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2015 NFL Draft Position Review: Running Backs


By Charlie Campbell.
Walter Football
April 3, 2015.

Position Review: Running Backs

Running Back Class
Early-round talent: A
Mid-round: A
Late-round: A-
Overall grade: A

2015 prospects vs 2014
Todd Gurley > Bishop Sankey
Melvin Gordon > Jeremy Hill
Jay Ajayi > Carlos Hyde
Ameer Abdullah > Charles Sims
Tevin Coleman > Tre Mason
Duke Johnson > Terrence West
T.J. Yeldon > Devonta Freeman
Mike Davis = Andre Williams


This year's draft class features a great group of running backs, and this crop is much better than the last two years' classes that didn't produce a first-round pick. I think the 2015 NFL Draft's running back class could end up being a legendary group and could be on a par with the banner group of wide receivers from the 2014 NFL Draft. I honestly think there are 7-10 backs who have Pro Bowl potential with the top-shelf talent being players who could be franchise-type backs. In my opinion if he stays healthy, I think Todd Gurley could have a Hall of Fame career while Melvin Gordon will be in the Hall of Very Good.

If you were to mix the classes, the 2015 group absolutely dominates the 2014 group, and last year wasn't even a bad year for running backs as there were some good prospects on the second day of the NFL draft. The top three prospects are Gurley, Gordon and Ajayi. Sankey, Hill and Hyde are about equal as prospects to Abdullah, Coleman, Johnson and Yeldon. All of those backs are second-round talents. Davis and Williams are about equal as late third-round or early fourth-round picks.

That being said, the 2015 class has great depth. There are a number of third-day backs who I think could turn into good pros. That group includes USC's Buck Allen, Minnesota's David Cobb, Michigan State's Jeremy Langford, Auburn's Cameron Artis-Payne, Louisville's Dominique Brown and North Dakota State's John Crockett. There are even talented players who will go undrafted. I think the 2015 class also has a real steal on Day 2 or 3 in Northern Iowa's David Johnson. I think he could be this year's Alfred Morris, Zac Stacy or Tre Mason.


*Safest Pick: Melvin Gordon, Wisconsin

If Gurley were healthy, he would be this pick, hands down, but with his ACL injury and ankle in 2013, I have to go with Gordon. The Kenosha, Wisconsin product possesses a complete skill set for the NFL. Gordon has a serious burst with the ability to break any carry for a long gain or touchdown. The 6-foot-1, 215 pounder also is strong enough to handle a big workload and showed an improved ability to pick up yards after contact as a junior. Gordon has excellent cutting ability, vision, patience and balance. He also has the ability to become a very good receiver and blocker in the NFL. Gordon looks like a very safe pick to become a good NFL running back and Pro Bowl selection.

Previous Picks:
2014: Carlos Hyde
2013: Eddie Lacy


*Biggest Bust Potential: Mike Davis, South Carolina

Prior to the 2014 season, there was a lot of excitement with scouts about Davis, but that fizzled out during his final season for the Gamecocks. Davis (5-9, 217) is a physical runner with some receiving ability, but sources say that he grades out as a No. 2 back in the NFL. Davis has a tendency to get dinged up and missed a lot of playing time as a junior. That could only get worse in the NFL with bigger, faster and more physical defenders. Davis has a well-rounded skill set, but he isn't especially great at one category. Davis could get overdrafted and pushed into a starting role. That might lead to Davis being a bust.

Previous Picks:
2014: Lache Seastrunk
2013: Montee Ball


Running Back Rankings by Attributes


*Natural Running Ability:
NFL prototype: Adrian Peterson, Vikings

1.Todd Gurley
2.Melvin Gordon
3.Jay Ajayi
4.Tevin Coleman
5.Ameer Abdullah
6.Duke Johnson
7.T.Y. Yeldon
8.Mike Davis

Recap: There are still a number of coaches in the NFL who want an old-school approach of a running-based offense. Plus, a lot of passing-led offenses want a back who can wear down defenses in the second half. All of these 2015 backs are good runners.

