NFL Draft Running Back Rankings 2021: From The College Perspective

Which running backs will matter in the 2021 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

4. Rhamondre Stevenson, Oklahoma

Size: 6-0, 235

The Good: You want the best power back in the draft, here you go.

Don’t look for wiggle and don’t expect anything subtle about his game – see guy, pound guy, repeat. It’s no coincidence that Oklahoma went from good to amazing offensively over the last six games when he gave the attack a whole other option.

Don’t expect anything happening on the outside, but he can catch a little bit – get the ball to him on the move and good luck to anyone who gets in his way. He’s got the blocking ability to be a factor, too.

The Not-So-Good: There’s one note here. He’s not going to be any sort of quick speed-type of back, and his use as a receiver will be merely as a curveball.

On the plus side, he doesn’t have a ton of carries under his belt for a star back. On the negative side, he doesn’t have a ton of carries. It’s almost like he needs more work just so he can feel the holes and the game a little bit better.

It’s too easy for him to simply destroy the defender in front of him, and that’s not happening quite as often at the next level.

Yes, he was suspended for a bowl game and the first part of last season for a positive drug test, but …

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: The suspension was reportedly for marijuana … whatever.

There’s a place in the world for the tough guy back who sets a tone for your offense and your team.

No, he’s not Derrick Henry or the Playoff Lenny version of Leonard Fournette, but he’s got the ability to become destructive force for a coaching staff to lean on to close out a game with a time crunching drive.

Best of all for a player of his style, he has fewer than 200 career touches. Some coaching staff is going to love the potential of what he’ll bring.

Projected Round: Fourth

NEXT: 2021 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings No. 3