RUNNINGBACKS
Dalvin Cook. Florida State, #4
Game Film Evaluated:
Florida (2016)
Clemson (2016)
Michigan (2016)
Summary: Excellent agility to get ouf of tackles. Good hands out of the backfield to even make the difficult catch. Runs with tremendous balance to get out of tackles, plus juke moves. He doesn’t run to daylight and will run up the backside of his teammates following the play. Good burst and has the long speed to run away from a defense. He takes a bit too many hard hits and needs to run lower to the ground and avoid those hits. Dalvin Cook is a complete back and has been a workhorse back in college. He can carry the ball inside and outside effectively with the home run threat and can catch the ball effectively although not a good route runner in the class of Joe Mixon or McCaffrey. Cook is a more agile version of Zeke Elliott but he is not close to the class of pass protector was coming out of Ohio State. Cook is a solid player, not an elite level prospect especially since his threat as a receiver isn’t as high and will get his QB hit at times on the blitz which cannot happen. Late 1st round grade.
Joe Mixon, Oklahoma, #25
Game Film Evaluated:
Auburn (2016)
Ohio State (2016)
TCU (2016)
Summary: Elite level speed and quickness. Good stiff arm and able to out run angles with ease. Plus kickoff returner. Vision is plus who will totally abandon the play and cut to daylight. His ability to put foot in the ground and explode into the secondary is rare. He is one of the most comfortable receiving backs in the class. His ability to catch and run with speed and physicality is scary. He gives solid effort as a pass protector, needs to improve his footwork to anchor against bigger players who try to bull rush him. Joe Mixon the player is the most complete back in the class who brings elite speed, quickness, physical style, vision and pass receiving ability. His pass protection is above average but he can get the job done. However Mixon’s history makes his draft grade more complex. He was suspended in 2014 for the incident but never apologized until after the video was released. The school Oklahoma is responsible for not doing the right thing and kicking him off the team after the incident. Mixon did not impress during subsequent interviews regarding the incident which suggest he has not learned his lesson and could happen again. The player is an elite level prospect as a franchise type back but I fear he will get into trouble multiple times as a pro. 4th round grade as his character gives me serious cause for concern but there is no denying the player’s ability is worthy of a top 10 elite level grade.
Christian McCaffrey, Stanford, #5
Game Film Evaluated:
USC (2016)
Washington (2016)
Kansas State (2016)
Summary: Fumbled vs USC. Elite receiving threat, he can run plus routes even setting up defenders on double moves. He has top level quickness. He returns kicks and punts. Patient runner who can run inside, side step tackles and run away from defenders but doesn’t play with top long speed. Struggles to break tackles. Excellent vision and his ability to know when to let the blocks develop and when to turn it on is good. Christian McCaffrey is a solid versatile type back who can contribute in the run and passing game with ease. He projects well to many spread pass first offenses that want their back to get involved in the passing game like the Patriots and Cardinals. He is a solid runner but he will change a game as a receiver more than anything. I don’t see elite level upside for him as a runner, there isn’t the balance or tackle breaking ability to suggest he is a top runner in the league. However he will consistently generate 130 to 150 yards of total offense per game with his ability to catch the ball and make something happen after he catches it. The return game is impressive but I doubt coaches will let him do that for a top prospect. First round grade but not elite back.
Leonard Fournette, LSU, #7
Game Film Evaluated:
Wisconsin (2016)
Alabama (2016)
Auburn (2016)
Summary: He was brought down too easily in 2017, one defender should not be able to bring him down with that frame, size and speed. He also ran with inconsistent burst brought down from behind when trying to turn the corner. He can dominate the secondary when he gets past the second level of a defense. Comfortable running from traditional power I formations. His vision inside is plus and can really make it through tiny holes. He ran heavy in 2017, needs to cut weight to add that elite burst again to his game he showed earlier in his career. Leonard Fournette was not an elite player in 2017, anyone drafting him you are hoping to get more of the 2015 or 2016 version. I think he needs to shed 15 pounds to play at 225 to add that elite burst that the country drooled over as a freshman. That athleticism was not on that same level after September in 2017. He is not a solid pass protector, he has work to do there to earn the trust of his QB, technique and footwork. He is not a solid receiver either, catching the ball in traffic was a struggle. He is a 2nd round grade based on 2017 film but people are hoping to hit a franchise back if he show he’s healthy and shows that athleticism we saw his first two years at LSU. He needs to go a team that doesn’t ask their backs to get involved in the passing game nor a QB to protect a significant amount of time. 2nd round grade.
