5 Best Running Backs in the 2021 NFL Draft
NFL | April 6, 2021
Well football fans, we have made it to the month of April and we all know what that means. The NFL Draft will take center stage of the sports world on April 29 and will continue through May 1. Although most draft outlets are supremely focused on the QB position, there are an immense number of talented running backs in this draft class. Keep reading to see the 5 best running backs for the 2021 NFL Draft.
5. Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State
At 6 feet tall and only 208 pounds, Hubbard does not possess an intimidating physique. However, the 21-year old has the ability to take any carry to the house in a split second. Though Oklahoma State is best known for its funny coach in Mike “I’m a MAN, I’m 40” Gundy, Hubbard established himself as a true star in Stillwater.
Hubbard has good vision and the ability to slip through even the smallest of holes in the opposing defense. The Canada native shows the ability to make quick cuts and get upfield in a hurry. Though his size a concern for some, Hubbard definitely has the talent to be a good back for any NFL team.
4. Trey Sermon, Ohio State
Sermon has a boatload of different skills that translate well to the NFL game. Did you happen to see Sermon rush for 331 (YES, you read that right LOL) yards in the Big 10 Title game last year? Talk about going pure beast mode on a defense!
Sermon is around 6-1 and 215 pounds but he runs angry all of the time. The Georgia native runs with a good forward lean that allows him to pick up a couple extra yards each carry. Sermon also has great pass catching ability so any NFL team that likes to run a great deal of screens will be interested in drafting him. Sermon blocks well for a back his size.
3. Javonte Williams, North Carolina
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown did a great job getting Williams to Chapel Hill. Williams was a proven playmaker for the Tar Heels and helped get the UNC football program back to national prominence. At 5-10 and 220 pounds, Williams does not go down easily and many defensive backs look scared to see him cutting through the hole.
The Wallace North Carolina native runs a decent 40 yard time at 4.55 which is pretty quick for a back of his thick stature. Many NFL scouts predict that Williams will start for a pro team at some point in next two years. NFL defenses will indeed dread having to get Williams down to the ground.
2. Travis Etienne, Clemson
Etienne is possibly the most complete back in this year’s draft class. Clemson and coach Dabo Swinney were extremely grateful that the Louisiana native decided to play for the Tigers. Etienne scored an insane number of touchdowns (115) during his college career and proved he was one of the best in the nation.
Loads of NFL scouts have labeled Etienne as a can’t-miss prospect and it is easy to see why. Not many NFL backs have the ability to play all three downs, but Etienne is one of those special types of players. The 5-10 215 pounder will likely be one of the first running backs selected in this year’s draft and deservedly so.
1. Najee Harris, Alabama
Alabama fans were fired up when Harris enrolled in Tuscaloosa and the California native lived up the hype and then some. Harris was a big reason why the Crimson Tide won the 2020 National Title as he struck terror in the hearts of every defense the whole season. At 6-2 and 230, Harris reminds some Bama fans of a thinner Derrick Henry!
Harris definitely has a nose for the end zone as he scored a whopping 57 total touchdowns in his college career. Many folks believe that Harris is the best pass catcher of all the available running backs as well as the most powerful runner. Harris will be a force to be reckoned with in the NFL for many years.
Tags: 2021 NFL Draft
