Running Back

RB

Position Analysis: DAN DAHLKE

01 NAJEE HARRIS, Alabama

02 TRAVIS ETIENNE, Clemson

03 JAVONTE WILLIAMS, North Carolina

04 KENNETH GAINWELL, Memphis

05 MICHAEL CARTER, North Carolina

06 JERMAR JEFFERSON, Oregon State

07 DEMETRIC FELTON, UCLA

08 JAVIAN HAWKINS, Louisville

09 KYLIN HILL, Mississippi State

10 CHUBA HUBBARD, Oklahoma State

11 KHALIL HERBERT, Virginia Tech

12 TREY SERMON, Ohio State

13 RHAMONDRE STEVENSON, Oklahoma

14 CHRIS EVANS, Michigan

15 POOKA WILLIAMS, Kansas

16 ELIJAH MITCHELL, Louisiana-LaFayette

17 LARRY ROUNTREE III, Missouri

18 JARET PATTERSON, Buffalo

19 CJ VERDELL, Oregon

20 RAKEEM BOYD, Arkansa

1

RUSH

RECEIVE Height: 6’1” Weight: 230 lbs. 40 Time: 4.5 (est.)

PRO DAY:

DNP (Injury Rehab)

2020 STATS: (13 GAMES)

251 carries 1,466 yards (5.84 ypc) 26 TDs 43 receptions 425 yards 4 TDs

IN A NUTSHELL:

After splitting carries with Damien Harris and Josh Jacobs in 2018, Harris quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in the country as Alabama’s full-time starter in 2019. In two seasons as the Crimson Tide’s bell cow, Harris carried the ball 460 times and rushed for 2,690 yards and 39 touchdowns while also recording 70 receptions for 729 yards and 11 touchdowns. In 2020, Harris was a Heisman nominee and won the Doak Walker Award, given to the nation’s top running back. He is also Alabama’s all-time leader in total career touchdowns with 57.

Running Game: Harris possesses a tremendous balance between power and speed. He runs behind his pads well and can lower his shoulder and run through contact. He can be physical at the contact point and get the tough yards, but he also has explosive burst and breakaway speed to get through the second level and punish defenses with big plays. Harris also has some wiggle to make defenders miss in space, and his quick feet and excellent vision allow him to see the cutback lanes and suddenly change direction without losing momentum. Harris is the full package as a runner at the next level. His physical tools, along with his vision and patience, make him the top running back in this class.

Passing Game: Harris boasts a complete game, as his pass protection is solid and his receiving ability is highly underrated. Harris can split out wide or motion in the flat and gash defenses out in space on bubbles or in-breaking routes. It is a rare trait for a back his size, but the former SEC standout can separate from defenders downfield or he can make them miss out in space. He also has reliable hands and is a very consistent checkdown option for quarterbacks.

2020 SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:

Harris led the way for the Crimson Tide offense in a 52–46 shootout against a tough Florida Gators squad. Carrying the ball 31 times for 176 yards and two touchdowns, Harris found production against a stacked box. Florida keyed in on stopping the 230-pound halfback, but Harris gashed them both on the ground and in the passing game to help seal the SEC championship win for Alabama. His two receiving touchdowns in the final few minutes of the second quarter helped the Crimson Tide gain a lot of momentum going into halftime and put them up three scores. On the day, Harris recorded 243 yards from scrimmage and five touchdowns.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Harris would fit in any pro offense, and if he is selected by Green Bay, he would give the Packers a versatile and dynamic weapon in the backfield to pair with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. Harris can excel in either a power or zone running scheme, which would give the Packers flexibility on offense. They could also use him lined up out wide or in a two-back set, similarly to how Jones and Jamal Williams were used together on the field in 2020. Harris would also give them a reliable halfback on third downs who can pick up blitzes or flare out and catch passes in space.

