NFL Draft Running Back Rankings 2020: From The College Perspective

Who are the running backs who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Who are the running backs who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?


2020 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings

Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

It’s a strong year for running backs with a whole lot of flash about to enter the league. There’s great value in the mid-to-late rounds, but there are more potential franchise-makers up top than last year.

From the college perspective, here are the top running backs in your 2020 NFL Draft, starting with the ones who’ll be in the mix, and then diving into the five who’ll actually matter over the next ten years of the pro football world.

BetMGM: bet on who’ll be the 1st Overall Pick …

15. Javon Leake, Maryland

Size: 6-0, 215

The Good: A big back with good all-around skills, he has a whole lot to bring to the NFL after not seeing a ton of work with the Terps and only producing in his final year. He averaged close to eight yards per carry for his career with 15 touchdowns in the last two seasons, with good quickness to go along with his pop.

The Not-So-Good: It would’ve been nice to have seen a little more speed at the combine. The 40 is hardly a be-all-end-all, but the 4.65 was a bit slow for a guy who plays a whole lot faster. He doesn’t bring a lot of pop for a player of his size.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s a shot for the stars here. He only carried the ball 145 times in his career, and he’s got the upside to be used a lot more as a receiver. Throw in his abilities as a top-shelf kick returner, and he’ll find a role.

Projected Round: Fifth


14. Patrick Taylor, Memphis

Size: 6-1, 217

The Good: It’s a shame he was never able to get everything going last year. Devastating over his previous two seasons, he ran for 29 touchdowns and closed out his career with 2,884 yards. He’s all muscle, lean, and looks like he’s shot out of a cannon when he gets a shot to score. There’s just enough power to get the hard yard.

The Not-So-Good: He’s not going to be your No. 1 back. Fantastic as part of a rotation, he was almost always fresh and wasn’t much of a workhorse. Never able to get right with a nagging ankle injury, he wasn’t able to show off last year when it was supposed to be his time.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s a reason to be a bit wary of Memphis backs – the system was able to generate a whole lot of home runs – but Taylor has the upside to turn into a productive part of a puzzle. Some guys just know how to score, and in a positive way, missing most of last year should send him to the NFL fresh.

Projected Round: Fourth


CFN in 60: 2020 NFL Draft Top 5 Running Backs
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11. Joshua Kelley, UCLA

Size: 5-11, 212

The Good: One of the bright spots in the first two years of the Chip Kelly era, Kelley managed to battle through injuries, an inept passing game, and being the one guy that everyone keyed on to run for two straight 1,000-yard seasons. Rocked up, he’s got the body type, and he showed off the wheels with a sub-4.5 40 at the combine. He’s a tough guy who always gives a big effort, but …

The Not-So-Good: He takes a LOT of big shots. He’s got the speed and explosion to be a little shiftier, but instead he’s more of a power back who can set a tone, or he can get knocked around too much. He never seemed to be 100%, but …

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He gutted it out time and again. There were long stretches when UCLA’s offense had absolutely nothing, but Kelley managed to produce over five yards per carry with 24 career rushing scores. There’s a shot he becomes a good starter for a short time, but he’s worth the pick for the upside that he really is a main man to carry an attack.

Projected Round: Fourth


12. Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Vanderbilt

Size: 5-10, 214

The Good: A tough back who was good at Illinois, and cranked up two 1,000-yard seasons after transferring to Vanderbilt. He ran for 21 touchdowns for the Commodores and wasn’t bad as a receiver. Built well, he’s great at battling for yards and he’s got more than enough speed to rip off big runs once he gets into the open field.

The Not-So-Good: There isn’t a whole lot of wiggle to his game. He’ll fight through tackles, but he’ll also take his share of big shots and might not have a long shelf life at the next level. Not all that smooth, there’s nothing all that pretty about his style, but …

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He’s effective, and he gets the job done. Considering he ran for over 2,000 yards in his two seasons in the SEC behind a Vanderbilt line, he is more than proven. He’s a terrific all-around back who could be a sneaky-good mid-round starter.

Projected Round: Fourth

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11. Anthony McFarland, Maryland

Size: 5-8. 208

The Good: A good pound-for-pound back who’ll always bring an honest thump, he also showed off the needed speed with a 4.4 at the combine. When he was right two years ago, he ripped off big run after big run – averaging almost eight yards per pop – in a 1,034-yard season. Last year he was banged up, but he still averaged over five yards per carry with eight scores.

