Top 5 Running Backs in 2017 NFL Draft

By Djack

1) Leonard Fournette LSU:
The clear #1 running back coming out of the draft this year, Fournette is the perfect combination of power and speed. The pass two years we watched him on Saturdays torch SEC defenses week after week, he's the most NFL ready back by a long shot. I see him being the closest thing we've seen at running back to Adrian Peterson coming out of the draft in the last 10 years. Fournette may not be quite as dominant as AP was, but I certainly see this kid having a HOF caliber career when it's all said and done.

2) Christian McCaffrey Stanford:
Here's where I'll probably get some push back, yes Christian McCaffrey is clearly the second best running back in this draft despite no one showing him the respect he's earned. Whenever someone breaks a record that the great Barry Sanders set, it's time to pay attention because that person has some serious skills if he's capable of that. Well, it just so happens McCaffrey does have serious skills and is the most complete running back in the draft. He won't be the best pure rusher, however what he can do catching passes out of the backfield could be a major x-factor in an offense. He'll most likely go late in the first round to an already competitive team, if that team has trouble at the running back position McCaffrey will be sure to fix that problem immediately. Surreal talent, under appreciated, and he's going to prove everyone wrong once he gets to show what he's got at the NFL level.

3) Dalvin Cook FSU:
Very capable back, does everything well he's the complete package for sure. He's fast, strong, and he catches the ball out of the backfield pretty well, so he'll be able to carry the majority of the load for a team in the NFL. Cook has an uncanny ability to make defenders miss and he breaks through arm tackles with ease. He's as strong as an ox and he runs with a low center of gravity combining for powerful, yet very balanced running. Besides for Fournette, Cook is the best pure rusher in this class.

4) Samaje Perine Oklahoma:
The most underrated back in this draft is Samaje Perine. For the last 3 seasons he has led the Oklahoma rushing attack. He's been consistent, durable, and very reliable, all traits GM's love to hear when it comes to running backs. If your team is looking for a power back to match with their speed back this is the perfect guy for the job. Whatever team lands Perine in the draft is going to be very pleased with the product they're getting.

5) D'Onta Foreman Texas:
Picture a poor man's Jamaal Charles, and that's what you get with D'Onta Foreman. He has great feet, moves like a nimble cat that glides through the smallest of holes with ease. He isn't the fastest guy, although he does have nice breakaway speed, but he isn't uncatchable from behind. He's a solid running back does a lot of the little things well and has all the intangibles to be a solid back in the NFL. He's not going to change your franchise, but he could certainly be a cog in the machine.