2

RUSH

RECEIVE Height: 5’10” Weight: 215lbs. 40 Time: 4.45

PRO DAY:

33.5” vertical 128” broad 18 bench reps

2020 STATS: (12 GAMES)

158 carries 882 yards (5.58 ypc 13 TDs 44 reception 524 yards 2 TDs

IN A NUTSHELL:

Etienne leaves college as a highly decorated halfback with all of the tools to be a playmaker at the next level. He is the ACC’s all-time leading rusher (4,952 yards) and holds the ACC record for most career touchdowns (78). He also holds the FBS record for the most career games scoring a touchdown (46) while maintaining a 7.22 yards per carry average during his collegiate career. The two-time ACC Player of the Year and 2020 consensus All-American put together four stellar years at Clemson as its starting halfback.

Running Game: Etienne is a highly explosive runner who excels on the edge and with the ball in his hands out in space. His ability to jumpcut and change direction quickly makes him particularly effective in counter-flow plays and gives him an extra tool to bounce runs to the outside. Etienne is an elusive runner who can set up defenders with quick acceleration. He also possesses the elite breakaway speed to find a crease in the defense and gash them with a big run.

Passing Game: Etienne can line up all over the field—as a traditional halfback, in the slot, split out wide, or motion and run jet sweep. He is best with the ball out in space, where he can make defenders miss or outrun the defense. Etienne will thrive in a spread or pistol offense that plays the quick game and utilizes him in motion. He is one of the best backs in the screen game in this draft class, but he can also run wheel routes, checkdowns, slants, or seams out of the slot or just match up one-on-one on the boundary and beat a defensive back downfield. He is equally as dangerous as a receiver out of the backfield as he is a runner.

BEST GAME: CLEMSON VS. MIAMI (2020):

Early in the year, Clemson managed a 42–17 win over fellow ACC foe Miami. At the time, the Hurricanes were a top-25 team and boasted a tough defensive front seven. However, Etienne had his way on the ground with the Miami front, rushing for 149 yards on 17 carries with two touchdowns. He not only averaged 8.76 yards per carry, he also hauled in eight receptions for 78 yards, putting him over 200 yards from scrimmage on the day. Etienne’s 72-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter made it a three-score game and put a seal on any hopes Miami had of coming back in the game.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

It is Etienne’s big play ability that makes him a truly special back, and any offense in the NFL could use a player like this on its roster. Green Bay could use Etienne on the field like Alvin Kamara in the Saints offense. His breakaway speed and receiving ability would give them an added element out of the backfield to pair with A.J. Dillon’s power running style and Aaron Jones’s elusiveness. Etienne would also be another dynamic athlete opposing defenses would have to account for when scheming against the Packers. Even with Jones on the field, Etienne could take over the gadget player role that Tyler Ervin and Tavon Austin tried to fill. However, Etienne would bring a lot more playmaking ability to the position.

3

RUSH

RECEIVE Height: 5’10” Weight: 212 lbs.

PRO DAY:

Vertical: 36” Broad: 123” Bench: 22 reps 40-yard: 4.55 20 yd: 4.09 3-cone: 6.97

2020 STATS: (11 GAMES)

157 carries 1,140 yards (7.26 ypc) 19 TDs 25 receptions 305 yards 3 TDs

IN A NUTSHELL:

Williams opted out of his senior year to declare early for the NFL draft. The junior running back is coming off a monster season at North Carolina. Despite sharing the workload with Michael Carter, Williams still managed to break a 50-year school record for most touchdowns in a season with 22. He also finished second in the nation in carries over 10 yards with 42, highlighting his efficiency as a runner despite the light workload at times. In three years at North Carolina, he averaged 6.25 yards per carry.

Running Game: Williams is a physical downhill runner who has the speed to turn the corner and get separation from defenders downfield. He bursts through the hole and accelerates through contact, making him an imposing runner for defenders to try to square up. At 220 pounds, Williams packs a punch at the contact point, and he is not afraid to lower his shoulder and try to punish defenders who challenge him. He may be the best halfback in this draft class at running through contact— according to Pro Football Focus, he led the nation in broken tackles in 2020, with 76. Williams also possesses the quick feet and change of direction to make defenders miss at the second level. These traits, paired with his excellent backfield vision, make him one of the top runners in this year’s class.

Passing Game: Williams was not used as often as a receiving weapon as his teammate, Michael Carter. However, Williams still shows consistent hands when given the opportunity. He finished his junior season with 25 receptions, and this was a part of this game that really took a big jump in 2020. At the next level, Williams is best as a checkdown option in the passing game, but he can also run the screen game well and provide reliable pass protection on third downs.