The Not-So-Good: He’s built well, but he’s not big enough to push a pile. When he had an ankle problem, he’s not able to crank up the same flash. He didn’t catch the ball all that much, and he’s not going to be any sort of a workhorse at the next level.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Think Devonta Freeman – the two have almost the exact same size and build, but McFarland is a bit more of a home run hitter. He’s a tough guy for his size, but his job will be to crank up the big plays in a rotation.

Projected Round: Third

NEXT: 2020 NFL Draft Running Back Rankings Top Ten

NFL Draft Defensive End, Edge Rusher Rankings 2020: From The College Perspective

Who are the defensive ends and edge rushers who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on the top prospects?

Who are the defensive ends and edge rushers who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?


2020 NFL Draft Defensive End, Edge Rusher Rankings

Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

It’s one of the glamour positions now, more than ever. The pass rushers are fantastic in this draft with a big group of deep, talented, and all-around great prospects are there in bunches.

From the college perspective, here are the top quarterbacks in your 2020 NFL Draft, starting with the ones who’ll be in the mix, and then diving into the five who’ll actually matter over the next ten years of the pro football world.

BetMGM: bet on who’ll be the 1st Overall Pick …

15. Trevis Gipson, Tulsa

Size: 6-3, 261

The Good: Emerging as a big-time pass rusher last season, he grew into the role on the Tulsa line, and then came up with eight sacks, 15 tackles for loss and 49 tackles. He’s got good size to go along with quickness off the ball. He has game-wrecking upside.

The Not-So-Good: Even with all of the production, it’s going to take a little bit of NFL coaching to get all the finer points down. His production was good, but with a little work he could do a whole lot more.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s the potential for fantastic value here. He might need a little while and some work to be more consistent and do something with all of his tools, but there’s massive pass rushing value in the later rounds.

Projected Round: Fifth


14. Jonathan Garvin, Miami

Size: 6-4, 263

The Good: Versatile enough to work as a hybrid pass rusher, he could end up as a solid outside linebacker or a defensive end if he’s around bulk up front. He might be tall and not all that bulky, but he can hit.

The Not-So-Good: It would be nice if he could get a little bit bulkier. He’s a true tweener who’ll get pounded on against a decent NFL running game.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: When he was on as a sophomore, he was a flash into the backfield with 17 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He can be a disruptive force, but he might need to get functionally stronger to be a three-down option.

Projected Round: Fifth


CFN in 60: 2020 1st Overall Draft Pick Odds
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13. Alex Highsmith, Charlotte

Size: 6-3, 248

The Good: Ultra-productive, he followed up a big three-sack, 18.5 tackle for loss junior season with an unstoppable 15-sack senior campaign with 75 tackles. He’s not huge, but he’s fast – he ripped off a 4.7 – with the hybrid ability to be a specialist as an outside linebacker.

The Not-So-Good: He’s too small and doesn’t really have a sure-thing NFL role. He’s not a true linebacker; he’s a way-undersized defensive end. He’ll get hammered on against the run.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: One of the nation’s most productive pass rushers over the last two seasons, everyone tried to stop him, and no one could do it on a consistent basis. He might not have ideal size, but he’ll be a cheap/value pass rusher late.

Projected Round: Sixth


12. Bradlee Anae, Utah

Size: 6-3, 257

The Good: A pass rushing machine, he was unblockable at times for a fantastic Utah line that was alway pressing. Great over the last three seasons, he finished his career with 29.5 sacks with 40 tackles for loss. There will be knocks on his tools, but he’s a pure football player who’s always working.

The Not-So-Good: Does he have the NFL stuff at just 257 pounds? He’s just okay against the run, and he’s too much of a tweener to be a regular defensive end. He’s a pass rusher without the high-end NFL athleticism needed.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Don’t get caught up in the negatives and the potential concerns, He’s a consistent producer, a leader, and there’s nothing much to worry about when he’s wound up and let go into a backfield. A coaching staff will love him.

Projected Round: Third

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11. Alton Robinson, SYracuse

Size: 6-3, 264

The Good: One of the fastest and most explosive defensive ends at the combine, he was fantastic in the short drills, ripped off a sub-4.7 40, and did everything right to look the part. He can close, with 19 sacks and 32 tackles for loss in three years.

