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2017 NFL Draft Pro Comparisons: The Running Backs

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 24, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) carries against the Auburn Tigers during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

The 2017 NFL draft has the chance to become the Year of the Running Back. That is how talented a group is waiting to come out next April.

The question on the minds of fans is just how high a ceiling could it be? Often a great way to help illustrate that is by comparing the top names on the board with pro counterparts. This includes past and present NFL players. The trick involves finding similarities in terms of body type as well as skill set. Under these conditions, it has produced a few surprises.

Here are the top names and who they reflect at present.

Leonard Fournette (LSU)

Universally believed to be the most talented running back to come out of college in years. Leonard Fournette looks like the total package from top to bottom. He’s a big back who runs with power but has the rare additions of quick feet and breakaway speed. The type of back that makes a defense call for mercy by the 4th quarter. Mostly known for being a downhill runner, that doesn’t mean he can’t catch the ball either. Outside of some minor health concerns, there are few downsides to this freakish talent.

Comparison:  Corey Dillon

A lot of current fans don’t even remember Corey Dillon. That’s not surprising. Most of his career was spent playing for some really bad Cincinnati Bengals teams in the late 1990s and early 2000s. It wasn’t until he got to New England and won a Super Bowl that people finally realized he was a great back. His size, power and style fit Fournette well. Dillon was a four-time Pro Bowler who finished with over 11,000 yards rushing and 82 touchdowns.

Sep 24, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) runs the ball in the first quarter against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Dalvin Cook (Florida State)

The most versatile back in the 2017 class has to be Dalvin Cook. He might not look like much at first glance but the young man packs lots of playmaking skill into that shorter frame. He’s a slashing runner with considerable speed who can break long runs if given a window. There is no fear for him running between the tackles. Where he really stands out though is as a receiver. Cook gives defenses fits catching passes out of the backfield. So many ways to use him.

Comparison:  Curtis Martin

The body type and versatility matches up well. Curtis Martin was a 3rd round pick back in 1995, but most agree he would’ve been a 1st rounder had fears of health issues not surrounded him. He ended up being a great back who could pound the ball up the middle all day while at the same time catching a few passes every week. He retired with 14,101 yards rushing and 484 career receptions. Later he was voted into the Hall of Fame.

Sep 30, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) rushes the ball against the Washington Huskies during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports

Christian McCaffrey (Stanford)

Some people are resisting the urge to fully commit to the idea that Christian McCaffrey is a legitimate running back for the NFL. Most of it centers around the fact he’s white. Whether people care to admit it or not, white running backs have a stigma of just not being successful these days. Weird and misguided as that is, McCaffrey is a no-joke talent. He’s quick, elusive, deceptively strong, hard to bring down and a three-phase threat as a runner, receiver and return man.

Comparison:  Tiki Barber

The appreciation for what Tiki Barber did hovers up and down in New York because of his personality issues. However, there is no debating how great of a running back he was. Not overly powerful and yet hard to tackle. A good mix of quickness, vision and then breakaway speed. On top of that was a steady, dependable receiver out of the backfield. McCaffrey has a similar build and the tapes match up between the two well. Even the streak ball security.

Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) carries the ball against the Missouri Tigers in the first half at Faurot Field. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Chubb (Georgia)

Georgia has long been a factory for quality running backs. Nick Chubb is no exception. He might be what one would call a throwback runner. There is little deception to what he does. He’s getting the ball and he’s coming downhill. Stop him if possible. Chubb is a compact, powerful runner. Most would think he’s a between-the-tackles guy but he’s got some speed to him for bouncing it outside. The one drawback is his limited capacity as a receiver. Just not his thing.

Comparison:  Michael Turner

Since when can’t a throwback runner have success in the NFL. The Atlanta Falcons were at their most success over the past decade when they had Michael Turner in their backfield. He too ran with a mix of power and sneaky speed. To top it off he wasn’t much of a receiver. His job was to run the ball and block when asked. Chubb should receive the same treatment, and will do it very well provided he shows he can stay healthy.

Nov 27, 2015; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) runs the ball against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Royce Freeman (Oregon)

One of those running backs who doesn’t do any one thing great but a lot of things really well. Royce Freeman has a stigma around him for being an Oregon running back but history shows the program can produce them. He’s a compact type with a mix of power, quickness and wiggle. He can catch passes as a receiver too. Not overly fast but enough speed to break longer runs if given an opening. Like most backs on this list, he gets stronger as the game goes on.

Comparison:  Jonathan Stewart

It shouldn’t be a surprise that Freeman is being compared to Jonathan Stewart. They both come from the same program. Stewart was also an Oregon product. They feature similar body builds, run out of shotgun formations, are difficult to bring down, and feature an all-around solid skill set. Stewart isn’t going to wow anybody with his sheer talent but that hasn’t stopped him from going to the Pro Bowl. It’s about doing his job well and he has. Freeman looks like he should be able to do the same.

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