Gurley is a rare, amazing runner, who is easily at the top of the list. Sources with NFL teams have said that Gurley is the best back to enter the NFL since Adrian Peterson. Throughout his college career, Gurley was utterly dominant and demonstrated a great combination of speed and power. He can run over defenders and break off long runs with a threat to score on almost any carry. Before his injury, Gurley was drawing comparisons to Herschel Walker and Bo Jackson. Gurley's vision, feet, burst and balance are phenomenal.

As stated above, Gordon has excellent speed with the ability to rip off yards in chunks. He has cutting ability, vision, patience and balance.

Ajayi has a superb skill set with power, speed, phenomenal balance, vision and versatility. He weaves his way through the defense with the ability to run downhill or on the perimeter.

Abdullah, Johnson and Coleman are speed backs who can rip off long runs when they break into the open field. They all also have enough skills to run between the tackles, but they shouldn't be backs who spend their entire careers pounding the ball in the box against eight-man fronts.

Yeldon and Davis are tough runners who can pick up yards after contact. The reason they're ranked lower is because Yeldon got heavy enoguh to hurt his speed as a sophomore and junior. That problem could be accentuated against faster NFL defenses. Davis isn't as effective when he's banged up. That happened in college and could be an even bigger hurdle at the next level.


*Pass Receiving:
NFL prototype: Le'Veon Bell, Steelers

1.Jay Ajayi
2.Duke Johnson
3.Ameer Abdullah
4.Mike Davis
5.Todd Gurley
6.Melvin Gordon
7.Tevin Coleman
8.T.Y. Yeldon

Recap: The passing-driven NFL has many offensive coordinators emphasizing a running back's ability to help the aerial offense over running ability. Coaches want backs who have good hands, run good routes and can rack up yards as outlet receivers. Ajayi is the best receiving back in this group, while Northern Iowa's David Johnson might be the best pass-catching back in the 2015 NFL Draft.

Ajayi hauled in 45 passes for 536 yards with four touchdowns through the air in 2014. He runs good routes and is extremely difficult for linebackers or safeties to cover. Ajayi should be a nice weapon as a third-down back in the passing game in the NFL.

Johnson and Abdullah are smaller, quicker backs who are similar to Bengals back Gio Bernard. Johnson (38-421-3) is a fast back whp is a threat to break off long receptions. He runs wheel routes well and has soft hands. Abdullah (22-269-3) is a nice check-down back who picks up good yards after catching outlet passes.

Davis' receiving ability is one of his best traits. He is very dangerous as a screen back who follows his blocks and runs through tacklers. In back-to-back seasons, Davis had 34 receptions with over 350 yards through the air. If Davis isn't the primary back, he should be a good third-down back in the NFL.

Gurley only had 12 receptions for 57 yards last year, but that doesn't tell the whole story. He had 30 receptions for 344 yards and five touchdowns as a sophomore. Gurley has the ability to be a good receiver in the NFL, and he is extremely fast to be a scoring threat.

Gordon, Coleman and Yeldon all had some contributions as a receiver, but their offenses didn't throw the ball much to running backs. All three have the ability to function as receivers in an NFL-passing game


*Pass Blocking:
NFL prototype: Ahmad Bradshaw, Free Agent

1.T.Y. Yeldon
2.Jay Ajayi
3.Melvin Gordon
4.Ameer Abdullah
5.Duke Johnson
6.Mike Davis
7.Todd Gurley
8.Tevin Coleman

Recap: This is huge for offensive coordinators. If a running back can't pass protect, he is going to have a hard time seeing the field in the NFL. If the defenses know that a running back isn't trusted to protect the quarterback, it is an immediate tip about what the play is going to be. Coaches want multiple backs with pass-protection skills. The importance of blitz pickup and pass blocking is increasing every year for running backs. The college game has caught on to this, and the 2015 group of running backs is well prepared.

Yeldon is my favorite of these backs in blocking for the quarterback. He takes on linebackers and was reliable at protecting Blake Sims. Lane Kiffin counted on Yeldon in pass protection last year and that was great for Yeldon's NFL preparation, although it cut down on his receiving opportunities. Yeldon is smart about which blitzers to pick up and is very good at nullifying their rushes.

Just a hair behind is Ajayi. He is built well and does a nice job of reading the defense. Ajayi could end up being a superb back for the passing game in the NFL.

Gordon has potential in pass protection. There are times when he dishes out some good blocks, but he still needs some development with diagnosis. That is the case with every college back. Abdullah, Johnson and Davis all are solid.

