Top 5 Running Backs in the 2014 NFL Draft
1. Bishop Sankey (Washington)
Sankey does it all. He has the toughness to run inside the line, and also flashes enough burst to beat defenders to the edge. In addition, Sankey is exceptional as a receiver and as a pass protector. Whichever team drafts Sankey will receive an excellent halfback with almost no weaknesses to his game.
2. Carlos Hyde (Ohio State)
Hyde is more of a power runner than Sankey. He uses his large frame (6’, 230 lbs.) to his advantage, powering through tackles and pumping his legs during hits to squeeze the most out of every carry. Teams looking for a third-and-short and goalline back to compliment a faster player will find their guy in Hyde.
3. Tre Mason (Auburn)
Auburn made it to the National Championship game last year, and without Mason they might not have made it that far. He shows an impressive ability to read the blocks and hit the gaps. At 5’ 9”, Mason is shorter than most teams like in their running backs, but he can actually use this to his advantage, as his low center of gravity makes him difficult to tackle.
4. Terrence West (Towson)
His level of competition in the FCS will give some teams concern, but there is no denying West’s talent. There were very few occasions when he was not the most talented player on the field, and he rushed for a ridiculous 2,519 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2013. West has a proven work ethic; if he can produce just half of his college statline he will be a sensation.
5. Lache Seastrunk (Baylor)
Seastrunk proved the explosiveness he displayed on the field with an excellent combine, recording a 41.5” vertical jump and an 11’ 2” broad jump. He does run a little too much east-west though, if can focus more on progressing the ball forward he should develop into a fine running back.
Leave a Reply