FOURNETTE TOPS DEEP CLASS IN BACKFIELD
Versatility an added plus for Cook, McCaffrey
As the NFL draft nears, USA TODAY Sports will release its positional rankings with one post every weekday. Next up, a breakdown of the running back class.
1. LEONARD FOURNETTE, LSU 6-0, 228 pounds
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-second 40-yard dash) and power. He has the ability to run over most defenders and score on any run in which he gets out in the open. Fournette’s stiff-arm often embarrasses opponents. He has allpro ability and is a likely top-10 pick able to become an instant centerpiece for an offense.
2. DALVIN COOK, FLORIDA STATE 5-10, 210 pounds
Where Fournette is powerful, Cook is elusive and shifty. Cook is a playmaker out of the backfield who can go off for a score pretty much any time the ball is in his hands. He 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 proven pass-catching ability that gives him versatility. Cook, however, will have to account for multiple arrests. Fumbling issues and shoulder in- juries further detract from an impressive résumé that should still help Cook get drafted in the first round.
3. CHRISTIAN MCCAFFREY, STANFORD 5-11, 202 pounds
A breakout scouting combine workout further entrenched McCaffrey for 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 even worked out as a slot receiver. He has plenty of speed, keeps his feet churning and only increases his value with special-teams return ability. He set an NCAA record with 3,864 all-purpose yards in 2015. Two concerns, however, are a small frame and a heavy workload (748 touches in the last two seasons including returns).
4. ALVIN KAMARA, TENNESSEE 5-10, 214 pounds
He has never taken on the load of a feature back, but Kamara nonetheless has most of the qualities teams look for in three-down backs. He has the ability to make defenders miss with his lateral movements and can blend in power-rushing techniques. He can catch. His pass protection has improved, and he can be a return man on special teams. Kamara scored 23 times though he collected only 284 touches out of the backfield for the Vols. A history of knee injuries might give teams pause.
5. JOE MIXON, OKLAHOMA 6-1, 226 pounds
Any team that drafts him is going to have to deal with the likely public relations backlash 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 6-0, 233 pounds
He has a bigger frame than most of this year’s available backs, though that size didn’t always translate into 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 in 2016. 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 boards of some teams.
7. MARLON MACK, SOUTH FLORIDA 5-11, 213 pounds
Though he doesn’t project to be a feature back in the NFL, Mack’s big-play potential and ability to make defenders miss should give him plenty of work as a rookie. He was at his best as a change-of-pace back for the Bulls 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 immediately.
8. SAMAJE PERINE, OKLAHOMA 5-11, 233 pounds
Whereas Mixon is multidimensional, Perine brought physicality to the Sooners offense. He has the frame to power into defenders and push them backward. And Perine’s productivity was on display in 2014 when he rushed for an FBS single-game record 427 yards against Kansas. He should find immediate work at the next level as a short-yardage or even third-down back given his decent hands. But below-average speed (4.65 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the combine) and a lack of make-them-miss moves could limit Perine’s workload as a rookie.
9. KAREEM HUNT, TOLEDO 5-10, 216 pounds
An instinctive runner with a muscular and compact frame. Hunt played faster than his 4.62second 40-yard dash time at the combine indicates, in large part because of excellent lateral quickness and a jump cut that allowed him to break free of logjams. Still, he does lack breakaway speed that limits him from creating home-run plays. He is average to above average in most areas, though that means he’ll likely find himself with a backup role in the NFL.
10. JAMAAL WILLIAMS, BRIGHAM YOUNG 6-0, 212 pounds
He could definitely use time to learn and understand how blocking develops in front of him. Sometimes lacking vision and patience, Williams too often opted for lanes that weren’t there. His average speed is offset by a solid spin move and stiff-arm that should serve him well between the tackles. Williams was productive for the Cougars (104.2 yards rushing per game over the last three seasons) and has the body to compete for carries in the NFL.