2020 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings Top Ten
10. Eno Benjamin, Arizona State
Size: 5-9, 207
The Good: A pinball, he gained a reputation as a tough guy runner who managed to bounce off of defenders for touchdown after touchdown. He’s got enough speed to get by, but he’s not a home run hitter – he’s a quick back with the explosion to get through the line and always produce. He managed to run for over 2,700 yards with 26 touchdowns over the last two years, and he caught 77 passes. But …
The Not-So-Good: He ran the ball 553 yards and handled it a whopping 658 times. He was banged up a bit at times, but he was able to handle the work. However, there’s a lot of tread off the tires, and he took a whole lot of hits.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Don’t get too into a twist about the big workload over the last two years. He’ll battle through everything, he doesn’t make mistakes, he’s ultra-reliable at hanging on to the ball, and he has huge upside as a force around the goal line. He’s not your normal running back, but that’s okay.
Projected Round: Fourth
9. Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State
Size: 5-10, 203
The Good: Ultra-productive for the Mountaineers, he ran for close to 2,700 yards with 25 rushing scores over the last two years, and he caught 33 passes with six touchdowns.
He had the numbers, and then he showed off the raw tools at the combine with a blazing 4.4 and explosive leaps – he’s got the ability. More than that, he’s a good receiver, has a nose for the end zone, and is ultra-quick through the hole. At worst, he can be a great third down specialist.
The Not-So-Good: He’s not going to be able to pound away on anyone. There’s little power to his game, and he’s just okay as a blocker. If he’s not breaking off big runs, and if he’s not showing off flash as a receiver, he could struggling in part of the rotation.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s going to be a late-round find. While he’s not blazing enough to be Alvin Kamara, he’ll be a good all-around back who’ll blow up as a speed option in a rotation around a back who can provide the power.
Projected Round: Fifth
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8. La’mical Perine, Florida
Size: 5-11, 216
The Good: Grind, grind, grind. If you’re looking for flash, you’ve come to the wrong place – more on that in a moment. He’s quicker than fast, can burst through a hole, and he’ll find a way to keep moving forward. Most of all, he’ll grind his way for yards and do the dirty work so the speed backs can shine in the rotation.
A solid four-year producer, he ran for 2,485 yards and 22 touchdowns – averaging five yards per carry – and caught 72 passes with 40 as a senior.
The Not-So-Good: You know what you’re getting in terms of burst. The 4.62 at the combine wasn’t that bad, but he’s not going to blast away on a whole lot of highlight reel runs. Style-wise, he’s going to get beaten up badly if he’s not getting rotational help.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s the type of back every offensive coordinator is going to want as a base runner who you can hand off to on first down and get 3-to-5 yards every time. There’s a dependability about him that’s going to earn him a job, and he could potentially rise up into a sneaky-good starter in the right offense.
Projected Round: Fourth
7. Zack Moss, Utah
Size: 5-9, 223
The Good: Very, very productive over his final three seasons, he closed out with three-straight 1,000-yard campaigns, over 4,000 rushing yards, and 41 total touchdowns. Able to catch a little, he was more than fine when used on third downs.
He’s got the bulk, the base, and the power to grind out yards, push through tacklers, and get the hard yards when needed. If he’s not the toughest top running back prospect in this draft, he’s close.
The Not-So-Good: He might have an NFL shelf life of a hiccup. While he’s quick, he’s going to take on lots and lots and lots of big hits. Handling the ball 778 times in college isn’t a plus when it comes to his style.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Yeah, he might only give you a few years before he hits a wall, but they could be really, really good ones. Put him out there, hand him the ball, and he’ll grind out production for you until he drops.
Projected Round: Third
6. Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU
Size: 5-7, 207
The Good: Super-tough, explosive, and able to burst through the line with one cut, he’s a small-but-thick back who never, ever gets knocked off his base. He’s a pinball who’s hard to find, makes himself small through the hole, and then … boom. He’s got the toughness to handle the work on the inside, but he’s able to stretch the field wide, too.
If it was possible to be a bit unsung in last year’s LSU offense, he did it. Joe Burrow was the star of the show, but Edwards-Helaire ran for 1,414 yards and 16 scores, and caught 55 passes. There’s three-down back talent and the ability to be a workhorse.
The Not-So-Good: He doesn’t bring a whole lot of pop, especially as a blocker. He’ll get tough and physical when he has to, but he’s not built to run over anyone. Being a home run hitter is overrated for an NFL running back, but he’s a whole lot quicker than fast.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s an interesting prospect who’s a bit different than all the top backs. There’s a chance he could be a three-down workhorse, there are no real knocks, and he’ll never fumble. So what’s the real issue? There isn’t one, other than he doesn’t quite fit the prototype.
Projected Round: Third