The Not-So-Good: He’s not really an outside linebacker and he’s a tad undersized for a true defensive end. More disruptive in 2018, he was a bit too inconsistent last season with his production in the backfield cut in half.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: As long as he’s being used as a pass rusher on pure passing downs, he could crank up a ton of stats as a specialty playmaker in the backfield.

Projected Round: Fourth

NEXT: 2020 NFL Draft Defensive End, Edge Rusher Rankings Top Ten

NFL Draft Tight End Rankings 2020: From The College Perspective

Who are the tight ends who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Who are the tight ends who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?


2020 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings

Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

The tight ends are okay, but there aren’t the stars like there have been over the past few years. However, there’s enough mid-round value to get excited.

From the college perspective, here are the top tight ends in your 2020 NFL Draft, starting with the ones who’ll be in the mix, and then diving into the five who’ll actually matter over the next ten years of the pro football world.

BetMGM: bet on who’ll be the 1st Overall Pick …

15. Dalton Keene, Virginia Tech

Size: 6-4, 253

The Good: Now that’s a workout a workout. Keene dominated at the combine by leading the way in the broad jump and doing a fantastic job in all of the other main categories. Able to do a little of everything right, he’s a solid receiver and has no problems doing what’s necessary as a blocker.

The Not-So-Good: He’s  built like a small forward without a whole lot of bulk. Yes, he can do a little of everything right, but there isn’t a sure-thing NFL trait that makes him standout. His receiving production at Virginia Tech was fine – 59 career catches for 748 yards and eight scores – but nothing special.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Someone will take him and he’ll be a tough cut. He’s an almost perfect backup tight end with all he can do, but he’s a fill-in. Something will have to pop right away in a camp to be a starter.

Projected Round: Seventh


14. Mitchell Wilcox, USF

Size: 6-3, 247

The Good: Productive, he caught 100 career passes for 1,326 yards and 11 touchdowns. With a good combination of pass catching skills and blocking ability, he can stay on the field for all three downs.

The Not-So-Good: He’s missing the NFL tools. He’s not quite big enough, he’s not quite powerful enough, and he’s not quite fast enough. He’s a good football player, but there’s not enough wow.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s always a place in the NFL for a decent tight end who can catch.

Projected Round: Sixth


CFN in 60: 2020 1st Overall Draft Pick Odds
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13. Josiah Deguara, Cincinnati

Size: 6-2, 242

The Good: Fantastic at the combine, he was one of most athletic all-around tight ends at the workout. Fast, quick, and with a knack for getting his nose dirty as a blocker, he can do a little of everything right. However …

The Not-So-Good: He’s WAY undersized. He’s a fullback-sized player who’ll need to find a role. Yeah, he was athletic in Indy, but he doesn’t have freakish enough skills to overcome the lack of bulk.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There could be a nice upside here in the later rounds. He’s not built like an NFL tight end, but he’s an ultra-reliable receiver 77 catches and 12 scores over the last two years – and he’ll do whatever is needed.

Projected Round: Sixth


12. Devin Asiasi, UCLA

Size: 6-3, 257

The Good: There’s hope to emerge as a bigger part of a passing game once he finds the right role. He didn’t do much in his UCLA career, and then last season it started to work with 44 catches for 641 yards and four scores. There’s enough on-field explosion to work into downfield playmaker.

The Not-So-Good: There’s a strange body type here to work with. He’s not all that big in a good way, but he’d be better at around 245 pounds – there’s a risk he could be 265ish. There’s upside, but he’s a project.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s a little bit of a boom-or-bust thing happening with him. He could bulk up a bit and become an athletic H-back, or he could crank down and be a matchup problem of a receiver. There’s enough to his game to like the upside.

Projected Round: Fifth

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11. CJ O’Grady, Arkansas

Size: 6-4, 253

The Good: A productive target with good size, he might not do too much down the field, but he caught 84 passes with 11 touchdowns over the last three seasons. He has nice hands and good enough football speed to work his way open.

The Not-So-Good: How worried are you about the way his Arkansas career ended? Suspended a few times, he ended up only playing seven times last year before he left the team. The overall NFL athleticism is just okay and he doesn’t use his size well enough as a run blocker.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: There’s enough talent and pass catching ability to find a job in someone’s offense, but he’s going to be a mid-range threat.

Projected Round: Fifth

NEXT: 2020 NFL Draft Tight End Rankings Top Ten

NFL Draft Guard, Center Rankings 2020: From The College Perspective

Who are the guards and centers who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?

Who are the guards and centers who’ll matter in the 2020 NFL Draft, and what’s the college perspective on all of the top prospects?


