The Top Seven Rookie Running Backs

This is the last, best chance to check all the players based on their talent.  In this article, I will analyze some of the top rookie running backs, discuss their skills and try to decide which teams are a fit for their services.  As last year’s draft bears witness, there are a lot of things that are unknown to the draft community.  At this time in 2012, running back Chris Polk was considered a top five rookie running back in dynasty leagues until his non-selection in the NFL Draft – this revealed he had more health concerns than were originally known.  Here are my top seven rookie running backs based on talent before situation before the NFL Draft:

1. Eddie Lacy, RB ALA

Lacy did not take part during the Combine week due to ongoing slight injury concerns.  He is a strong, powerful runner who likes nothing better than running over or through people. He has excellent vision, as shown during his 20-yard touchdown to open up the scoring in the National Championship game.  Lacy shows good patience and used his blockers well.  It is surprising that such a big back has a jump cut and spin moves to use at his disposal.

In the passing game, he has his strengths and weaknesses. Lacy had no problems in pass blocking and is always looking for someone to hit when in protection.  He is a willing blocker as he looks for contact on every passing play he doesn’t run a pass pattern.  His hands, however, could be cause for concern, as he fought with the ball at times.  If you compare him to his fellow Alabama backs, Lacy is more of an explosive back than Mark Ingram, but is not the same all-around talent that Trent Richardson is.  He is the safest pick of all the rookies.  I don’t think he will be the most productive running back in his class over the next five years, but he will be one of the top five players in his class for fantasy production.  I would pick him confidently at the rookie 1.01.  He would be a good fit with Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Green Bay or Cincinnati.

2. Gio Bernard, RB UNC

Bernard is a smooth runner and very good receiver out of the backfield.  His best fit will probably be in a zone blocking system.  While he has big legs and a good wiggle, his lack of leg strength concerns me a bit.  He is explosive and can get to a second gear in the open field.  There are some nagging injury concerns, but it seems he has quieted those.  The young running back needs to improve his pass blocking, but I think he could take his game to a Matt Forte-lite type level if he can cut down on his body catching.  I think the teams that would use his skill set the best are Green Bay, Cincinnati or the Jets.

3. Johnathan Franklin, RB UCLA

Franklin is my bang on the table guy.  What I mean by that is I am a huge fan of his game, and I am willing to explain why I like him so much.  He has the rare combination of speed and agility that separates him from most NFL backs.  Franklin is a creative cut-back runner, who can find open lanes by getting small in the hole.  His clear vision helps him set-up defenders down the field; however, he is not a player who will overpower a defender by breaking tackles. He does the little things like falling forward on each carry, shows good sideline awareness and even busts out a spin move every once in a while.  Franklin has good hands and demonstrates some toughness pass blocking as he tried his best to keep his quarterback’s jersey clean. He will need to work on that in the NFL.  I see him as a less quick/agile Chris Johnson/CJ Spiller type who has good size.  Franklin would be a good fit for the Bengals, Lions or Jaguars.

4. Montee Ball, RB WISC

Unlike the previous Wisconsin running backs who have played in the NFL for the last ten years or so, Ball is not a product of his stout college offensive line. He runs strong, bounces off defenders, lowers his shoulders and explodes with his powerful legs.  If you want a battering ram for a lead back, Ball is your guy as he will fight for every yard. The former Badger is a bit more athletic than you would think.  He can bust out a few spin moves and jump cuts, all the while keeping focused on the end zone. When Ball uses his outstanding vision, he sets up his blocks and finds the best running lane to hit. Even though he isn’t used much in the passing game, Ball has decent hands and is effective as a pass blocker.  His 924 total college carries are excessive, so don’t expect to have Ball on your dynasty team for the next ten years.  He is a good fit for Pittsburgh, Atlanta, the Jets or Giants.

5. Andre Ellington, RB CLEM

Ellington doesn’t give defenses much to hit when he runs, has adequate vision to read his blocks and takes the right angles to make people miss. He has a good spin move and very quick feet. He has strong leg drive after contact is made, is more agile than he is fast and seems to bounce many of his runs outside. Ellington needs work on his pass blocking, but can be used as receiving option out of the backfield. He can climb the ladder to get to a high throw and can run a deep post pattern like a wide receiver.  Ellington is more of a finesse runner because he is lacking in the power department.  He is a good fit for San Diego, Detroit or Dallas.

6. Stepfan Taylor, RB STAN

Taylor is a patient runner who seems content taking what the defense gives him. The former Cardinal back is good at finding running lanes, shows a little juke move and has soft hands. Taylor displays good lateral movement and usually makes the first defender miss. His 4.76 40 time is a bit concerning and he tends to run a little tall as well.  He needs to use his powerful body better to deliver hits instead of taking them.  While Eddie George could overcome the tall running and deliver punishing hits, I’m not convinced Taylor has the same overall athleticism.  What I liked most about him was that he gets stronger in the fourth quarter of games.  Taylor could be a good fit for Pittsburgh, Atlanta or Green Bay.

7. Mike Gillislee, RB FLA

The young running back is very light on his feet who can start and stop on a dime. He doesn’t have a strong leg drive, nor is he a physical player as he tends to get caught up in the trash around the line of scrimmage. Gillislee is most effective in space where he had room to fool defenders with his juke moves and use his lateral agility to make people miss. He is more quick than fast, possesses a decent stiff-arm and uses his jump cut to create space. Gillislee might be a better third down back than a feature runner; however, he could be very effective in a zone blocking scheme system. He could be a good fit for Jacksonville, Cincinnati or San Diego.