2021 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings Top Ten
10. Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State
Size: 6-0, 208
The Good: Speed, speed, speed, speed and more speed. He ran for close to 2,100 yards as a sophomore and was okay when he wasn’t banged up as a junior, but he’s got the 4.36 track star wheels to be a devastating home run hitter once he develops into more of a receiver.
The Not-So-Good: There isn’t going to be enough power to come up with the big pop when the hole isn’t there. While he’s quick, he’s more of a straight-line speed guy whose game might not quite translate to the next level if he’s not running in space.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Hubbard is a tough, strange call. The comp is former Viking star Robert Smith with his wheels and upside, but he’s not necessarily going to be a next-level workhorse and he has to do a better job of holding on to the ball. At worst, he should be a fantastic No. 2 back who scares defenses to death when he gets any room to roll.
Projected Round: Fourth
9. Jaret Patterson, Buffalo
Size: 5-7, 195
The Good: He’s different – in a good way. There’s nothing pretty about his running style, but it’s ultra-effective as he uses his lack of size to dart in and out of traffic on the way to big bursts. SUPER productive, he had a two-game run of 710 yards and 12 touchdowns this year. He brings power in that small package with a whole lot of attitude in every carry.
The Not-So-Good: He’s just not that big – 5-7 is pushing it – and he doesn’t have the blazing speed to be anything more than a ball carrier. He was almost never used as a receiver, and while he’ll give everything to a block, the lack of bulk is going to be an issue there.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Don’t worry about what he’s not. Give him the ball and watch him get positive yards every time. Yeah, yeah, yeah, he ripped through the MAC and didn’t get a shot against a whole lot of big-name teams, but he hit Rutgers for 104 yards and two scores as a freshman and went for 71 yards against Penn State as a sophomore. Draft him and dare the rest of your team bring the same fight to the game.
Projected Round: Fifth
8. Kylin Hill, Mississippi State
Size: 5-11, 214
The Good: A strong all-around back who came into his own as a junior and then showed off a different style look when Mike Leach took over. He’s a mix of skills – both on and off the field; his stance on the Mississippi State flag was a major catalyst in the change – with good power, a rocked-up style, and with good enough hands to grow into a receiver. He only played three games for Leach, but he caught 23 passes.
The Not-So-Good: He’s fast enough, but he’s a bit more of a pounder who’s not going to do a whole lot at the next level to make defenders miss. While he averaged 5.6 yards per carry, there aren’t going to be a whole lot of big runs when he gets outside of the hashmarks.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: It’ll be interesting to see how the NFL types see him. There’s a chance he grows into a different type of game if given a chance to be a part of a rotation – he’ll make himself into a role on a team. His limited time with Leach showed the potential to become a solid receiver with more time.
Projected Round: Fourth
7. Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis
Size: 5-8, 201
The Good: He only had one year of meaningful production, but he was a monster with 1,459 yards and 13 scores to go along with 51 catches. He might not be all that big, but he’s tough when he comes up with a lot of carries and he’s got the 4.42 speed to go along with the good hands.
The Not-So-Good: Considering how quick and athletic he is, he’s not all that elusive. He takes a whole lot of big pops and doesn’t really have the power to matter at the next level. His toughness could actually be a problem – he’ll catch a beating trying to go for the hard yard.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Considering his style, it’s a good thing that he opted out on the 2020 season – of course you’d rather have a back with 300 fewer touches and with a year to get his body right. It’ll be interesting to find out after the fact – if possible – what teams think on him. It only takes one, and somebody is going to see their feature back, and someone else will see him as just a guy you can get anywhere.
Projected Round: Third
6. Michael Carter, North Carolina
Size: 5-8, 202
The Good: A solid all-around back who can return kicks, catch, and handle the ball as part of a rotation, he’s got good straight-like field speed – he’s a 4.5 runner – and he’s reliable enough as a blocker to keep him on the field on third downs. He’ll find a role in some way, can fit any style of offense, and he’ll do what’s needed as a potential big-play running back who’ll produce when he gets his chance.
The Not-So-Good: His production was scheme-specific in college – he had a whole lot of space to work through – and he’ll have to get used to not being able to bounce off of NFL defenses like he did in college. There’s an outside shot that he’s a jack-of-all-trades, master-of-none at the next level.
NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He might not be your workhorse No. 1 guy, but who cares? Make him a part of your ensemble cast, find a way to get him the ball in any way – including special teams – ten times a game, and hope for one big play per outing.
Projected Round: Third