Gurley and Coleman showed some potential as blockers last year. Each will get better as they gain experience. Gurley wasn't required to block much at Georgia.


*Yards After Contact:
NFL prototype: Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks

1.Todd Gurley
2.Jay Ajayi
3.T.Y. Yeldon
4.Melvin Gordon
5.Mike Davis
6.Tevin Coleman
7.Duke Johnson
8.Ameer Abdullah


Recap: For running backs to be consistently successful in the NFL, they have to have the ability to get yards after contact. Breaking tackles is critical to moving the chains and setting up good down and distance. Gurley is the No. 1 back. It usually takes multiple defenders to bring him down, and he's constantly bouncing off or running through defenders to pick up more yards on the ground. There are times where Gurley punishes defenders.

Ajayi and Yeldon are similar. They power through arm tackles with ease, and there were plenty of plays that they took defenders for a ride as they churned ahead for more yards.

Gordon really improved his yards after contact as a junior. His legs didn't go dead on contact, and he churned ahead for more yards. Gordon ran through arm tackles and finished his runs well. Coleman is similar as he is a speed back who has size and can get yards after contact.

While Davis isn't huge, he is a physical back who finishes his runs well. He does a good job of fighting for extra yards and falling forward. Davis is compactly built and defenders can have a hard time of getting a hold of him.

Johnson and Abdullah aren't bad about yards after contact despite being smaller backs. They showed an improved ability to do that in 2014. They won't be power backs in the NFL, but they'll be able to fight for some extra yards.


*Zone-Blocking Runner:
NFL prototype: Arian Foster, Texans

1.Todd Gurley
2.T.Y. Yeldon
3.Melvin Gordon
4.Jay Ajayi
5.Tevin Coleman
6.Mike Davis
7.Ameer Abdullah
8.Duke Johnson

Recap: The zone-blocking scheme calls for backs to have quickness and physicality. They need the ability to follow the moving wall, use vision and anticipation to see the hole opening and make one cut to run downhill. It is a different type of running compared to a set, designed play.

Gurley is a great fit for a zone scheme. He is tremendous to make one cut and explode down the field. Gurley follows his blocks well, and once he accelerates, he flies through the defense. In a zone scheme, Gurley could be tremendous.

Yeldon is an excellent zone runner as Alabama did a lot of zone blocking during his time with the Crimson Tide. He flows with the line and powers his way downhill with the quick feet to hit the cutback lanes. In the NFL, Yeldon would be better as a zone runner than in a man scheme.

Gordon has a lot the attributes to execute in zone. He can be a one-cut downhill runner who has patience and vision. Ajayi, Coleman and Davis have enough speed and athleticism to be good fits in a zone scheme.

Abdullah and Johnson are shifty backs and aren't so much the one-cut downhill types. They could get by in a zone scheme, but they would be better off in a man-blocking scheme.


*Power-Man Runner:
NFL prototype: DeMarco Murray, Eagles

1.Melvin Gordon
2.Todd Gurley
3.Jay Ajayi
4.Ameer Abdullah
5.Duke Johnson
6.Tevin Coleman
7.Mike Davis
8.T.Y. Yeldon

Recap: Wisconsin featured Gordon as its lead runner between the tackles, and he did an excellent job as a junior. Gordon should be good at executing an NFL power-man scheme almost immediately.

Gurley and Ajayi both ran well behind good offensive lines. While both are bigger backs, they are still shifty to help their blockers and make their own holes. They also have the size to run through a free defender.

When Coleman is running well he looks like a very nice fit in a man scheme. Coleman can dodge and weave his way through traffic.

Davis and Yeldon are more one-cut downhill runners. They could function in a man scheme, but would be best in zone schemes.


*Elusiveness:
NFL prototype: LeSean McCoy, Bills

1.Todd Gurley
2.Melvin Gordon
3.Ameer Abdullah
4.Duke Johnson
5.Jay Ajayi
6.Tevin Coleman
7.T.Y. Yeldon
8.Mike Davis

Recap: Gurley and Gordon are basically tied as the most elusive runners in this draft class. They juke defenders, spin away, cut around them and use speed to run by them. Defenders really struggle to get a firm grasp on them.

