Fournette tops deep class in backfield
Sports Weekly is taking a position-by-position look at the top prospects for the NFL draft, which runs April 27-29 in Philadelphia. This week: running backs.
1. LEONARD FOURNETTE, LSU
Height, weight: 6-0, 240 Of all the running backs available in this deep class, none is more physically imposing than Fournette, who boasts an ideal blend of size, speed (4.51 40yard dash) and power. Fournette has the ability to score on any run in which he gets out in the open. He runs defenders over. His stiff arm embarrasses others, and he has all-pro ability. Fournette is a likely top-10 pick and becomes an instant starter.
2. DALVIN COOK, FLORIDA STATE
Height, weight: 5-10, 210 Where Fournette is powerful, Cook is elusive and shifty. The two are very different styles of running back, but Cook is a playmaker out of the backfield who also can go off for a score pretty much any time the ball is in his hands. Cook has plenty of experience in a pro-style offense and was ultra-productive with 4,464 rushing yards and 46 rushing scores. One benefit he
has over Fournette is a passcatching ability that gives him versatility. Fumbles and previous arrests, however, detract from a pretty impressive résumé that should see Cook drafted in the first round.
3. CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY, STANFORD
Height, weight: 5-11, 202 A breakout NFL scouting combine workout launched McCaffrey into first-round consideration, though his tape at Stanford showed many of the traits that offensive coordinators are going to love at the next level. Above all, versatility is key. McCaffrey is an excellent pass catcher, and he even worked out for some teams as a slot receiver. He has plenty of speed, keeps his feet churning and only increases his value with his ability as a special-teams returner. Two concerns, however, are a small frame and a heavy workload (672 touches in the last two seasons). 4. ALVIN KAMARA, TENNESSEE Height, weight: 5-10, 214
A bit of an uncertainty because he has never taken on the load of a feature back, Kamara nonetheless has most of the qualities teams look for in three-down backs. He has the versatility to make defenders miss with his lateral movements and can blend in power-rushing techniques. Kamara can catch. His pass protection has improved, and he can be a return man on special teams. Kamara scored 23 times on 284 touches at Tennessee, but his history of knee injuries might give teams pause.
5. JOE MIXON, OKLAHOMA
Height, weight: 6-1, 226 Any team that drafts Mixon will have to deal with the potential public relations problem as he continues to manage the fallout for his assault of a female student that was caught on film and later released to the public. Based on football abilities alone, however, Mixon is a special talent and would be ranked higher if not for his off-field conduct. Because of his acceleration, physicality and excellent ability to catch the ball, he projects as a three-down back.
6. D’ONTA FOREMAN, TEXAS
Height, weight: 6-0, 233 More so than any other back on this list, Foreman has a much bigger frame, though that size didn’t always translate to power in his rushing style. Despite that bulk, Foreman is quite athletic, and it showed when he ran for 2,028 yards and 15 scores last season. That was good enough for a consensus All-American season and the Doak Walker Award as the country’s top running back. Fumble issues and struggles in pass protection, however, might slide him down the draft boards of some teams.
7. MARLON MACK, SOUTH FLORIDA
Height, weight: 5-11, 213 Though he doesn’t project to be a feature back in the NFL, Mack has big-play ability, and his ability to make defenders miss should give him plenty of work as a rookie. Mack was at his best in South Florida as a change-of-pace back who could scamper off for a score anytime he broke a run to the outside. The drawback, though, was that Mack rarely excelled inside the tackles. If drafted into the right offense with zone-read or spread elements, Mack could contribute right away.
8. SAMAJE PERINE, OKLAHOMA
Height, weight: 5-11, 233 Whereas Mixon was a versatile back, Perrine brought the physicality to the Sooners offense. Perrine has the frame to power into defenders and push them backward. He should find immediate work at the next level as a short-yardage or even as a thirddown back with decent hands. But below-average speed (4.65 in the 40-yard dash at the combine) and a lack of make-them-miss moves will limit his workload as a rookie. 9. KAREEM HUNT, TOLEDO Height, weight: 5-10, 216 Hunt is an instinctive runner with a muscular and compact frame. He played faster than his 4.62-second 40-yard time at the combine indicated, in large part because of excellent lateral quickness and a jump cut that allowed him to break free of logjams. He does lack breakaway speed that limits him from getting the homerun-style rushes. He is average to above average in most areas, though that means he’ll likely play himself into a backup role in the NFL.
10. JAMAAL WILLIAMS, BYU
Height, weight: 6-0, 212 The best thing for Williams at the next level might be some time to learn and understand how blocking develops in front of him. Sometimes lacking vision and patience, Williams at times opted for lanes that weren’t there. Average speed is offset by a solid spin move and stiff arm that should serve him well between the tackles. Williams was productive in Provo and has the frame to compete for carries in the NFL. Next week: Quarterbacks