the backfield. In 2017, he averaged 5.2 yards per carry for 855 yards with four touchdowns. He reached 1,000 yards again in 2019, rushing for 1,028 yards and nine touchdowns on the year. A zone scheme would be an ideal fit for the 5’10”, 214 Vaughn. Player Profiler lists Joe Mixon as Gibson’s closest comp based on his physical tools. With so many variables, it is difficult to say how valuable Dobbins will be in fantasy leagues. Even by Badger standards, that's seriously impressive. He has also written for Bleacher Report. After failing to take the next step as a sophomore, Dobbins bounced back in a big way last season. We shall see as the bulk of the top backs in college football are underclassmen and whether … With that in mind, the staff at Pro Football Focus recently put out a list of the top 10 running backs in this year's draft class, including one player who -- well -- wasn't even technically considered a "running back" during his collegiate career. Swift would be another in a long line of former Georgia running backs to be selected highly in the draft. He earned a bigger role in 2018 but honestly did not look like anything special. He checks all the boxes when it comes to measurables … I expect him to be a guy that gets 18 carries for 85 yards and a touchdown most weeks. Best of the rest: Boston College's A.J. Overview: Vaughn gets skinny through the hole and has great leg drive on contact. Kelley posted 2,303 yards and 25 total TDs in his two seasons at UCLA, though he regressed in his second year in both yards per carry (4.6, down from 5.5) and receptions (11, down from 27). 9. Overview: And according to most experts, Georgia’s D'Andre Swift will be the first running back selected in this year's draft. Lest you think all of that damage was done via the pass, he averaged 11.2 yards on his 33 carries. Mick Ciallela has been writing for FantraxHQ since July 2017. Zack Moss has been one of the country’s best running backs over the last three years. Swift also caught 73 passes for 666 yards and five scores during his tenure in Athens. He will likely be a mid-round pick who will work behind an established starter early in his career, but if he can handle his blocking duties, his receiving skills could get him on the field more than expected. Quick for a 250-pounder just isn't quick enough in this league unless you're an absolute freak. His 4.60 40-yard-dash during the Combine was a bit of a disappointment, but he could put up solid overall stats in the mold of Austin Ekeler. But he is the running back I would be most willing to bet on from a fantasy standpoint, all things being equal. 3. Taylor's 4,197 combined yards over his final two seasons was third-best in NCAA history within that stretch of a player's career. Ultimately, I envision him as a better real-life player than a fantasy contributor in the NFL. 2020 NFL Draft Prospects – Running Backs D’Andre Swift, Georgia. However, that seems about what he's going to be on the next level. He should be an impact starter/committee back for whatever team drafts him in the first round. So, what's the issue? With multi-team trades, designated commissioner/league managers, and drag/drop easy click methods, Fantrax is sure to excite the serious fantasy sports fan – sign up now for a free year at Fantrax.com. Last season, Gibson had the definition of a breakout season. The diminutive runner has tremendous vision, game-breaking speed, and a versatile skill set to take advantage of mismatches. He checks all the boxes when it comes to measurables and durability for a pro rusher. As of now, the talent doesn't show enough to outweigh the injury risk to make him anything more than a fifth or sixth-round pick and a flier for dynasty owners. He could be a punishing closer around the goal line. D’Andre Swift had just 440 carries in 43 games with the Bulldogs. 6 back in this draft but could easily outplay that ranking in 2020. Akers ran behind one of the worst offensive lines in all of college football in Tallahassee. A natural catcher out of the backfield, the 5-10, 214-pound bruiser can be effective in both the run and pass games. MIck was born and raised in Mount Vernon, New York and currently resides in New London, Connecticut. There are concerns as well, though. Overview: Once committed to Rutgers as a three-star recruit out of Salem (New Jersey) High, Taylor ultimately signed his letter of intent with Wisconsin and had one of the most successful careers a running back could possibly have in college football. (Getty Images) There is a lot to like regarding Vaughn, but also not a lot to be in love with. There is nothing fancy about Dobbins game, but it's effective. I do not think Gibson will be given the workload that will allow him to see 20-plus touches per game. Disclaimer: The list below is my opinion, based on my projections for the 2020 NFL season. And that is that running backs don’t matter. The top running back in football merely two seasons ago, Gurley is expected to be part of a committee that includes Brian Hill and Ito Smith, which should ultimately keep him fresh enough to make an impact on minimal touches. Teams in need. 4. Anthony McFarland, Maryland, 5-8, 208 (fifth round): He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.44 seconds and did not participate in the bench-press at the scouting combine. His last season at Maryland was marred by an high ankle sprain, but in 2018 he dazzled at times. The list below details the top NFL running backs for the 2020 season. Taylor will be drafted in either Round 1 or 2 and could very well be the first back off the board. Swift caught 73 of 76 catchable passes in college and averaged over nine yards per reception throughout his collegiate career. Edwards-Helaire broke out during his junior season, rushing for 1,414 yards and adding another 453 receiving yards on 55 receptions. Durability will always be a concern, but with T.J. Yeldon being the only true threat of usurping Singletary for carries, as rookie Zack Moss figures to be behind the curve due to the shortened offseason, the stage is set for a sophomore surge. Beyond the poor stats, Akers developed some bad habits at Florida State. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU. While he's one of the quicker backs on the board, he doesn't necessarily have home run speed. Swift is projected to be either the first or second running back off the board. From that angle, most of these backs will have some fantasy relevance. However, he will likely need to drop some weight on the next level to become faster if he wants to be a starter in the league. As of this moment, Leonard Fournette is still very much a … For his efforts, Dobbins finished sixth in Heisman Trophy voting, was a Doak Walker Award finalist, was named a first-team All-American and first-team All-Big Ten and took home the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Award. He rushed for 1,416 yards and 15 touchdowns for the Utes. His quick acceleration is also fun to watch; however, sometimes he just seems to jump around for no reason instead of exploding through a hole, which will drive fans and coaches nuts. He's a bit undersized at 5-9 and 198 pounds, but if he adds weight and continues to develop, he could pay off as a mid- to late-round pick. He will need to kick that habit quickly if he wants to maintain success at the NFL level. He's an elusive but tough runner who is dangerous in the open field due to his versatility and ability to either make you miss or lower the pads.