Samaje Perine, Oklahoma, #32
Game Film Evaluated:
Baylor (2016)
Auburn (2016)
Summary: Solid inside one cut type runner. He brings a physical edge to the run game. He can lower the shoulder and push the pile forward. He has good burst and can break into the open field with an extra gear. May not have the long speed to take it the distance. Hesitant runner. Does not trust that the hole will be there and just bust it up inside. He waits for the hole to open and by the time he gets there, its closed. Samaje Perine looks like a rotational inside physical runner who can get some tough yards and an adequate receiver. He did not see many instances as a traditional pass protector of his QB thanks to the offense. Not a dynamic player who needs to improve his ability to read blocks, trust his lineman and just put a foot in the ground to go upfield. 5th round grade.
Alvin Kamara, Tennessee, #6
Game Film Evaluated:
Alabama (2016)
Georgia (2016)
Kentucky (2016)
Summary: Versatile athlete who has good speed. Upright running style who can line up all over the formation getting the ball in the backfield, shifting out to the slot and catch passes or line up exclusively as a receiver and run underneath routes. Not a dynamic player with the ball in his hands. He is a versatile player who can contribute in many ways but nothing is overly explosive or playmaking to his game. Alvin Kamara has upside and can be a better pro than college player especially if he finds his way to an offense that ask their backs to contribute just as much a receiver as a runner like the Patriots. He needs to run better inside the tackles, breaking tackles and setting up his blocks. 4th round grade.
Corey Clement, Wisconsin, #6
Game Film Evaluated:
LSU (2016)
Penn State (2016)
Michigan (2016)
Summary: Tremendous burst. Needs to run with a bit more patience when running inside especially with a FB. Good effort as a pass protector and shows good awareness to move around in the pocket to find the blitzer. Dropped catchable pass out of the backfield. Doesn’t break many tackles even when one on one with a defender. Fumbled twice vs Penn State and did not keep bowl high and tight. He has good vision at best when he makes one cut and goes upfield. He has good lateral quickness and can side step out of tackles and juke out defenders. Corey Clement is another one of the complete back prospects who adds a quality speed element to his game. He fits best for a zone blocking team that can allow him to become a one cut runner, use his good vision to feel where the hole is going to be. He is not a dynamic runner who can make something out of nothing, he will go as far as his line takes him. Late 3rd round grade.
Jeremy McNichols, Boise State, #13
Game Film Evaluated:
Washington State (2016)
BYU (2016)
UNLV (2016)
Summary: Shorter back with thick lower body and excellent balance with low center of gravity. He absorbs contact and keeps moving forward. He breaks tackles with good stiff arm and simply bouncing off tacklers. He has some burst but isn’t elite speed or quickness. Gives good effort as blocker and shows plus footwork to handle rushers. Adequate receiver. Struggles to get to the outside consistently, not a back you want to see running laterally. He needs to stay within the tackles to be successful. Physical back near the goaline who will fight for every yard. Needs to keep both hands on the ball when fighting for extra yards, he will fumble on occasion when engaged with defenders trying to get more yards. Jeremy McNichols is a physical between the tackles type runner who lacks great speed or elite quickness. He brings good balance and will break tackles. He is best working with a FB and reading blocks off that. He can protect his QB effectively and will catch passes. He is a complete back prospect but is not a fit for every scheme. Teams that want home run ability should look elsewhere but power running teams such as Seattle would be a good fit. 3rd round grade.
Kareem Hunt, Toledo, #3
Game Film Evaluated:
BYU (2016)
Northern Illinois (2016)
Summary: Super quick runner who is able to run inside. Gives good effort and can get the job done in pass protection. Solid receiver who can shake the defender and make a bigger play out of a check down pass. He can find the hole and explode to daylight through the smallest of places. He needs to become more decisive as a runner, one cut and go. He struggles when he tries to do too much and gets caught up. He loses all speed when he tries to change directions laterally. Runs with excellent balance and can take hits and keep moving after contact. Kareem Hunt is a good runner who can start in the NFL as one of the more complete backs. He can catch the ball and make an impact play, he can run inside and outside with speed to get away from defenders and break tackles. He is an average pass protector but gives the effort to suggest he can improve in that area. He is more quick than fast but it projects well for him to run in any type of offense but I would like to see him best as a one cut type runner who can use the cutback against the grain. 3rd round grade.