Abdullah and Johnson have elusiveness in the open field. Both can dodge tacklers and juke linebackers in ugly fashion. Abdullah had a knack for seeming to be stopped, but slipping away for more yards. They just aren't as explosive as the top two.

Ajayi is a strong runner who can weave through defenders in the open field. As a runner, he has a lot of balance with some moves and cutting.

Coleman has some elusiveness. He can cut quickly to get behind defenders. Yeldon is a smooth runner who weaves through defenders and seems to glide down field. Yeldon and Davis are more of downhill runners. They use their strength to be elusive and not let tacklers get control of they.


*Breakaway Speed:
NFL prototype: Jamaal Charles, Chiefs

1.Todd Gurley
2.Melvin Gordon
3.Duke Johnson
4.Tevin Coleman
5.Jay Ajayi
6.Ameer Abdullah
7.T.Y. Yeldon
8.Mike Davis

Recap: Gurley is No. 1. At Georgia, he showed the ability to break off long touchdown runs and also was a threat to return kicks for touchdowns. There were many plays that Gurley produced long runs by dodging a defender in the second level and exploding down the field. He is extremely fast despite being a big back.

Gordon showed that he has rare speed. Despite adding about 10-15 pounds of muscle, Gordon maintained his big-play ability, and at one point during his final season, he was tied for the FBS record in career average in yards per carry with stellar mark of 8.26 yards per carry. You don't have that without a serious burst. Gordon is a threat to score and can break off a long run on any carry.

Johnson has the speed to break off long runs, and he showed that throughout his career. Johnson ripped off big plays for Miami in 2014 even after getting stronger, and was a special teams weapon early in his career.

Even though Coleman and Ajayi have size, when they break downfield, they are touch to catch. Both had some long runs where they ran away from defenders when they broke into the open field.

Abdullah didn't run all that well at the Combine, but he's faster in the games. Yeldon had some dangerous speed as a freshman, but that was diminished the last two years after he gained weight. Davis has a burst to hit the hole, but he is a back who will be caught from behind in the NFL.


http://walterfootball.com/draft2015positionreviewRB.php#54OPfajmU2RF25JW.99

We don't even need to draft a RB, not even in the later to last round.

Let's roll with Crow and West double headed snake attack, and let us find out who these Winston and Draughn young guys are.

But, I think Dallas will pull some strings and wheel and deal to acquire Gordon if he doesn't make it by Arizona who IMO would be interested in needing a RB enough to take first round.

I disagree. If we're going to be a run first, run often team, we need A.) a dominating, lead RB who can score from anywhere on the field, and B.) considerably more depth at the position. I think we need to go RB in the first 4 picks. People seem to forget that both Crowell and West had problems with ball security, and that they took turns being in Coach Pettine's doghouse last year. You also have to consider that either or both could get dinged at any time, because of the beating RB's take, and I do not want to put all our chips on unknowns like Winston or Draughns.

The author likes Ajayi.

If he's there at 19 and the offers to move down aren't that great, I'd happily take Gurley.

Don't know why they think Gordon is a safe pick. The guy doesn't run in between the tackles. His vision is about mediocre and his power seems based off of how much of a build up he can get. He is fast, but can get caught from behind at times. He'll be a very good back in the NFL, but certainly not the game breaker that Walter seems to think he will be.

I think Gordon ran between the tackles quite a bit, it just didn't seem like it because that Wisky O-Line made holes the size of pickup trucks.

If it wasn't for the ACL, I would go with Gurley at #12, but I think we wait until #19 and go for Gordon, he seems to be a complete back with out the injuries. Or we could wait until the 2nd and maybe go for Ajayi. Course I'm a RB nut so I hope we get a game breaker.

I like Indiana's Tevin Coleman late 2nd, early 3rd. He had 8 runs over 60 yards, 6 for TDs, in an offense where he was pretty much the only weapon. A little later, 4th round if he lasts that long, I like TJ Yeldon from 'Bama. Good speed (4.52) and elusiveness for a big RB (6-2, 226).

Coleman would look good with West and the Crow, and Colman is an excellent KO Returner ...

So is Gurley.

I'm a little concern with the ACL injury too. Gurley is best back we've seen in some time maybe since AP.

