Cole’s Corner: 2021 Running Back Prospect Rankings

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Veteran running backs have been devalued in the current NFL and many teams are hesitant to cough up the big cash after the rookie deal ends. That mostly has to do with the shelf life of a running back after taking numerous hits each game.

The other reason is because each year, several rookie running backs end up having productive seasons immediately. The only trick is if you can pick the correct back for your system.

Here are my top Running Back prospects:

1. Travis Etienne – Clemson

Etienne might have the best balance of any player in this draft, regardless of position. He can tip-toe down the sideline with ease while still showing off some quality in game speed. Etienne had cement blocks for hands at the beginning of his college career, but he has since developed into one of the best pass catching RBs in this class. Etienne’s extra advantage is that he is also a factor as a returner. His only weakness is inconsistency in pass protection.

Pick Range: Mid 1^st – Early 2^nd Round

2. Najee Harris – Alabama

Harris is the physical freak of this running back class. He was practically sculpted in a lab to be the perfect balance of power and slipperiness. It nearly makes him impossible to tackle. Harris has the opportunity to be an elite workhorse in the NFL like Derrick Henry. He just needs to keep improving on his pass catching ability.

Pick Range: Mid 1^st – Early 2^nd Round

3. Michael Carter – North Carolina

Carter is truly the perfect mix of Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Darren Sproles. He has a bit of power but a second gear past the first level of the defense. His pass game threat coupled with big play ability makes him the ideal third down back. One team in this draft will get a fantastic piece to their offense. His only downside is the fact that he can’t be an every down back realistically.

Pick Range: Late 1^st – Early 3^rd Round

4. Kenneth Gainwell – Memphis

Gainwell runs like he is playing in a video game. He can spin, juke and make people miss with the best of them. When he sees a hole open up, he hits it fast. Gainwell can also be extremely effective with designed screens to him or even out in the slot. He just needs to put more weight on his slender frame to be able to last for many years to come. He will be a feature back early on in his career.

Pick Range: 2^nd – 4^th Round

5. Trey Sermon – Ohio State

Sermon was decent at Oklahoma and then started off slow at Ohio State. The last few games of the season were unbelievable though. Sermon was a determined man on a mission, displaying his high motor and ability to run through contact. At times Sermon reminds me of Kareem Hunt. The only question is can he run with the same intensity each and every game. If so… WATCH OUT.

Pick Range: 2^nd – 4^th Round

6. Javonte Williams – North Carolina

Williams is simply a bowling ball. The early down/redzone runner just rumbles downhill. He is not explosive but an easy three yards each and every carry. He is not dynamic, so it is crucial to make him part of a 1-2 punch.

Pick Range: 2^nd – 4^th Round

7. Rhamondre Stevenson – Oklahoma

Stevenson is a running back that shows patience following his lead blockers and bounces off of tacklers. His ceiling is on the lower side – more of just a reliable backup. Still a good option for a team looking to add depth.

Pick Range: 3^rd– 5^th Round

8. Chuba Hubbard – Oklahoma State

Hubbard could either be a big bust or a massive steal. Hubbard has this gorgeous sidestep he uses to find the hole. Once he locates it, he is gone due to his sprinter speed. He will require massive work when it comes to pass protection. Basically, if he is on the field, just give him the ball.

Pick Range: 3^rd – 6^th Round

9. Jaret Patterson – Buffalo

Patterson always runs with the ball tucked tight. That is a coach’s dream because he won’t have fumbling issues. Patterson is also an endzone magnet. His compact build makes him tough to take down in the open field despite being easy to catch due to a lack of speed. (He plays much slower in pads than the 4.52, 40 time would indicate). Patterson should be used often in goal line scenarios.

Pick Range: 4^th – 6^th Round

10. Kylin Hill – Mississippi State

Hill impressed me with his ability to stick his foot in the ground and quickly change direction. He is the best in this class at doing so regularly. That elusiveness plus 4.51 speed are nice little bonus features for any team. It’s doubtful that Hill will ever get consistent touches but I hope he does. He could be a fun one to watch.

Pick Range: 4^th – 6^th Round

11. Jermar Jefferson – Oregon State

Jefferson might be the best sleeper back of this class. He plays with great body control, top tier instincts and could be successful in almost any scheme. I want to rate him higher but my only concern is if he gets stuck behind a weaker O-line. I’m not sure if he can make many defenders miss if they meet him in the backfield. That being said, he could also be an absolute force.

Pick Range: 4^th – 6^th Round

12. Khalil Herbert – Virginia Tech

Herbert turned some heads at the Senior Bowl and that will likely result in his name being called on Saturday of the draft. His vision and discipline as a runner gives him a chance for success at the next level. He will not wow you with any crazy impressive intangibles.

Pick Range: 5^th – 7^th Round