Bradley Ylitalo’s Scouting Notebook: Updated Look at the Running Back Class

Bradley Ylitalo Posted On November 29, 2017

As we have seen this season, the 2017 RB class was crazy, crazy good. From Leonard Fournette leading a Jaguars team who appear likely to end their playoff drought, to Alvin Kamara playing a profound role for an NFC contender, to Christian McCaffrey turning out to be just the spark the Panthers needed, this class has taken the NFL by storm.

Seeing the early success of this class has made me all the more excited to see what the 2018 class will be able to do. Perhaps not as talented as their historically good predecessors, this group of backs has some potential to do some damage, and add some names to a growing list of young stars that are leading the NFL’s running back resurgence.

Headed by one of the best talents I have ever seen in Saquon Barkley and with depth guys such as Rashaad Penny and Mark Walton Jr., next year we could once again be marveling at the way rookie backs are becoming household names in a league where it often takes time to find your footing. So without further ado, let’s get into some updated RB rankings as you prepare for your rookie drafts.

Updated Running Back Rankings

1) Saquon Barkley, Penn State

There’s no need to even think of putting anyone else at this spot. Although the stats haven’t been showing it of late, Saquon Barkley is an extremely special talent. Combine his otherworldly athletic ability with fantastic vision and receiving ability, and Barkley is going to be an immediate star.

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2) Derrius Guice, LSU

Guice finished with 2.3 fewer yards per carry than his sophomore season when he shared the backfield with Leonard Fournette, but his talent shines brighter than his statistical struggles. With amazing pad level and strength, it takes more than a village to take down Guice. Add in his straight-line speed and short area athleticism, and the Tiger is the clear number two back in this class.

3) Ronald Jones II, USC

Call this a hot take if you want, but I believe Ronald Jones will run a sub 4.40 when the combine rolls around. He’s that kind of athlete. Maybe the quickest back I have ever laid my eyes on, it’s tough to see Jones dropping too far in the draft. If Jones can become a tad more patient with the ball, he’s going to be a nightmare.

Ronald Jones continues to display his unbelievable athleticism, sky is the limit for him! #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/td0O4FQE1F

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) November 29, 2017

4) Damien Harris, Alabama

Just half of the Alabama backfield, Damien Harris shows enough NFL level traits to warrant the title of “Top 5 RB”. Similar to Jones, Harris is a freak athlete built off of blinding speed. Unlike Jones, however, Harris can certainly handle his own physically and may be blessed with a bit more vision.

5) Bryce Love, Stanford

A player who has done nothing but impress throughout his entire Junior season, Love has proven to be much more than just a Heisman hopeful. With NFL-level athleticism and enviable patience, the Stanford product looks like a potential long-term starter at the next level. What’s more to like with Love? Both his weakness (weight and strength) are relatively easy fixes.

Bryce Love just continues to impress, this kid is special! #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/atTwWf9qkB

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) November 29, 2017

6) Rashaad Penny, San Diego State

Flying far beneath the notice of any radar, Rashaad Penny has quietly shown himself to be a future contributor at the NFL level. With patience and vision that is unrivaled in the class and short area quickness to complement it, the Aztec fits a definite style and fits it extremely well. We’ll have to wait and see if Penny can ever become an elite talent, but his floor is remarkably high.

7) Mark Walton, Miami (FL)

A player that has me flashing back to scouting Kareem Hunt last year, Walton has all the tools to be a terrific three-down, receiving back. With anyone 5’9, they’re always going to have to find a way to fit in the NFL, but once he does, we should see great PPR production.

Beginning to love Mark Walton more and more! Acceleration, agility, and vision are all top notch! #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/oNj01NIvRh

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) November 29, 2017

8) Sony Michel, Georgia

The lesser known of the Georgia duo, Michel shines a bit brighter when assessing their respective NFL futures. While his lack of strength may prove to be a tough roadblock to hurdle, Michel shows all the tools necessary to get the job done. With a terrific straight-line speed and acceleration combination, expect him to pump out his fair share of long runs throughout his NFL career.

9) Josh Adams, Notre Dame

Bursting onto the NFL draft scene with a simply ridiculously good 2017 campaign, Adams’s skillset should transition fairly smoothly as he makes the leap to the NFL. Combine his 6’2 frame with his strength and speed and you have yourself a unique and intriguing prospect worth taking a chance on.

10) Nick Chubb, Georgia

The “other half” of the dominant Bulldog backfield, Chubb is the thunder to Michel’s lightning. With patience and power being borderline elite traits, he should be able to carve out a significant role in an NFL offense. I question whether he’ll be able to keep pace with the speed at the next level, but for now, he looks like a safe player to target in your drafts.

Nick Chubb is rising up my board, loving what I’m seeing!! #NFLDraft #DraftTwitter pic.twitter.com/nvujxHnjar

— Bradley Ylitalo (@NFL_drafthub) November 28, 2017

Well, that wraps up this week’s edition of “Bradley Ylitalo’s Scouting Notebook”, please leave a comment or question below. Feel free to shoot me a question on Twitter (@NFL_Drafthub), I’m always happy to interact with football fans. Be on the lookout for next week’s poll as to which fan question we will cover! See you next time!

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