I find puzzling some posting they pass on Gurley and draft OL or DL. Any lineman, defense or offense, drafted will find difficulty starting this year. Most analyst state a few OT in this draft make better interior lineman. Why use a first day pick on interior lineman? Shelton is the best suited DL, but he isn't close to Aaron Donald drafted 13th last year.

If your offense is built around the run game, I think investing in several quality backs is ideal. If you look at Seattle, they have no options if Lynch gets hurt. Another good example is Minnesota when AP was hurt.

In my opinion, you upgrade any position with the best talent. How many times have Browns passed on top talent trying to fix holes? Most teams have holes you simply design your team around best players.

Can't take credit for the post below. Copped it from a poster named MCDawg1 on cle.scout.com. Didn't see anything in the board rules that would prohibit this.

Makes sense that the Browns would be the first team to take a Running Back in the top 30 since they took Richardson in 2012.

Here is a list of 1st round RB's since 2007 when AP and Marshawn Lynch were selected. It's a who's who of nothing.
2014- None
2013 - None
2012 -Trent Richardson, Doug Martin, David Wilson
2011 - Mark Ingram
2010 - C.J. Spiller, Ryan Matthews, Jahvid Best
2009 - NoShawn Moreno, Donald Brown, Beanie Wells
2008 -Darren McFadden, Jonathan Stewart, Felix Jones, Rashard Mendenhall, Chris Johnson

This part is mine...You can't convince me that Gurley is a foundational piece for this team. Besides, we don't even know what our offensive scheme looks like this year so to suggest he's a fit is flimsy at best.

With either McCown or Manziel at QB, I'm fairly confident we are going to be a run-dominant offense. As far as first round RB's in the previous years' drafts, I'm not sure what that has to do with this year's crop. I think there's two first rounders in this draft, with another 4-5 good pro RBs available after them.

I get it, some fans like Gurley enough to consider using a high draft pick on him.

I think its obvious that reciting the draft history for the position was intended to show that using a high pick on the RB position has a very low success rate. You haven't offered any compelling argument about why this year is any different than recent years for the position. You haven't offered any compelling reason why Gurley is a transcendent player.

West and Crowell aren't garbage. They are young players who have shown promise.

I like Gurley, I just remain skeptical that selecting him instead of a run stuffing DL or a replacement for Mack or a pass rusher aren't better uses of the team's highest picks.

Considering how many holes we did address in free agency I concede taking him is not out of the realm of possibility. It would still be a head scratcher for me.

Just for the record, I wasn't necessarily picking Gurley as the RB we had to get, although I'd be good with the pick at 19. I don't think Crowell and West are "garbage"; nor do I think they're Mack and Byner. I think West is serviceable and Crowell could be pretty good. But they both have shortcomings, imo. I just think we need to upgrade the starting RB, which also adds depth by slotting Crowell and West below the starter. I also think we need a FB.

I have no problem with drafting a running back but not until the 3rd rd or later. We have too many other needs on D and WR. We can get a good RB in the later RD's.

I can't see drafting a RB in the first round. I can't even see drafting a RB in the second. I probably wouldn't even consider drafting one in the third unless a guy like Gordon was there, which he won't be.

Good a discussion other then FO or QB!!!

I'll bite. Why? Looking at what Seattle and San Fransisco done in the last 3 to 4 years. Have they not shown a powerful running game wins? Unless you think Gurley is not special. If it were not for the ACL issue, I feel Gurley has AP potential.

I do understand the league has moved to the passing game. If Browns continue their path getting a QB, I can't see success anytime soon winning with the passing game.

JC

I mentioned Tevin Coleman earlier ... the more I think about it, we'd need to use a 2nd Round pick to get him.

Check out the acceleration:

Why?

For a couple of reason:

--We have two decent RBs that I believe can be effective.

--We have more pressing needs.

--RBs typically have a short shelf life.

--Most importantly, good RBs are easy to find. That is not a knock on RBs, it's a testament to how many really, really good backs there are.

THatnks Dave,

Dude is fast, seems to have excellent vision also.

on a side note do they not teach proper angles of pursuit to safeties anymore?

Although I understand the reasoning of wanting an elite back as we are to be a run-first team, but the above comment is my thoughts exactly.

