2019 NFL Draft – Running Back Rankings

Complete NFL Draft Rankings – RB:

You are currently viewing the best running backs in the 2019 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 2019 running back prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 24, 2019)

2019:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

Media scouts have quickly fallen in love with Josh Jacobs, who spent most of the season as the 3rd string running back for Alabama. When he’s on the field, it’s pretty easy to see why: He’s explosive, makes big plays, has a stout frame, plays physically, has good vision, and plays all over the field. Versatility is a huge trend for NFL RBs, and Jacobs certainly checks that box. It is also a big plus to have little tread on the tires and be healthy entering the league. The reason I’m not as high on him as others is his less-impressive (but still solid) quickness, inexperience as a blocker, and the fact that Alabama was more confident in Damien Harris than with him.

2018 Stats

14 games: 593 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns, 5.4 yards per rush, 231 receiving yards

Darrell Henderson is a specialist running back who I expect to become a deadly weapon in the NFL. He isn’t the traditional #1 RB, as he likely isn’t an every down back due to his size (5’9" 200). Regardless, Henderson is a surprisingly effective blocker, runs crisp routes, has good hands, and most importantly is an electric runner. He has good vision and quickness, which helped him run for an astounding 8.9 yards per carry this past season at Memphis. The American Conference has some solid defenses, and Henderson torched every one of them. He is a lot more versatile than scouts give him credit for, and he will likely be an indispensable piece to a 2-RB system at the next level.

2018 Stats

13 games: 1909 rushing yards, 22 rushing touchdowns, 8.9 yards per rush, 295 receiving yards

Damien Harris has been on the scene for a long time for the Crimson Tide, yet he’s been able to avoid much tread on his tires. His production slipped a bit his senior season, but he improved in other aspects such as blocking and route running. Harris has a compact frame at 5’10" 220 pounds, and is capable of being a lead back. He won’t make too many defenders miss once he gets to the second level, but he does a good job a bouncing from one hole to the next when running up the middle. Harris is more of a traditional power runner with a solid football IQ and vision.

2018 Stats

14 games: 819 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, 5.9 yards per rush, 201 receiving yards

Miles Sanders spent multiple years behind Saquon Barkley, and he didn’t disappoint when he got his shot the past year. Sanders has a good jump cut, and runs with more power than his 211 pound frame would suggest. He has a strong lower body and ran one of the better 40 times at the combine. He doesn’t have elite hands, but he made good strides as a blocker and has limited tread on his tires. Sanders is quickly rising up boards for his power and speed combination.

2018 Stats

13 games: 1274 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, 5.8 yards per rush, 139 receiving yards

David Montgomery is a power running back with better wiggle than you’d expect for a guy his size. The problem for Montgomery has always been whether or not his 222 pounds is healthy weight, and he had the highest body fat % among RB’s at the combine. Still, Montgomery is a big back who can deliver hits or juke out of a tackle. He broke as many tackles as anyone this past year, and while he lacks breakaway speed, he has good burst and short range quickness. He is also a good blocker and solid receiver.

2018 Stats

12 games: 1216 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 4.7 yards per run, 157 receiving yards

Complete draft rankings for 2019 – Running Back

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2019:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

There is no true superstar in this class, but the depth is decent. A lot of players have a draftable grade, but I don’t think any of them would be a first (maybe even second) round pick in an average draft. Compared to the last couple of years, the group of running backs is super weak. The Alabama duo both have an NFL build and skill set, and neither have too much tread on his tires which could lead to long careers. Darrell Henderson can do it all and is one of the most underrated players in the draft. There is very little range between the #5 and #19 players in the draft, so expect some late round drafts picks to blossom in the NFL.