NFL Draft 2018: Top running backs

Penn State running back Saquon Barkley (26) against Washington during the Fiesta Bowl, Saturday, Dec. 30, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz.

April 20, 2018 11 AM PT

Welcome to draft season! This is the 11th of 12 positional breakdowns leading up to the NFL Draft (April 26-28). Here are my top 10 running backs:

1. Saquon Barkley (Jr., Penn St., 6-foot-0, 233 pounds)

Barkley checks every box for a every-down, franchise running back. He’s clearly the most dynamic player in this draft class. Projected: Top 5

2. Rashaad Penny (Sr., San Diego St., 5-11, 220)

Penny’s explosiveness will translate to the NFL — some scouts questioned this before the combine — where he is capable of being a pro bowl-caliber, every-down running back. Projected: 2nd or 3rd round

3. Sony Michel (Sr., Georgia, 5-11, 220)

Michel is a two-year captain, with home-run capability — six of his 16 touchdown runs went for 16 yards or more last season — and only Barkley holds a candle to him in pass protection. Projected: 1st or 2nd round

4. Derrius Guice (Jr., LSU, 5-10, 212)

Guice earns most of his yardage after contact thanks to his “angry” running style. Projected: 1st or 2nd round

5. Ronald Jones (Jr., USC, 5-11, 200)

Jones is a big play talent in the mold of Jamaal Charles, which means durability could be an issue over the long haul. Projected: 2nd or 3rd round

6. Kerryon Johnson (Jr., Auburn, 6-0, 212)

Johnson is effective as an inside or outside runner, pass protects with authority and is a weapon catching passes out of the backfield. The combination of his running style and frame could lead to durability issues if he handles a high-volume of touches. Projected: 2nd or 3rd round

7. Kalen Ballage (Sr., Arizona St., 6-1, 227)

Ballage features elite size, speed and agility with the capability of impacting the game from the slot. Although he’s scheme dependent, there’s a good chance he’s a better pro than college player. Projected: 3rd to 5th round

8. Nyheim Hines (Jr., N.C. State, 5-8, 197)

Hines should benefit from the success Alvin Kamara had for the Saints his rookie season, but he’s not quite as talented as Kamara. Still, he possesses sprinter’s speed and the ability to impact the game as a running back, receiver or kick returner. Projected: 3rd or 4th round

9. Royce Freeman (Sr., Oregon, 5-11, 234)

The leading rusher in Oregon history runs with great power and balance. Freeman has been a great success at every level, and while the production is impressive, the thousand-plus touches before he steps on a NFL field is concerning. Projected: 3rd or 4th round

10. Nick Chubb (Sr., Georgia, 5-11, 228)

A left knee injury during his sophomore season zapped his explosiveness, but he’s still a load to bring down. A lack of third down value could sink his draft stock into the middle rounds. Projected: 3rd or 4th round

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