Sizing up the running backs
TOP FIVE
Player Leonard Fournette 6-0, Ht./wt. 240 4.5140 time SchoolLSU A three-year starter who has been a powerful runner with patience and vision. He can move a pile and break tackles. A punishing runner who excels between the tackles but has the speed and quickness to get outside. Runs over defensive backs. His best season was as a sophomore when he rushed for 1,953 yards and scored 22 touchdowns. Battled injuries last season. Must protect the ball better and work on his receiving. Should be the first back taken, as high as fourth to Jacksonville. Dalvin Cook 5-10, 210 4.49 Florida St. Perhaps the greatest running back in Seminoles history. He rushed for 1,691 yards and 19 touchdowns as a sophomore and 1,765 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior. He has a tremendous burst and elusiveness. Makes quick cuts and has terrific instincts. Must improve his blocking and has to protect the ball better. Has undergone shoulder surgery three times, including twice in college. Should be the second back taken and go among the top 15. Christian McCaffrey 5-11, 202 4.48 Stanford As a sophomore, he had one of the greatest seasons in history, rushing for 2,019 yards and generating 276 allpurpose yards per game. Added 1,603 yards rushing as a junior and played with nagging injuries. An outstanding runner, receiver and returner. A lot of scouts are worried about the punishment he’ll absorb if he runs inside too much. Sat out his bowl and didn’t do private workouts after impressing at the combine. Should be among the first 20 picks. Joe Mixon 6-1, 228 4.45 Oklahoma If not for punching out a woman that was caught on video, he would be a first-round pick. He served a suspension, did his community service and has apologized numerous times, but some teams have taken him off their board. He has excellent size and speed. A tough runner with vision. He’s a terrific receiver and a good returner even though he wasn’t a regular starter. Averaged 6.8 yards per carry last season. Could go as high as the second round to a team willing to accept the bad publicity. Alvin Kamara 5-10, 214 4.56 Tennessee Began his career at Alabama and played at a junior college before landing at Tennessee. When Jalen Hurd quit last season, Kamara took over and started seven games. A physical runner who’s quick and elusive. Lacks breakaway speed but can run inside or outside. He’s a productive receiver and returner who shows good balance and breaks a lot of tackles. Should go in the second round. SLEEPER DeAngelo Henderson 5-7, 208 4.48 Coastal Carolina A senior who rushed for 4,635 yards and averaged 6.4 yards per carry. He scored at least one touchdown in 35 consecutive games. He’s also an accomplished receiver. Has speed and quickness. A tough runner who gets yards inside and outside. Size could cause him to wear down if he gets the ball a lot. Could go in the fourth or fifth round. TEXANS’ NEEDS This isn’t a position of need. They addressed it last year when they signed free agent Lamar Miller, who rushed for 1,073 yards, and drafted Tyler Ervin in the fourth round. They also have Alfred Blue, Akeem Hunt and Kenny Hilliard on the roster. Still, considering how much coach Bill O’Brien likes to employ the running game, adding a back in a late round wouldn’t be surprising.