There is a growing movement in the Dynasty community toward “devy” players. The term “devy” refers to developmental players carried on the dynasty league rosters. These devy players are usually college players but can even be high school athletes. Each week, we will look at a different set of devy rankings.
The running back position in the NFL is much different than in the college ranks. There are always ball carriers who are better in college offenses than in pro-style formations. We look around the NFL ranks and see several stars who were not highly ranked coming out of high school. On the flip side, the elite high school recruits usually end up at the better college football schools, which leads to higher draft grades. Barry Sanders, Sr. had few college offers. On the flip side, Adrian Peterson was called “cannot miss” in high school. Between injuries and the transition from college to the NFL, there is room for error. Trent Richardson is the poster child for this occurrence. Also, keep in mind that sometimes it takes a while for a player's frame to fully mature and fill out while some are maxed out in high school. Finding future stars at the running back position is more art than science.
This series of articles focuses on players who should be considered on their respective NFL prospects not college production. In this article, we will take a look at the top running back prospects who will be eligible for the 2017 NFL Draft. Also, keep in mind that one or more of the backs eligible to turn pro this spring will actually stay in school. It happens every year.
5. Christian McCaffery (Stanford) – The son of former NFL star receiver Ed McCaffery, the Stanford star is tearing up the Pac12 conference, and all other opponents. He stands 6'2”, 212 pounds and runs a 4.48 40-yard dash. The Sophomore ran for 243 yards in a recent game against UCLA. The 243 yards broke the Stanford record of 223 yards previously held by Toby Gerhart. Interestingly enough, McCaffery is a strong asset as a returner but offers little value in the passing game. Some may argue that he would rise to the occasion if used more as a receiver. With at least one more year left in his college career, McCaffery has plenty of time to work on his pass-catching ability. He could be a great fantasy option if landing in the right NFL offensive scheme.
4. Royce Freeman (Oregon) – The Sophomore has been the best asset on the Oregon offense this season. A couple of weeks ago, Freeman rushed for 264 yards and two scores on only 27 carries in the loss to Washington State. Freeman is a big runner at 6'1”, 220 pounds. Through the first seven contests of the season, Freeman is three yards short of the 1,000-yard mark and has scored nine touchdowns. He is relishing as the bell cow runner for the Ducks offense while the team searches for a replacement to Marcus Mariota.
3. Nick Chubb (Georgia) – Before he tore his PCL a couple of weeks ago, Chubb was included in the conversation for the top spot on this list. At 5'11”, 213 pounds Chubb combines strength to run between the tackles and a burst to break off huge runs. Thankfully, Chubb will have a full year to recover from the knee injury. He should be able to get back to full speed some time during the 2016 season, allowing him to showcase his skills for draft evaluators.
2. Dalvin Cook (Florida State) – The 5'11”, 197 pounder is playing the best football of his collegiate career. His legal issues are now in the rear view mirror. Florida State is undefeated on the legs of the talented Sophomore. We expect Cook to finish in the Top 5 for the Heisman Trophy. The ACC has plenty of soft run defenses for him to run wild and have huge numbers. Cook has been able to break off big plays a few times each game. His compact frame, elusive open-field moves, and breakaway speed are a lethal combination for Seminoles opponents.
1. Leonard Fournette (LSU) – The bruising runner is the odds-on favorite for the Heisman Trophy. Just like Adrian Peterson, Fournette was physically able to enter the NFL coming out of high school and is tearing up all defenses, even the strong defenses of the SEC. He has to wait the NFL-mandated three years out of high school before turning pro. At a whopping 6'2”, 227 pounds, Fournette is thought to run a 4.40 40-yard dash. He runs over, through, and around defenders. On the season, Fournette is averaging over 200 rushing yards and 2.33 touchdowns per game through the first six contests of the season. Fournette ranks as our top devy player overall. Unless injured, he will star in the NFL, just like he has in college.
Honorable Mention
Demario Richard (Arizona State) – Richard is still very young. He just turned 19 years of age and has room to develop on his 5'10”, 210-pound frame. The Sophomore has carried the Arizona State offense this season. Richard is the star running back that few are discussing. He could easily be a Top 5 tailback in next year's draft class.
Paul Perkins (UCLA) – The redshirt Junior is overshadowed by Freshman passer Josh Rosen. The 5'11”, 198 redshirt Junior does not get twenty carries per game, like several on this list, but could make the jump to the professional level if he can perform well the rest of the season. He is NFL Draft eligible. We expect Perkins to stay another season, but big games against some of the weak Pac12 defenses could be enough to buoy his draft stock enough to announce for the draft.
Wayne Gallman (Clemson) – Gallman was a relative unknown coming into the season, but the redshirt Sophomore has been solid this season. Last week's game against Boston College snapped his three-game streak of at least 111 rushing yards. Gallman is a 6'0”, 205-pound runner who adds another dimension to the high-flying Clemson offense.
Nick Wilson (Arizona) – A little undersized at 5'10, 199 pounds, the Arizona sophomore has suffered through a foot injury this season. Wilson suffered the injury against Oregon State and has not been the same since. He profiles as more of a scat back in the NFL, but is able to carry an offense on the ground and add value as a receiver.
Elijah Hood (North Carolina) – The bruising 5'11”, 221 pound back does not get the ball enough in the North Carolina offense. Hood is averaging close to 100 rushing yards per contest on a bad offense. The Sophomore runs hard and could profile into a two-down back in the NFL, at the best. He could be an Andre Williams or Joique Bell, but does not possess the burst to lead a running back committee.
Samaje Perine (Oklahoma) – After breaking the single-game record a year ago, Perine entered the 2015 season with high expectations. Things have not worked out as planned for the 5'11”, 243-pound ball carrier. First of all, Joe Mixon is back in the mix after missing time last year with suspension. In fact, Mixon has out-touched Perine several games this season. Perine is big and fast (running a 4.48 40-yard dash). The issue is that he has been passed on the depth chart by Mixon. Perine has not passed 65 rushing yards in over a month, including the blowout victory over Kansas State this past Saturday, a game the bruiser should have flourished.
Jalen Hurd (Tennessee) – Hurd is another young player, not turning 20 years of age until January. He is a big, tough runner who splits time with Alvin Kamara. The hard-running Hurd is 6'3”, 230 pounds, but has not been able to find the endzone the past two games. We wonder if he has enough burst to be a top NFL prospect. Hurd could still develop and mature given his age, so there is upside.
That will do it for the 2017 Running Back Draft Class. Next week, we will look at the top wide receivers of the 2017 Draft Class.
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