BEST GAME: NORTH CAROLINA VS. MIAMI (2020):

In the final game of the 2020 regular season, North Carolina traveled down to Miami to take on a Hurricanes team that was ranked 10th in the nation. Despite the Tar Heels going into the game as the clear underdogs, they put together an outstanding 62–26 performance, where they totalled 778 yards of offense—the most ever allowed by Miami in school history. Williams was dominant in the game, rushing for 236 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries. He averaged 10.26 yards per carry against an ACC opponent that was full of potential NFL talent. Williams and Carter combined for 544 rushing yards on the day, which set a FBS record for the most yards gained on the ground by two teammates in a single game.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Williams would give the Packers another physical runner who can make hay between the tackles but who also possesses the speed to gash defenses with big runs. While A.J. Dillon and Williams may meet similar needs in Green Bay’s offense, it is never bad to have more than one downhill power back on their roster. An Aaron Jones, Dillon, and Williams trio would allow the Packers to wear defenses down while keeping their backfield fresh. With Javonte Williams on their roster, Green Bay’s offense should also not miss a beat if Dillon or Jones miss any time due to injury. Whether they do two power back sets or feature a power back with a dynamic back, like Jones, the Packers would certainly have plenty of flexibility on offense.

4 5

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’8” | Weight: 201 lbs. | 40 Time: 4.47 PRO DAY: N/A

2019 STATS: (14 Games) 231 carries, 1,459 yards (6.32 ypc), 13 TDs | 51 receptions, 610 yards, 3 TDs MEASURABLES: Height: 5’8” | Weight: 201 lbs. | 40 Time: PRO DAY: Vertical: 34”, Broad: 119”, Bench: 16 reps, 40-yard: 4.50, 20 yd: 3.98, 3-cone: 6.81 2020 STATS: (11 Games) 156 carries, 1,245 yards (7.98 ypc), 9 TDs | 25 receptions, 267 yards, 2 TDs

IN A NUTSHELL:

After being redshirted, Gainwell became the starter in 2019 after an injury to Patrick Taylor in the first game. He proceeded to lead all FBS freshmen in all-purpose yards with 2,069 on 282 touches. Gainwell is a highly talented early-round prospect, but only has one true season of collegiate experience.

Running Game: Gainwell is an electric runner who is patient at the line of scrimmage and can accelerate to explode through holes. He is dynamic in the open field, making defenders miss or simply outrunning them. He needs to add some weight to hold up better between the tackles. The former high school quarterback is at his best in a spread or pistol offense, where he can create mismatches on the field as either a runner or receiver split out wide.

Passing Game: A typical Memphis tailback, Gainwell is also a well-developed receiver and can line up wide or in the slot or catch passes out of the backfield. Gainwell has great hands and is an advanced route runner for a tailback. He separates out of his breaks and has a lot of success in double-breaking routes. While his pass protection needs to improve, he’s likely to be used more as a target than a blocker.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Gainwell would give Green Bay another dynamic halfback to rotate in with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. While similar to Jones’ skillset, he could also be utilized in the slot or in jet motion, similarly to how Tyler Ervin was used. Having three talented backs would also allow the Packers to get creative with their offensive sets and personnel as well as keep them all fresh throughout the season.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Carter led the Tar Heels in rushing three straight seasons, despite splitting carries with Javonte Williams in his final year. The former North Carolina team captain was also the most impressive tailback at the Senior Bowl this past January. He showcased his ability as both a runner and receiver, capping off a strong senior season where he led the ACC in average rushing yards per game (113.2) and yards per carry (7.98).

Running Game: Carter is a dynamic runner with homerun speed. He led the nation in 2020 in runs over 20 yards with 18 on the season. Carter makes great cuts, quickly gets to the second level, and turns on the burners to gain separation from defenders. He has the wiggle and agility in space to turn on a dime and make defenders miss. While Carter lacks power, he will keep his legs moving through contact and get the extra tough yards.

Passing Game: Carter is a tremendous receiver out of the backfield and should find an immediate role in the NFL as a third-down back. While his pass protection needs to improve, he is excellent with the ball out in space, making him effective in the screen game and on checkdowns.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Like Etienne and Gainwell, Carter has position versatility to be a slot receiver or jet motion gadget player in addition to being a tailback. Built in a similar mold to Aaron Jones, Carter would give the Packers another elusive back to give the ball to out in space. He would round out one of the best young backfields in the NFL. He would also give Green Bay a dynamic returner and could help revive its special teams.

6 7

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 206 lbs. | Arm: 30 1/2” | Hand: 9 5/8” PRO DAY: Vertical: 31”, Broad: 115”, Bench: 13 reps, 40-yard: 4.55, 20 yd: 4.38, 3-cone: 7.38 2020 STATS: (6 Games) 133 carries, 858 yards (6.45 ypc), 7 TDs | 9 receptions, 67 yards MEASURABLES: Height: 5’9” | Weight: 189 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 31.5”, Broad 114”, 20 yd: 4.50, 3-cone: 7.31, Bench: 10 reps 2020 STATS: (6 Games) 132 carries, 668 yards (5.06 ypc), 5 TDs | 22 receptions, 159 yards, 3 TDs

IN A NUTSHELL:

While Jefferson played in a shortened season in 2020, he still showed excellent production, which earned him the Co-Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year award. Averaging more than six yards per carry, Jefferson capped off an excellent three-year career at Oregon State by running over the century mark in five of his six games, including a 226-yard performance against Oregon that led to a major Beavers upset.

Running Game: Jefferson is a slippery runner with quick change of direction and explosive acceleration. He runs through the hole like he was shot out of a cannon, and he uses his compact frame to lower his shoulder and run through contact. Jefferson is loose in the hips and shows great ankle bend, which allows him to quickly jumpcut and change course at the line of scrimmage. He shows smooth footwork and can change gears quickly, which allows him to create separation from defenders at the second level.

Passing Game: Jefferson was underutilized as a receiver at Oregon State, and he showed inconsistency in pass protection. This limited his opportunities in passing situations, but he still has good hands and ability out in space to make plays. He should grow in this area at the next level.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Oregon State utilizes a zone-running scheme similar to the Packers offense, which would help Jefferson quickly adjust to learning the NFL game. Jefferson is very good at being patient at the line of scrimmage and looking for cutback lanes, which is what Green Bay asks of its backs. Jefferson could also factor in more in the passing game than he did in college. He has underrated hands, and his speed and athleticism could exploit some defenders out in space.

IN A NUTSHELL:

After two years as a wide receiver, Felton made the switch to running back his junior season. The California native only spent one short season as the Bruins’ true featured back, but his versatility, receiving ability and suddenness in space make him a valuable prospect. Felton is an electric runner whose best fit at the next level could be in the slot as a gadget player or in the backfield as a perimeter runner.

Running Game: While Felton is still an underdeveloped runner who needs to improve his play strength and vision, especially between the tackles, he is dangerous out in space and has the quick-twitch athleticism to leave defenders in the dust. He can turn the corner and change gears, possessing the breakaway speed to hit a crease and get through the second level of the defense for a big gain.

Passing Game: The strength to Felton’s game is his ability as a receiver out of the backfield. He gets separation in his routes, and he has reliable hands. He was a standout player in oneon-ones at the Senior Bowl, and it is this receiving ability that may make him best suited as a slot player.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Felton would give Green Bay a dynamic slot player who could also play in the backfield on third downs. With Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon already on the roster, Felton would primarily line up as a wide receiver, but he would serve well as the Packers’ gadget player who can run jet motion. Felton would be a big upgrade over Tyler Ervin and Tavon Austin, giving them a more consistent playmaking threat out of the slot. Felton’s dual position versatility could allow the Packers to use him in creative ways, much like how Randall Cobb or Ty Montgomery were used in McCarthy’s system.

8 9

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’8” | Weight: 183 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 36”, Broad: 116”, 40-yard: 4.46, 20 yd: 4.23, 3-cone: 6.98 2020 STATS: (8 Games) 138 carries, 822 yards (6.18 ypc), 7 TDs | 16 receptions, 127 yards, 1 TD MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11” | Weight: 214 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 36”, Broad: 122”, Bench: 22 reps, 40-yard: 4.57, 20 yd: 4.35, 3-cone: 7.20 2020 STATS: (3 Games) 15 carries, 58 yards (3.87 ypc) | 23 receptions, 237 yards, 1 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

After redshirting in 2018, Hawkins had two very productive years for the Cardinals as their featured back. Carrying the ball 402 times in two seasons, Hawkins rushed for 2,347 yards and 16 touchdowns as a starter. The redshirt sophomore declared early for the draft, forgoing his final two years of eligibility.

Running Game: Hawkins is a dynamic runner with top-end speed. He hits the hole hard and accelerates to the second level. He can outrun defenders or make them miss in space. While he is a small, elusive back that lacks power, Hawkins can press the perimeter and then cut on a dime, finding creases in the defense to gash them for big gains. Hawkins still needs to add some weight at the next level to take on the punishment of the NFL game.

Passing Game: Hawkins can get separation as a receiver when guarded by a linebacker or safety in coverage. He can create mismatches in the passing game while also being very effective in the screen game. With more time and development, Hawkins should even play a role as a versatile back who can also line up in the slot and go into motion.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Hawkins would give the Packers a tailback with elite game breaking speed. And while Green Bay already has two very good halfbacks in Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon, Hawkins could be utilized in certain offensive looks as either a second tailback or slot receiver who can run jet motion. He could also be a dynamic returner for the Packers, giving them some playmaking ability on special teams, which has been sorely missed for some time.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Hill had a monster season in 2019; he carried the ball 242 times for 1,350 yards and 10 touchdowns. However, Mississippi State hired Mike Leach in 2020, and Hill’s role changed drastically in Leach’s spread-out pass-first offense. Hill did not find nearly the same production on the ground at the start of his senior season. After carrying the ball only 15 times and suffering a nagging injury, Hill opted out of the rest of his senior year after only three games.

Running Game: Hill is a physical one-cut runner with shortarea burst and quick lateral movement. He is physical downhill and does not shy away from contact. He has decent straight-line speed but lacks elite acceleration to separate from defenders. Hill has the tools to be a featured back in the NFL, but playing his last year in a spread offense did him some disservice.

Passing Game: The one positive of Hill’s experience in Mike Leach’s system is it really helped him develop his receiving ability. During his first three seasons with Bulldogs, Hill was only a mediocre receiver out of the backfield. However, in Hill’s two full games he played his senior season, he caught 23 passes for 237 yards and a touchdown, showcasing good hands, route running, and playmaking ability out in space.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Hill would bring a balanced game to the Packers backfield, being a good blend between a physical downhill runner and a receiving threat out of the backfield, Hill could be a nice option for Green Bay behind Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon. His pass protection also really improved in his final year at Mississippi State, which could give him a role immediately as a third-down back on the Packers roster.

10 11

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 210 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 36”, Broad: 120”, Bench: 20 reps, 40-yard: 4.48, 20 yd: 4.26, 3-cone: 7.24 2020 STATS: (7 Games) 133 carries, 625 yards (4.70 ypc), 5 TDs | 8 receptions, 52 yards, 1 TD MEASURABLES: Height: 5’9” | Weight: 210 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 33”, Broad: 115”, Bench: 22 reps, 40-yard: 4.50, 20 yd: 4.34, 3-cone: 6.90 2020 STATS: (11 Games) 154 carries, 1,182 yds (7.68 ypc), 8 TDs | 10 receptions, 179 yds, 1 TD

IN A NUTSHELL:

Hubbard led the nation in rushing in 2019 with 2,094 yards and 21 touchdowns. After a spectacular sophomore season, Hubbard was considered by many to be one of the best running back prospects in the country. However, the Oklahoma State standout decided to go back to school for another year in 2020 instead of entering the draft early. In seven games, Hubbard’s production his junior season was not quite at the level of his play the previous year, which ultimately hurt his draft stock.

Running Game: Hubbard is a patient runner who shows good vision at the line of scrimmage. He does a great job seeing a hole and planting his foot in the ground to get downhill. He sinks his hips well when changing direction, which allows him to maintain his explosiveness when making his cuts. Hubbard runs well behind his pads and is physical through contact. Average straight-line speed could limit his ceiling at the next level.

Passing Game: Hubbard is reliable in pass protection. He anchors well when taking on a rusher, and he anticipates where the free blitzer is coming through the line of scrimmage. However, Hubbard needs to be more consistent as a pass catcher.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Hubbard is not the best fit for the Packers. While he could play a similar role as Jamaal Williams, Hubbard is not the pass-catching third down back they may need in the offense. He is a physical downhill runner who lacks the size of A.J. Dillon, and he also lacks the top gear and playmaking ability of Aaron Jones. However, he is a hard runner who could offer some depth on the roster.

IN A NUTSHELL:

After playing four seasons at Kansas, Herbert transferred to Virginia Tech for his final collegiate year. It was the right decision for the young halfback; he had a breakout season against tough ACC competition, which helped his draft stock. Herbert finished 2020 second in the ACC in rushing yards and yards per carry.

Running Game: While Herbert lacks elite size or speed, he runs with fantastic contact balance. According to Pro Football Focus, the fifth-year senior averaged an impressive 4.7 yards after contact in 2020. He runs with a low center of gravity and drives his legs through tacklers. He is quick and shifty, but he lacks the top gear to really separate from defenders downfield. Herbert gets the tough yards and shows good overall vision.

Passing Game: Herbert shows consistent hands and good route-running ability out of the backfield. His quickness and short-area burst allow him to make plays with the ball in his hands out in space. He is very good in the screen game and on checkdowns. However, he needs to add more dynamic routes, like the wheel or angle, to his repertoire as well as show more consistency in pass protection.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Herbert would give the Packers a promising third running back on their roster who could fill in if Jones or Dillon miss time due to injury. His vision and cutback ability make him a good fit in their zone-blocking scheme. Herbert also returned 16 kicks in 2020 and averaged 27 yards per return. He could find an immediate role on the Packers as a reliable returner while also providing valuable depth in their backfield.

12

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 227 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Stevenson is a big power back with excellent vision and a knack for gaining the tough yards. After transferring from Cerritos College, the former JUCO tailback played a limited role in his first year and a half at Oklahoma. However, after sitting out the first five games of the 2020 season because of a suspension due to a failed drug test, Stevenson quickly emerged as the Sooners featured back in the final six games of the season, averaging 6.58 yards per carry and leading the team with 665 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. The physical tailback will bring good value to any team looking for an imposing presence in their backfield on Day 3 of the draft.

MEASURABLES: Height: 6’0” | Weight: 213 lbs. PRO DAY: Vertical: 37”, Broad: 125”, 40-yard: 4.57, 20 yd: 4.28, 3-cone: 6.83 2020 STATS: (8 Games) 16 carries, 870 yards (7.50 ypc), 4 TDs | 12 receptions, 95 yards

IN A NUTSHELL:

Sermon played three years at Oklahoma before transferring to Ohio State as a graduate student. After a slow start with the Buckeyes, Sermon had breakout performances midway through the season against Michigan State, Northwestern, and Clemson that garnered him national attention. He ran for 636 yards and four touchdowns in those three games.

Running Game: Sermon is a physical halfback who runs with great balance and lower body strength. He runs through contact and lowers his shoulder to punish defenders. He can bounce off tacklers and recover his footing to keep his forward momentum. He is not the shiftiest or fastest runner, but Sermon will keep his motor going and find production. His vision could improve, as at times he runs into closed gaps, relying too much on his ability to push through defenders.

Passing Game: Sermon is an average receiver out of the backfield, and he lacks the dynamic playmaking in space the other top tailbacks in this class possess. He can also be inconsistent in pass protection, at times showing poor technique when engaging blitzers. He may be limited to an early-down role at the next level if he does not improve more in the passing game.

FIT WITH THE PACKERS:

Sermon may not give the Packers anything more than what they already have in A.J. Dillon. However, the young halfback out of Ohio State may provide good value in the middle of Day 3 of the draft. He would provide them with another physical downhill runner to rotate in with Dillon and Aaron Jones. Given running back is a position that injuries often hit during the season, it would be nice to have another reliable running option behind Jones and Dillon.

14 Chris Evans (rSR)

Michigan

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11” | Weight: 211 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Evans has all of the physical tools of a NFL running back, but limited opportunities and a one-year suspension in college have hurt his draft stock. Only starting in six games, including one at receiver, and sitting out the entire 2019 season, Evans collegiate production was low. However, the fifth-year senior flashes excellent athleticism, burst, and contact balance to have success at the next level. After falling out of the Michigan coaching staff’s good graces, Evans may have shown just enough in 2020 to land in the middle rounds of the draft.

15 Pooka Williams (JR)

Kansas

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’10” | Weight: 175 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

What Williams lacks in size, he makes up for with blazing 4.38 speed. The Kansas product is an electric runner who can take the ball to the house if given an opening in the defense. Williams only played in four games in 2020, opting out early to prepare for the draft. However, his first two years at Kansas he rushed for over 1,000 yards in each season and averaged 30 receptions per year. While Williams lacks the size to be a featured back in the NFL, his rare athleticism and speed will make him a dynamic weapon out of the backfield and slot.

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’10” | Weight: 215 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Mitchell put together three strong seasons for the Ragin’ Cajuns, but he was only a full-time starter in his final year in college. Averaging more than six yards per carry throughout his entire collegiate career, Mitchell found production when given the opportunity, recording 3,259 rushing yards and 46 touchdowns in four seasons. Mitchell is a tough and balanced runner who is smooth in space but lacks a top gear to be an elite talent. He is a solid Day 3 option in the draft who can bring depth and development to any NFL backfield.

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11” | Weight: 211 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Rountree is a physical downhill runner with some shiftiness to his game. Showing very little in the passing game, the Missouri product may be limited to an early-down role in the NFL, but, regardless, the former Tiger makes plays and finds production. He’s a compact runner with good vision and quick feet. He was a four-year starter at Missouri and totalled 3,720 yards on the ground with 40 touchdowns. He runs through contact well and will make defenders miss at the second level. He is missing the long speed and playmaking ability in space to be an early-round prospect.

18 Jaret Patterson (JR)

Buffalo

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’7” | Weight: 195 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Patterson garnered national attention when he rushed for 409 yards and eight touchdowns against Kent State this past fall. This came a week after a 301-yard and four-touchdown performance against Bowling Green. Patterson certainly put up some gaudy numbers against Mid-Atlantic Conference opponents. As a sophomore, he rushed for 1,799 yards and 19 touchdowns. However, Patterson is a small back who didn’t factor in the passing game very much. He also lacked the dynamic speed and burst to make plays against tougher opponents like Penn State. While Patterson is still young and has potential, it will be a big leap from MAC competition to the NFL for the former Buffalo tailback.

19 CJ Verdell (rJR)

Oregon

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’9” | Weight: 210 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Verdell saw limited action in 2020, only playing in five of the seven games for Oregon and finishing his junior season with only 65 carries before declaring early for the draft. However, Verdell was coming off two seasons where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored at least eight touchdowns in each year as a starter. The former Duck tailback is shifty and agile. He also runs hard and is decisive in his cuts. Verdell also has experience playing out in space in a spread offense and can bring a little juice as a receiver out of the backfield.

20 Rakeem Boyd (SR)

Arkansas

MEASURABLES: Height: 5’11” | Weight: 213 lbs.

IN A NUTSHELL:

Boyd is a physical one-cut runner who lacks the top gear to be anything more than a late Day 3 option in the draft. Coming off a junior season where he rushed for 1,133 yards and eight touchdowns, Boyd only played in six games as a senior. Boyd opted out of the last three games of the Razorbacks season and declared early for the draft. As a former JUCO transfer, Boyd has come a long way, and he possesses the physical tools to play in the NFL. However, he needs to show better vision and receiving ability to be an impact player at the next level. 21 GERRID DOAKS (SR)

22 CJ MARABLE (SR)

23 DEON JACKSON (SR)

24 SPENCER BROWN (SR)

25 TREY RAGAS (SR) Cincinnati

Coastal Carolina

Duke

UAB

Louisiana-LaFayette