2021 NFL Draft – Running Back Rankings

Complete NFL Draft Rankings – RB:

You are currently viewing the best running backs in the 2021 NFL Draft. Our top RB prospects are selected after thousands of hours carefully scouting the most talented runners in college football. Even though only about 20 will get selected in the draft, a lot more are signed as free agents, and many 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 stars, RB sleepers, who will be a bust, and who is being undervalued.

BNB Football is the best place for in-depth analysis of 2021 NFL draft running back prospects at all levels of college football. To view other positions, follow the links below.

(Last Updated: April 19, 2021)

2021:  | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

Najee Harris saw massive improvement from his junior year to senior year, dramatically improving his receiving, patience, and vision. At 6’2" 230 pounds, Harris has more size than some modern linebackers, and plays every bit as big as his frame. High tackles won’t bring him down, and he is plenty elusive in the open field. Harris has done a decent job of taking care of the football, has soft hands for a big back, and is very tough to bring down near the goal line. While he doesn’t have next-level speed or vision, he’s more than respectable in each regard and should be a day 1 starter.

2020 Stats

13 games: 1466 rushing yards, 26 rushing touchdowns, 5.8 yards per carry, 425 receiving yards

It was a big surprise when Etienne decided to return for his senior year, and the jury is still out on whether or not it was a good decision. The ACC’s all time leading rusher failed to reach 1000 rushing yards this season, but dominating as a receiving threat out of the backfield and was still very dangerous with the ball in his hands. Etienne is small for an every down back at approximately 205 pounds, but he runs tougher than that and has done a good job of avoiding injuries throughout his career. He is an explosive athlete who can wait for the hole and take advantage in a flash. If there’s one concern, it has been in pass protection where his reads have been late. But he got better as a senior of staying strong in protection, and just needs to read blitzes a little faster.

2020 Stats

12 games: 914 rushing yards, 14 rushing touchdowns, 5.4 yards per carry, 588 receiving yards

Like the two backs above him, Javonte Williams is also a quality receiver out of the backfield. His stout, 5’10" 220 pound build can stand up to hits, and his balance makes him really tough to bring down. Williams is surprisingly elusive, and isn’t afraid to hit a defensive player. Along with his running and receiving, Williams is a very solid blocker in the backfield, and has improved every season in college. UNC’s system has made his reads very easy out of the backfield and he might miss a cutback or two early in his NFL career, but he has the size and enough athleticism to turn into a great every down back.

2020 Stats

11 games: 1140 rushing yards, 19 rushing touchdowns, 7.3 yards per carry, 305 receiving yards

At only 5’8" 200 pounds, Michael Carter may not have the size to be an every down back in the NFL. But that won’t stop him from being a great player when he’s out there. Carter can do a little bit of everything out of the backfield including catching passes, blocking, running outside, or between the tackles. After a great junior campaign in 2019, his senior year he put up insane numbers, running for 8.0 yards per carry en route to 113 yards per game. Carter has better vision and short area speed than teammate Javonte Williams, but doesn’t have the size to run over linebackers.

2020 Stats

11 games: 1245 rushing yards, 9 rushing touchdowns, 8.0 yards per carry, 267 receiving yards

Memphis continues to product running backs like few other schools. Fans are sleeping on Kenneth Gainwell, who sat out the 2020 season after an insane redshirt freshman year in 2019. Gainwell eclipsed 2000 yards from scrimmage that year, including an insane 610 receiving yards out of the backfield. NFL teams love running backs that can be used to create mismatches, and that will be Gainwell’s specialty. He’s very elusive in the open field, and is very difficult to square up to tackle. After being a QB in high school and only playing one year at Memphis, he’ll need to improve his frame and as a blocker, but the talent as a receiving threat out of the backfield is very intriguing.

2019 Stats

14 games: 1459 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 6.3 yards per carry, 610 receiving yards

Did not play in 2020.

Complete 2021 RB draft rankings

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2021: | QB | WR | RB | FB | TE | OT | G | C | DT | DE | OLB | ILB | S | CB | K | P | LS | OVERALL |

The 2021 running back prospects are an interesting mix, and are likely slightly worse than average. Teams will fight over three prospects at the top, Najee Harris, Travis Etienne, and Javonte Williams. While they all have a good chance at being a team’s #1 back, there isn’t a transcendent talent among them. The depth is decent in the class and could expand into day 3 or undrafted free agency, but there’s a large number of smaller running backs who are likely confined to a role of “change-of-pace" guy. Traditionally, teams like to have one power running back and one speed back. The top of the draft is very crowded with speed running backs, with few players reaching the 215 pound mark that teams covet for an every down back. Still, the modern NFL has trended towards smaller runners in recent years, and this class could just be a sign of future things to come at the position.