Running Back Rankings 2021 NFL Draft

RUNNING BACK PROSPECT RANKING 2021 NFL DRAFT

Back in the days where a 4000 yd passing season was a rarity running backs went No. 1 overall in four of five seasons from 77 to 1981 (Ricky Bell, Earl Campbell, Billy Sims, and George Rogers). A running back hasn't gone first overall since 1995 (Ki-Jana Carter), who probably put off more than a few NFL teams as he became one of the all-time NFL draft busts.

The first tailback taken last season was Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who went with the last pick in the first round to the Superbowl-winning Chiefs. This year there could be no running backs taken in round #1, further illustrating the extent they have fallen out of favor in the pro game.

The 2021 running back class doesn't have too many top-tier RB prospects in it, but two stand out: Najee qualifies as one of those. He is a power back that is explosive off the blocks; he has decent hands and is comfortable catching the ball. Seen by many as the top RB prospect in the 2021 draft, Etienne has decent size for a back and is explosive and tough. He is an effective receiver out of the slot, especially after the catch - in short, he is a playmaker. There is quite a drop off after the top two, but still, the group contains a few who could make an impact in the pro game.


42	RB Michael Johnson	5-7 160lbs 5.43	RB	160lbs	5-7	5.43	104		53.0 MORE>>
16	RB Pooka Williams Jr....	5-9 175lbs 4.38	RB	175lbs	5-9	4.38	34	326	63.0 MORE>>	Cuts on a dime with lightning-fast feet and the quick-twitch explosion of an Olympic sprinter out of the block. Very good...
51	RB Da'Leon Ward	5-10 180lbs 4.62	RB	180lbs	5-10	4.62	108		52.0 MORE>>	Does not possess top breakaway speed, though he's rarely caught from behind. Compact build with a thick upper body and leg strength. Runs...
32	RB Wesley Kennedy III	5-10 180lbs 4.52	RB	180lbs	5-10	4.52			56.0 MORE>>	Shows a surprising burst to beat linebackers to the edge. Can plant his foot in the ground and explode, showing better straight-line speed...
45	RB Bryson Denley	5-10 180lbs 4.42	RB	180lbs	5-10	4.42	89		53.0 MORE>>	Has the feet and feel running between the tackles and in the open field. He has very good vision and patience to pick through...
44	RB Shamari Brooks	5-9 190lbs 4.53	RB	190lbs	5-9	4.53	91		53.0 MORE>>	Has the feet and feel running between the tackles and in the open field. He has very good vision and patience to pick through...
47	RB Joshua Fields	5-9 195lbs 4.63	RB	195lbs	5-9	4.63	105		53.0 MORE>>	Not the biggest, strongest or fastest but does enough with preparation and instincts to get a look. Not big or tenacious as a blocker in...
50	RB KeShawn Williams	5-10 195lbs 4.62	RB	195lbs	5-10	4.62	107		52.0 MORE>>	Compact build with a thick upper body and leg strength. Runs hard and with balance, is a patient runner who makes subtle, energetic cuts...
10	RB Jaret Patterson	5-8 195lbs 4.52	RB	195lbs	5-8	4.52	12	152.7	68.0 MORE>>	Has the feet and feel running between the tackles and in the open field. He has very good vision and patience to pick through...
8	RB Kenneth Gainwell	5-11 195lbs 4.42	RB	195lbs	5-11	4.42	4	83.8	71.0 MORE>>	Flashes initial burst and good lateral quickness to sidestep defenders or bounce runs outside with very good foot quickness. Displays very...
7	RB Javian Hawkins	5-9 196lbs 4.46	RB	196lbs	5-9	4.46	14	180.6	72.0 MORE>>	Possesses quick feet and straight-line speed but doesn't have the elite burst to be a constant big-play threat. Improving patience as a...
38	RB Elijah Dotson	6-0 199lbs 4.56	RB	199lbs	6-0	4.56	71	792	55.0 MORE>>	Doesn't possess elite breakaway speed, but is fast enough to gain yardage in chunks when he finds a seam. Possesses quick feet and...

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