If there are going to be holes, are you guys wanting to draft a RB so high not scary of the thought of watching Crow bust through it and the damage he can do once he's in the second level?

Even West has showed damage once he gets into the second level. When West started to go north and south, he became a better back IMO. He played lights out that Baltimore game and hey, let us not forget that destroyer block he laid on that pass rusher that was about to probably kill Hoyer. He just flat out stopped him in his tracks, submarined and then forgotten.



Just nasty...

I think between West's power and Crow's speed and slash, we would be silly to change that formula by adding another face in the mix. Keeps them both fresh for both now and long term.

All JMO

I'm guessing angle of pursuit calculations become a lot more difficult when a guy runs a 4.40 in the forty. The angle gets skinnier and skinnier, and next thing you know you're just chasing somebody.

That was a great block - he saved the play with that blitz pickup.

Yeah I guess your right... still that guy from Clemson(?, orange uniforms), man he missed three tackles because of bad angles...angles a pet peeve of mine.

I have coached youth football for years on the D side and from day one I teach them... Angles, Momentum and Leverage.. control those and you will be in every game you play.

Vers: I think point #3 is the reason to keep upgrading when ever you can. Plus we do have (2) 1st rd. picks, If we can upgrade our LB or DL with 1 then we stay true to our running game with #2 or even in the 2nd rd.

On another note: If the RB happens to be the BPA at our spot then yeah again. In such a weak draft, I think you have to take BPA.

j/c

I simply don't see a big investment at the RB position. This FO made an investment in West in last years draft. Just like with JFF I believe that if a FO believes in a guy enough to draft him in the first three or four rounds, they're going to give him enough time to succeed.

We saw improvement in West going north and south. We saw him doing some good blocking. We saw the power of the Crow. I could see a scat back/change of pace RB drafted later on, but I believe giving the current baby backs another year to develop would pay huge dividends over a huge draft investment at the position.

I understand that. But don't you improve where you can when you can? If they see a direct improvement and can get one I think you have to get 'em. I guess it depends on the value. If they feel like the RB is higher rated than any other position sure why not? I think over drafting for need has been the bane for the Browns in the past.

I don't believe we are in a position that we must draft for need. There are several positions we could upgrade but I believe factors play into drafting a RB. Shelf life is a big one IMO. I certainly don't see any RB in this draft as the next AP or Lynch. All RB's only have so many miles you can put on those tires.

So I'm not saying they can't or won't draft a RB high, I just don't envision it happening.

I can say it. We aren't drafting a RB high lol. Crow and West are considered the strength of this offense not a weakness. Flip wanted this job because of the OL and Running backs. In the one interview he was giddy like a school girl talking about their potential in his offense and finding more ways to get the ball into their hands as weapons in the passing game.

If Gurley is like they say he is, then yes I would use #12 on him. However with his ACL, I would wait until #19. And even then I would wonder if we did the right thing. But would still love to have him.

Good Points.

I'd press the issue harder, but as you stated "shelf life," the ACL issue makes me step back. Trust me if I didn't think Gurley could be the next AP, I'd pretty much agree with you. One exception your "needs" point. I totally believe you get FAs to fill needs. You draft best talent.

For s and grins and leaving Gurley out making it general, your thinking is the talent at RB between West/Crowell like versus an AP like is a small margin and not worth a big investment. Hmmm, as I read posts after our. This should make for a good discussion. I'm going to disagree but may change my mind later. Your point on shelf life makes me think.

My only question is after ranking overall talent you can find 20 higher than Gurley? I think this draft is average. Most guys fall short of last years first round picks. I can see talent like Gurley worthy of top 20.

I'll have to be honest here. I really haven't studied many of the players in this years draft. RB certainly is one I've looked at, but not really studied.

I did look into players like Bud Dupree because I kept hearing his name pop up. I know he's not in the top 20. lol

I don't think he ran at the Combine - all I saw was 22 reps in the bench press. He ran 4.40 for his workout at U of Indiana. Indiana didn't throw much to RBs, but Dane Brugler at CBS Sports thinks he's the best 3-down back in the draft based on his running, receiving, and pass protect abilities.

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/2001839/tevin-coleman

If and that is a big if, IF we draft a RB this year I would take TEVAN COLEMAN over all the rest ... JMHO