The 2020 NFL Draft has a strong class of running backs who took center stage Friday night at the NFL Combine.
The running back position has slowly lost its value in the NFL Draft, with the prevailing theory being that it’s better to wait until Day 2 or later to select one than spend a first-round pick on a position that’s relatively easy to find production. But after Friday’s night’s impressive performances, NFL teams in need of a boost to their running game have to at least consider a few of this year’s prospects in the top 32.
Here are the target numbers each running back was shooting for (and remember: these numbers represent a minimum requirement):
40-yard dash: 4.55
Bench press: 20 reps (225 pounds)
Vertical jump: 36 inches
Broad jump: 9 ft, 9 inches
Short shuttle: 4.10
3-cone: 7.10
With that in mind, here are four running backs who helped their case to be an early-round pick in the 2020 NFL draft.
Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin
Despite having one of the most productive careers of any running back in college football history, Taylor began the 2020 draft process as a prospect who didn’t generate much excitement from draft analysts. It’s been a confusing phenomenon considering his film confirms he possesses a high-end starter’s skill set for the NFL.
His performance at the 2020 NFL Combine did more than just reinforce his tape; it announced his arrival as potentially the top running back in the class.
Taylor ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at 5-10, 226 pounds. Not only can he bang the rock between the tackles, but he can flip the field too. It’s a lethal combination that explains how he managed to string together back-to-back 2,000-yard rushing seasons at Wisconsin.
Taylor is a Day-1 starter in the NFL and assuming he lands with a team that has at least a competent offensive line, he’ll be the kind of rookie who can challenge for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Cam Akers, Florida State
The one-time top running back recruit of his high school class, Akers got lost in the shuffle of the 2019 regular season because of how poorly Florida State played. But now that the process is all about him, he’s starting to rise back to the top of the running back conversation.
Akers measured-in at 5-10, 217 pounds and recorded a 4.47 40-yard dash. The rest of his Combine performance was pretty average, but he was smooth and natural during positional drills. If you didn’t know who any of the players were and just judged them by how they looked running through the workout, Akers would’ve been at or near the top of the list of winners.
Akers had the quietest 1,144 yard, 14-touchdown season of any running back in 2019, and created most of his production on his own. He’s another player who appears destined to be a starter in 2020 and should come off the board in the second round.
D’Andre Swift, Georgia
Swift began his 2020 NFL Combine week as the most likely first-round pick from the running back group, and he did nothing to change that on Friday.
Swift ran a 4.48 40-yard dash and hit the 10-foot mark in his broad jump. He was effortless during drills and proved he’s a smooth and slippery route-runner, too.
It’s never a good idea to scout the helmet, but Georgia has a strong history of productive running backs in the NFL. Swift will be the next in line and should be the first running back drafted this April.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU
While not possessing the prototype physical makeup at 5-7, 207 pounds, Helaire’s lightning quicks during the on-field drills erased any size concerns. His elite skill set as a receiver out of the backfield stood out and it was impossible not to be mesmerized by his burst and lateral movement skills with the ball in his hand. He’s a straight-up blur.
As for his speed? Edwards-Helaire clocked a 4.60 40-yard dash, which normally wouldn’t be classified as a great time. But for a player who projects as ‘see the hole and hit it’ guy, his lack of field-flipping speed isn’t much of a concern.
Edwards-Helaire is a strong Day-2 pick who will be a big factor in his team’s offense next fall.