2020 NFL Draft Guard, Center Rankings

Contact/Follow @ColFootballNews & @PeteFiutak

The guards are fine, but it’s a center-rich draft with a few excellent starting prospects to be had from – likely – the second round on.

From the college perspective, here are the top guards and centers – interior linemen – in your 2020 NFL Draft, starting with the ones who’ll be in the mix, and then diving into the five who’ll actually matter over the next ten years of the pro football world.

BetMGM: Bet on the 2020 NFL Draft

15. Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon

Size: 6-5, 317

The Good: He bulked up a bit between the end of the season and the combine, but he should maintain his versatility and potential to be tried out at tackle. Able to be tried out anywhere, at worst he’s a good all-around possibility as a swing backup.

The Not-So-Good: A true-tweener, even at his bigger weight he’s still not quite a traditional bulk guard, and the athleticism isn’t there to be a tackle. There’s nothing that stands out at an NFL level.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: Just take him and figure out a spot. He’s a tough blocker who can serve as good, reliable reserve at absolute worst, but he should be able to fight his way through to be a starting NFL quarter.

Projected Round: Fourth


14. Darryl Williams, Mississippi State (C/OG)

Size: 6-2, 304

The Good: Try to blow off the measurables. He’s got the versatility to be a rock-solid center from the start, or could move to either guard spot in a pinch.  A true leader, he can take over a line from the middle.

The Not-So-Good: The NFL body type isn’t there. He’s not long enough and doesn’t have the raw mass to be any sort of a power blocker for a consistent basis. It’s not a knock that he’s probably just a center, but he’s only a backup at guard.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: More than able to hold his own for a long time as an SEC center, he was more than able to handle the work against the nation’s top defensive tackles. He’s too smart of a player to not be someone’s center.

Projected Round: Fifth


CFN in 60: 2020 1st Overall Draft Pick Odds
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13. Shane Lemieux, Oregon

Size: 6-4, 310

The Good: Very dependable and very experienced, he’s ready to go right now with the toughness to be a good grinder for the ground game. There isn’t any finesse about his style – he’s a true guard.

The Not-So-Good: Can he move well enough? He moved well enough at the combine to think he can do more in pass protection, but he’ll need to be flanked by athletic linemen.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He doesn’t necessarily look the part of a more modern day athletic NFL lineman, but get past it. He’s a veteran pounder who’ll start for a long time.

Projected Round: Fourth


12. Jonah Jackson, Ohio State (C/OG)

Size: 6-3, 306

The Good: Equally promising at any of the three interior spots at the next level, he’s a superior run blocker who gets great leverage and can maul. He’s not massive, but he uses his bulk and technique well enough to produce, especially if he becomes a next-level center.

The Not-So-Good: Good luck against the ultra-quick interior defensive linemen. He can pound, and he isn’t that bad at moving in short areas, but he isn’t enough of a pass protector to rely on.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: The former Rutgers-transfer turned-Buckeye has all of the intangibles to be someone’s starting center for a long time. He might not be an elite athlete, but he can pop.

Projected Round: Third


11. Matt Hennessy, Temple (C/OG)

Size: 6-4, 307

The Good: Able to play anywhere in the interior, he’s a center with just enough toughness and grit to work as a guard. There’s even the potential to try him out at right tackle if needed.

The Not-So-Good: He’s not quite big enough to not be scheme-specific – he’s not going to maul anyone at the next level – and he might be a center-only. The want-to is there to work as a guard, but the bulk isn’t.

NFL Draft College Perspective Thought: He can be a leader of someone’s line as an athletic center who can get on the move. It would be nice if he could work at around 315 and bring a little more power, but he’ll be fine early on the second day.

Projected Round: Third

NEXT: 2020 NFL Draft Guard, Center Rankings Top Ten

2020 NFL draft: Updated prospect rankings for every position

Draft Wire’s Luke Easterling updates his prospect rankings for every position group in the 2020 NFL draft

The predraft process is rolling on, as the Senior Bowl is in the books and the NFL Scouting Combine is next on the horizon.

As teams and prospects alike continue to prepare for Indy and beyond, here’s an updated look at my prospect rankings for every position group in the 2020 NFL draft class:

Quarterback

Running Back

Wide Receiver

Tight End

Offensive Tackle

Interior Offensive Line

Edge Defender

Interior Defensive Line

Linebacker

Cornerback

Safety

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