Previewing the Rookie Running Backs of 2020
The running back position is a constant revolving door. Some catch passes, some play on the goal line, and then you have Christian McCaffrey who does both. This year’s class features a little bit of all of that. Let’s preview the 2020 running back draft class and see what the future holds for them and their respective teams.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs
Even though he was not expected to be the first running back taken in this year’s draft, the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs drafted the LSU product with the last pick of the first round. Now, with starting running back Damien Williams opting out of the 2020 season, Edwards-Helaire will be thrown right into the mix and be the starting back. The former Tiger showed versatility from the running back position, running through the tackles while also catching passes. In his junior year at LSU, he caught 55 balls while also rushing for 1,414 yards, totaling 17 touchdowns. Clyde is a great fit for the high-flying Chiefs offense led by Patrick Mahomes and will be poised to have a big rookie season.
D’Andre Swift, Detroit Lions
Coming into the draft, many felt that D’Andre Swift was the best in the class. Even though he was the second running back taken, Swift has the chance to be a star in the NFL and be an every-down back. In three years at Georgia, Swift had 440 carries for 2,885 yards and 20 touchdowns, averaging 6.6 yards per carry. Swift will start his career sharing the Lions backfield with Kerryon Johnson, but an explosive first few weeks may lead to Swift getting the bulk of the carries. Whether it was Nick Chubb, Todd Gurley, or even Herschel Walker, Swift has a chance to be yet another Georgia running back that succeeds in the NFL.
Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts
Out of everyone in this running back class, Jonathan Taylor had by far the best college career. Taylor went over 2,000 yards twice, with the other year rushing for 1,977 yards. He also had 50 rushing touchdowns for his college career, averaging 6.7 yards per carry. He has the fifth-most rushing yards in college football history and will look to continue his success to the pros. Taylor will join Marlon Mack in the backfield for Indianapolis with a chance to earn carries in his rookie season. With Mack reaching free agency after this season, there is a chance that Taylor becomes the bell-cow back for the Colts in 2021. Taylor has some fumbling problems which can be concerning, but if he can overcome that, Taylor can be a solid back in the NFL.
Cam Akers, Los Angeles Rams
The most intriguing running back in this class is Florida State product, Cam Akers. Akers, a three-year starter as a Seminole, was taken by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round. Earlier in the calendar year, the Rams cut star running back Todd Gurley, leaving the starting running back position wide open. Akers will be joining a running back room with Malcolm Brown and Darrell Henderson but is the favorite to become the starter. Sean McVay loves to run the ball, which is part of the reason they regressed in 2019, their inability to run the ball. If McVay gives Akers 18-25 carries a game, he has a real chance to break out as the top running back in this class.
J.K. Dobbins, Baltimore Ravens
Along with Jonathan Taylor, J.K. Dobbins also had 2,000 rushing yards in 2019, earning a second-round draft selection by the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore has committed to running the ball down team’s throats to win football games, led by QB Lamar Jackson and RB Mark Ingram. Baltimore uses a committee at the running back position, so success will get Dobbins more carries. Although, Ingram is approaching his thirties and only has two years left on his deal. When that deal runs out, it may be Dobbins’ backfield if he plays well enough. If you are a running back, Baltimore is where you want to be, and Dobbins should enjoy a lot of success with John Harbaugh and crew.
A.J. Dillon, Green Bay Packers
After enjoying a nice career at Boston College, A.J. Dillon will look to continue his success in the NFL. The only question is, where is Dillon getting playing time? He has not been a major factor in the passing game, and Aaron Jones is the clear-cut back for Green Bay with Jamaal Williams behind him. Dillon has a chance to be the backup over Williams, but his playing time may not come in 2020. However, Aaron Jones is a free agent after this season and there is a chance he does not re-sign. This could be an opening for Dillon, but it is too early to tell how many carries he will truly get in 2020.
Stats from footballreference.com
Contract info from spotrac.com
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