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2015 NFL Draft: Running Back Class Loaded, Best In Recent Memory

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By @CouchGuyFB

2015 NFL Draft: Running Back Class Loaded, Best In Recent Memory

Melvin Gordon, NFL Draft
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The running back class in this year’s draft is absolutely loaded. Let’s take a look at some of the top prospects and late-round sleepers set to turn into tomorrow’s stars and make this the best running back draft in recent memory.

10. Cameron Artis-Payne (Auburn)

Cameron Artis-Payne
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10. Cameron Artis-Payne (Auburn)

Cameron Artis-Payne
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Cameron Artis-Payne took over the Auburn backfield after Tre Mason left for the draft a year ago, and he performed well for the Tigers. He rushed for 1,608 yards last season, and while he didn’t do any one thing exceptionally well, he was strong in every facet, making him a prospect who can come in and fit into a system that uses multiple ball carriers.

9. Kenny Hilliard (LSU)

Kenny Hilliard
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9. Kenny Hilliard (LSU)

Kenny Hilliard
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Kenny Hilliard split time in a crowded backfield at LSU, so there isn’t too much to go on with regard to how he will hold up over a long season. Still, Hilliard is a big, physical running back with very little mileage on his tires, and that makes him worth a mid-round pick.

8. Josh Robinson (Mississippi State)

Josh Robinson
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8. Josh Robinson (Mississippi State)

Josh Robinson
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Josh Robinson is built like a bowling ball and runs like a man who is trying to hurt everybody in his way. He is a patient runner who won’t be brought down by arm tackles, but he doesn’t have great speed. If he can improve his vision, Robinson can find a solid home in the NFL as a running back who is a receiving threat as well as a tough runner.

7. David Cobb (Minnesota)

David Cobb
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7. David Cobb (Minnesota)

David Cobb
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David Cobb is a powerful runner who has the ability to immediately contribute between the tackles. He does an excellent job of finishing runs after contact and could develop into more than just a situational back if he improves his lateral quickness.

6. David Johnson (Northern Iowa)

David Johnson
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6. David Johnson (Northern Iowa)

David Johnson
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To many across the country, David Johnson is a relatively unknown commodity. At 6-foot-1, 229 pounds, Johnson has NFL size and had a great week at the Senior Bowl. If he continues to impress during offseason workouts, Johnson may end up improving his draft position by two or three rounds.

5. Duke Johnson (Miami)

Duke Johnson
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5. Duke Johnson (Miami)

Duke Johnson
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Duke Johnson may be the most explosive running back in this year’s draft, and he doesn’t need much space to get free and bust into the second level. Johnson ended up as the University of Miami’s all-time leading rusher, an amazing feat considering how much time he was hobbled or sidelined by injuries. If he can remain healthy, look for Johnson to get into the mix early.

4. Tevin Coleman (Indiana)

Tevin Coleman
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4. Tevin Coleman (Indiana)

Tevin Coleman
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Tevin Coleman was overshadowed by fellow Big Ten running backs Melvin Gordon and Ameer Abdullah because he played at Indiana, but he had a phenomenal 2014 season. Coleman rushed for 2,036 yards and averaged 7.5 yards per carry last year, and he has the physical size that you want in a feature back. Look for him to go off the board in the second round and make some team very happy.

3. Ameer Abdullah (Nebraska)

Ameer Abdullah
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3. Ameer Abdullah (Nebraska)

Ameer Abdullah
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There were times in 2014 when Ameer Abdullah looked like the best running back in the country, and his character will have him rocketing up draft boards after the interview process. Abdullah lacks the kind of size that most teams are looking for, but his athleticism and drive should make him a second-round pick.

2. Todd Gurley (Georgia)

Todd Gurley
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2. Todd Gurley (Georgia)

Todd Gurley
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Were it not for injury concerns, the top running back prospect in this year’s draft may have been Todd Gurley. Gurley has an elite blend of speed and power, and he drew comparisons to fellow Georgia great Herschel Walker while he was on the field. Suspension and injury limited his time in 2014, but a strong showing at the Combine will cement him as a first-round pick.

1. Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin)

Melvin Gordon
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1. Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin)

Melvin Gordon
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After two straight drafts without a running back taken in the first round, the Heisman Trophy finalist from Wisconsin will break the streak. Melvin Gordon is a physical freak who rushed for 29 touchdowns and averaged 7.5 yards per carry in 2014, making him one of the most highly desired offensive prospects in this year’s draft.

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