2018 NFL Draft – Running Back

Complete NFL Draft Rankings – RB:

You are currently viewing the 175 best running backs in the 2018 NFL Draft. Our top running back prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the best rushers in college football. Even though only about 20 will get selected in the draft, dozens more are signed as free agents, and many more receive a training camp invite. Find who is a first round talent, and who is likely nothing more than a training camp body. Find draft sleepers, draft stars, who will be a bust, and who is being undervalued.

BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2018 running back prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 26, 2018)

2018:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

Saquon Barkley is the #1 overall prospect for a reason. He’s really big for a running back at 6’0" 233 pounds, and he has been incredibly productive ever since his freshman year at Penn State. Barkley has an unbelievably strong lower body, impressive balance, great agility, and ability to run over defenders. Best of all, Barkley has the size to block, and is an elite receiver out of the backfield, making him a perfect fit in the modern NFL. Running a 4.40 and having a 41 inch vertical at 233 pounds is unreal, and he has the football IQ and productivity to match the athletic traits.

2017 Stats

13 games played, 1271 rushing yards, 18 rushing touchdowns, 5.9 yards per carry, 632 receiving yards.

Guice took a step back this past year due to some nagging injuries, but was still good enough to earn 2nd team all-SEC honors. He is an aggressive runner with a strong lower body, good balance, and above average vision. He has the size (224 pounds) to withstand hits, but has had some injury issues throughout his short LSU career. Guice is great at setting up blocks by running in the proper lanes, and usually waits for the best hole to open up. He hasn’t shown much in the receiving game, and will need to improve his route running out of the backfield.

2017 Stats

12 games played, 1251 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 5.3 yards per carry, 124 receiving yards.

Sony Michel is yet another elite Georgia Bulldog running back prospect, possessing good athleticism, leadership, and football IQ. He has a strong frame and is able to take hits. Michel is usually a safe runner, as he makes smart decisions about which gaps to run through and rarely loses yards. He doesn’t make big cuts, but his cuts are quick and effective in open space. As a two-year captain, he is a respected leader who understands the game and how to win. While he is good at blocking in the pass game, he’s yet to master the art of receiving.

2017 Stats

14 games played, 1227 rushing yards, 16 rushing touchdowns, 7.9 yards per carry, 96 receiving yards.

Rashaad Penny’s measurables helped him shoot up draft boards. His production was off the charts this past year, rushing for 2,248 yards, averaging almost 8 yards per carry. Who cares that he didn’t play in a power-five conference, the MWC isn’t that bad. Penny is a compact running back at 5’11" 220 pounds, and ran an impressive 4.46. He doesn’t play at that same speed, but knowing he has it in him adds to his potential. He is pretty quick with short strides, and is also a good kick returner. He’ll need improved vision and get better at breaking quality tackles.

2017 Stats

13 games played, 2248 rushing yards, 23 rushing touchdowns, 7.8 yards per carry, 135 receiving yards.

Ronald Jones II is the top change-of-pace back in the class. He has highlight jump cutting ability that makes him untouchable in the open field. He has been productive ever since his freshman year at USC, and got better with each season. While he was the featured back in college, he is too light (205 pounds) to do the same in the pros. Jones’ quickness gives him great potential as a route runner coming out of the backfield, although he wasn’t very productive as a receiver in his career to this point. His acceleration and quickness are elite, but he needs to refine his game before he sees a big role in the NFL.

2017 Stats

13 games played, 1550 rushing yards, 19 rushing touchdowns, 5.9 yards per carry, 165 receiving yards.

Complete draft rankings for 2018 – Running Back

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2018:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |