We are getting to that time of the year when we start looking forward to the NFL Draft. This college football season has shown that the running back position has some good looking prospects and if the NFL has taught us anything this year it's rookie running backs can succeed right away. Time to dive into the top seven running backs to enter the 2018 NFL Draft.
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7.) Ronald Jones II - USC
Jones has been solid this season rushing for 1,082 yards and 13 touchdowns. He is currently averaging 6.8 yards per carry but the weight that he added in the offseason is making him more of a complete running back especially near the goal line. A tough nose runner who is solid between the tackles but needs to improve as a pass catcher.
6.) Royce Freeman - Oregon
Freeman has 1,096 yards this season with 10 touchdowns on an Oregon team that isn't having the season they were hoping for. Freeman has dealt with injuries in the past but has looked healthy this season and at full strength. Freeman has the build that NFL teams look for with a low center of gravity and big build. An NFL comparison for Freeman is Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart who has had a solid NFL career and also an Oregon Duck.
5.) Sony Michel - Georgia
Don't blink or you might miss Michel, he is averaging 8.5 yards per carry this season and has been a great complimentary running back to Nick Chubb. He would be a bell cow running back at 95 percent of schools in the country but splits time with another great running back. Michel is a solid pass catcher and expected to be drafted on the second day of the NFL draft. A big plus for Michel is his ability to pass block which is why some scouts have him much higher on their boards.
4.) Damien Harris - Alabama
Harris this season has 10 touchdowns, 697 yards and is averaging 8.6 yards per carry. An NFL comparison for Harris is Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson. Harris can catch the ball but simply isn't asked to do so at Alabama so don't let his six receptions fool you. Running backs out of Alabama scare scouts but Harris is a dependable running back and will be dependable in the NFL.
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3.) Derrius Guice - LSU
I love the skill set for Guice but he has dealt with injuries this season which has hampered his performance in a few matchups. Guice last season was incredible filling in for Leonard Fournette where he averaged 7.6 yards per carry with 15 touchdowns. Guice isn't quite as physical as this player but as more shake and elusiveness but he reminds me a lot of Mark Ingram. Mark Ingram is a solid NFL running back and I expect the same from Guice.
2.) Nick Chubb - Georgia
Don't let the numbers of Nick Chubb confuse you, he is a top two running back in this year's draft. Georgia has been splitting carries this entire season and Chubb has 765 yards and nine touchdowns. Chubb is big physical runner who is faster than many defenders expect and a very difficult guy to tackle. I think he will be a first round selection and possible top 15 pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Call me crazy but I see Marshawn Lynch when I watch Nick Chubb.
1.) Saquon Barkley - Penn State
No surprise here, Barkley is the top running back. The most complete running back to enter the draft in the last 10 years. He has the speed, agility, balance, vision, and power that leaves the NFL scouts drooling and I'd be surprised if he didn't go top five in the 2018 NFL Draft. Barkley has 801 rushing yards, but also has 36 receptions for 471 yards and three touchdowns. The NFL comparison I see when watching Barkley is LaDainian Tomlinson or for a more recent comparison, I see David Johnson. Barkley is truly that special.
All of these running backs are extremely talented and everyone here at Chat Sports hopes that these players have successful NFL careers.
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Mitchell Renz is the Senior Writer & On-Air Host at Chat Sports check out his article archive and live videos on Chat Sports Facebook page. Please follow him on Twitter @MitchellRenz365.
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