Brian Hill, Wyoming, #5
Game Film Evaluated:
BYU (2016)
Nebraska (2016)
New Mexico (2016)
Summary: Above average in pass protection. Comfortable running the ball from a traditional offense, I formation and single back. He will not go down easily, he will fight for extra yards. Not overly quick changing directions, he cannot afford to dance too much cuz he can’t restart the jets and get to full speed quickly enough. His vision is sub par, misses opportunities for bigger gains and runs into contact. Brian Hill has some upside to contribute on offense at the next level. His ability to protect the QB will keep on the field and has some good running ability, he showed a good stiff arm on film and has good speed to make plays downfield. Not a dynamic runner who can make something out of nothing but he gets the job done. Needs to improve his hands to become a realiable threat out of the backfield but he earn a job and be active on game day as a backup RB. 4th round grade.
Wayne Gallman, Clemson, #9
Game Film Evaluated:
Florida State (2016)
South Carolina (2016)
Alabama (2016)
Summary: Doesn’t break tackles, runs exclusively out of shotgun. Poor technique in pass protection. He looks to lower the shoulder to take on rushers but doesn’t properly square himself to get in position to absorb that contact. He can either take it or gets blown up instead of just doing his job effectively. Solid receiver out of the backfield and good jump cut runner. Physical runner who won’t quit after contact especially near the goaline. Wayne Gallman has some ability has a receiving option back with good speed and adds a short yardage physical type. He doesn’t look like someone who can a majority carry guy nor someone to be a feature back. 5th round grade.
Marlon Mack, South Florida, #5
Game Film Evaluated:
Florida State (2016)
East Carolina (2016)
UConn (2016)
Summary: Left the FSU game with an apparent head injury. Fumbled vs East Carolina. Good jump cut runner. Too much dancing in the backfield. He can cut with speed and jump his way through traffic. He doesn’t lose much speed when making moves. He has an extra gear in daylight and will outrun angles. Almost fumbled again vs UConn. He is a bit player, used as outside option on speed plays. Lines up frequently as a receiver to be used on screens and occassionally sent on go routes to use his speed but he doesn’t track the ball like a receiver. Prefers to run outside, not comfortable inside nor breaking tackles.Virtually no experience as a pass protector and not powerful when he leads on run plays. He projects to be a backup 3rd down option who has athleticism that can make him useful in situational plays. 5th round grade.
Joe Williams, Utah, #28
Game Film Evaluated:
UCLA (2016)
Washington (2016)
BYU (2016)
Summary: Not comfortable catching the ball. Fumbled against BYU and he gets run over in pass protection. Upright running style and takes a lot of hard hits as a result. He’s got good burst and extra gear in the open field to take it the distance. Not a tackle breaker. He does not shy away from contact at all. The definition of the back that hits the hole hard. Joe Williams is a speed back who runs physical inside and doesn’t shy away from the tough yards inside and hitting the hole hard. His upright running style is a concern for durability and he did fumble against BYU. He isn’t a good pass protector nor is he a consistent option as a receiver either. His speed and ability to run physical suggest he can be a rotational piece back to spell the starter. He needs to bring that athleticism and physical edge to special teams to solidify his roster spot. There are concerns whether he really wants to play football. He was suspended while at UConn for credit card theft and illegal use. He then retired in 2016 at Utah but decided to rejoin the team when injuries hit the team. 4th round ability but ends up with a 6th round grade due to off the field concerns.
Tarik Cohen, North Carolina A&T, #28
Game Film Evaluated:
Kent State (2016)
Alcorn State (2015)
Summary: Severely undersized but extremely quick and shifty. He has good long speed but he is much quicker than fast. He is a comfortable receiver and able to run routes out of the backfield and when shifted out of the backfield to the slot position. He did fumble vs Kent State and struggles to break tackles when running inside. He brings some physical running to his game, he will fight for extra yards which is what lead to the fumble. He was not observed in pass protection but his size suggest it will be a challenge at any level. Tarik Cohen is an ideal 3rd down type back granted you do not ask him to do a lot of blitz pick up. He is someone you put into the game to take advantage of blitzes and man coverage, he will not be brought down 1 on 1 in space in the NFL. He fits best as a speed back that gets the ball in space running outside on zone read type plays and split out wide as a receiver like the Houston Texans do. Not in the same class as Darren Sproles since he isn’t as good a inside runner nor someone who can break tackles. 5th round grade.
James Conner, Pittsburgh, #24
Game Film Evaluated:
Penn State (2016)
North Carolina (2016)
Virginia Tech (2016)
Summary: Team captain, emotional leader. Physical inside runner, he will break a lot of tackles and be one of the leaders in yards after contact. Runs with excellent balance and built low to ground. Lot of power in his legs and he drives through contact. He is a adequate receiver out of the backfield and he has enough burst to get to the second level of a defense. He will have trouble getting outside consistently at the next level. He lacks the explosive burst nor someone who is at his best in a zone blocking scheme, he thrives on inside power runs reading the blocks of his lineman and working through traffic. He fumbled against Penn State. He takes pass protection seriously and looks to punish defenders. James Conner is a highly physical emotional inside runner that reminds me of Marion Barber III when he came out of Minnesota. Conner breaks a lot of tackles and consistently keeps the feet moving when engaged with defenders. He has adequate burst to get to the secondary of a defense but lacks the long speed to give the home run threat. He projects best to an angle blocking scheme that prefers to run the ball physical and between the tackles like the Steelers and Cowboys. Good player who lacks the upside of others in the class but he is a better polished and more physical runner. He may not have a long career due to the running style but he will be productive for aslong as his body allows him to. Late 3rd round grade.
Matthew Dayes, North Carolina State, #21
Game Film Evaluated:
Clemson (2016)
Florida State (2016)
North Carolina (2016)
Summary: Good burst, protects the ball effectively. Capable receiver and he can protect the QB in blitz. He is a physical inside one cut runner. He is a effective jump cut runner, good juke move. Able to put his foot in the ground and cut it upfield with good burst. He is not comfortable running inside between the tackles using vision and breaking tackles inside. He is a one cut runner who excels in a zone scheme on stretch plays to read the hole and cut it upfield if necessary. Matthew Dayes is a solid 3 down back who has good speed, ability to catch passes and above average in pass protection. He is not a strong tackle breaker or comfortable as a inside runner. He is best as a one cut runner who can feel for the hole and cut it back against the grain to run to daylight. He projects as a solid second string back who is more than capable to play in any situation but will never be a plus starter in the NFL. He will get you the yards available and execute his job whether protecting the QB or catching the ball. 5th round grade.
T.J. Logan, North Carolina, #8
Game Film Evaluated:
Florida State (2016)
Virginia (2016)
Summary: Patient runner and then explodes to daylight. Good hands to make the difficult catch. Fumbled vs Virginia but he consistently puts 2 hands over the ball when running inside and keeps it high and tight others. Don’t project fumbling to be a problem for him in the future. He has a good feel for knowing when to turn on the speed and when to let the hole open up. Above average blocker, he can set his feet and absorb the rush and stand them up. He is a step slow to recognize the hole and can run up his blockers mostly when running outside the tackles. He is at his best as a one cut runner and using the cut back. He is not a big tackle breaker, he out runs angles and can accelerate away from defenders. TJ Logan may never be a starter but he is a for sure quality back in a rotation that has the speed to make defenders pay attention, versatile to be used as a receiver and reliable in pass protection. 3rd round grade.
D’Onta Foreman, Texas, #33
Game Film Evaluated:
West Virginia (2016)
TCU (2016)
Kansas State (2016)
Summary: Bigger physical inside runner. He has a burst in the open field but it takes him a bit to get to full speed. He can run away from defenders if he gets some space. He runs up the back of his lineman, not someone who is comfortable to bounce the run outside and able to turn the corner effectively. He is a volume runner, needs a lot of carries and eventually will have a longer run but play in and out there is not a lot of quality runs. Average pass protector and he can catch the ball but will drop passes at times. Not someone who can make the difficult catch. He has to be a one cut and decisive runner, he will be taken down for losses if he dances in the backfield too much. D’Onta Foreman is a quality inside physical runner. He has a good extra gear to run away from defenders if he gets some space. He is not a dynamic runner who can bounce it outside and shake defenders at the next level. He lacks the vision to run to daylight, too often he runs up the backs of his lineman. He needs to improve his pass protection, keep his head on a swivel to find the blitzer to not get his QB killed. He can be a second string runner who brings good size and speed who can be a solid inside runner. 5th round grade.
FULLBACKS
Sam Rogers, Virginia Tech, #45
Game Film Evaluated:
Tennessee (2016)
Boston College (2016)
Summary: Versatile type fullback. He lines up in space and able to hit the moving target on the outside. Not a physical or powerful blocker at the POA or able to knock his man downfield and out of the hole. He is a physical runner able to generate yards after contact. Catches the ball effectively. Sam Rogers is a below average blocker but has some skills as a receiver and runner. He was not used as a traditional fullback in a running formation behind the QB and he is not comfortable taking on defenders in traffic and knocking them out of the hole. 6th round grade.
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