{"numbering":"asc","slides":[{"index":1,"title":"Najee Harris, Alabama","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2020-12/app-201201-najee-harris.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1615404437,"caption":"

SIZE:

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 230 lbs

UPSIDE:

Harris, a national champion (2020), is the Crimson Tide's all-time leader in touchdowns (57), and rushing yards (3,843), while having maintained a six yards per carry average throughout his career at Alabama. Athletic for a man his size, Harris' frame is perfect for a lead back in the NFL. He possesses hips loose enough to confidently hurdle players with ease, but still move quickly and compress his body to deliver finishing blows at the end of runs. A decisive one-cut runner, he consistently avoids the first defender with subtle side steps or well timed spin moves. Harris' improved hands as a receiving option in the passing game, has expanded his scoring potential and made him a serious top 20 consideration in the 2021 draft.

DOWNSIDE:

Although he's a decent athlete, Harris' optimal speed results from a gradual build up rather than through an initial, explosive burst. He is limited with the variety of passing routes he comfortably executes, but shows a penchant for becoming more adept in this area. A fearless runner, he unfortunately takes unnecessary risks, by needlessly exposing himself to vulnerable shots when attempting to hurdle opponents. There are few holes to Harris' game, but he must adapt to a faster pace at the pro level, because the open lanes in college will be smaller and close more quickly in the NFL..

LIKELY SCENARIO:

Harris is talented enough to function in any offense, but would probably flourish in a power running scheme that utilizes play-action passing options. If Tampa doesn't doesn't re-sign Leonard Fournette, then the Bucs are a nice spot for Harris. Other teams like the Jets or Steelers may be interested, too.

COMPARISON:

Leonard Fournette

"},{"index":2,"title":"Travis Etienne, Clemson","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2020-12/app-201201-Travis-Etienne.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1615405474,"caption":"

SIZE:

Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 210 lbs

UPSIDE:

A consensus All-American, Etienne is the ACC's all-time leader in rushing yards (4,952) and touchdowns (78), while averaging 7.2 yards per carry, for 11th best in FBS history. Etienne is a versatile athlete with an explosive burst and elite acceleration paired with an exceptional ability to cut at full speed. He is adept at running inside or outside with incredible balance and power, while displaying a willingness to grind out yards. Extremely agile, he'll routinely make the first defender miss and use his above average vision to extend runs downfield. Etienne is an experienced player with a fully developed skill set, including soft hands and noteworthy awareness in the passing game. Overall, he's a fluid running back with home run hitting ability and a nose for the endzone.

DOWNSIDE:

There is a lot of wear and tear considering his 55 games played (42 starts) and over 6,000 yards from scrimmage (plus return yardage). Fumbling concerns emerged this past season, as Etienne lost three on the year and a total of seven in his career. Etienne wasn't as prolific in 2020 as he was in 2019, only posting six games of 100 or more combined yards from scrimmage (12 games in 2019). Entering the pros, he must improve upon his strength and stamina if he wants to be a premier back in the league. A glaring issue he must resolve if he's to be a major cog in a NFL offense, is his abysmal blocking technique.

LIKELY SCENARIO:

Etienne is a scheme friendly back that would be scary in a read option offense. Teams like the Cardinals, Steelers or 49ers would threaten the opposition with a talent like Etienne.

COMPARISON:

Alvin Kamara

"},{"index":3,"title":"Michael Carter, North Carolina","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2021-01/app-210125-Michael-Carter-UNC.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1615405791,"caption":"

SIZE:

Height: 5-foot-8
Weight: 199 lbs

UPSIDE:

Carter made All-ACC first team while leading the conference with 113.2 rushing yards per game and eight yards per carry. He also led the nation with 18 rushes of 20 plus yards. Carter possesses elite level explosiveness with an unerring ability to navigate through traffic to daylight, coupled with an above average cutting savvy and decisiveness. He maneuvers with excellent vision and suddenness, placing defenders on their heels with unsure reactions to his speed and quickness. Carter is a compact running back who chooses his spots when to exercise physicality against would-be tacklers. He is an intelligent receiver out of the backfield with capable hands and toughness when catching passes in traffic. Carter will flourish in a two-back system, but is sturdy enough to be a feature back as well.

DOWNSIDE:

Generally, running backs listed under five feet, ten inches will be scrutinized because of their apparent "lack of size." Carter has sustained a couple of injuries during his college career, but is relatively durable, especially if he splits running duties as a complimentary back. In pass protection, he at times is a liability, functioning better as an outlet receiver rather than a blocking asset. Although he is a well rounded back, Carter is less effective in short yardage and goal line scenarios.

LIKELY SCENARIO:

Carter plays with "juice" and is capable of breaking off big plays either by running or receiving passes. Carter can perform out of any scheme, but would be more dynamic in spread formations. Teams like Philadelphia, Carolina and Tennessee might be interested in him as a day two selection.

COMPARISON:

J.K. Dobbins

"},{"index":4,"title":"Javonte Williams, North Carolina","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/williams_j_USATSI_15289757.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1615405967,"caption":"

SIZE:

Height: 5-foot-10
Weight: 220 lbs

UPSIDE:

Arguably one of the best backs in the country (according to Pro Football Focus), Williams led the nation with the most avoided tackles (75). Williams plays to his size utilizing his stout frame to break tackles and carry defenders for extra yardage. Although he runs with toughness, Williams has just enough wiggle to make opponents miss, or slide off tackles with underrated effectiveness. His thick lower torso generates sufficient power, creating a solid base to balance usage when running and blocking. Williams sports NFL level awareness to contribute in the passing game on screens and passes into the flats. Basically, he does everything required of a feature back, whether its running, catching or blocking on any given play.

DOWNSIDE:

Williams is a complete back, but he is not exceptionally athletic or explosive. He may rack up several runs of 10 or more yards, but will not break off many 20 yards plus gains downfield. Williams may often be caught from behind at the next level. Williams' decisiveness is obvious, but he could improve his spatial awareness more and expand his peripheral vision along the line of scrimmage. Williams will also need to develop better patience as a runner in the NFL, too.

LIKELY SCENARIO:

Williams is a no nonsense type of back, who gets vertical quickly and showcases a great desire to score touchdowns. He is scheme friendly and could play for any number of organizations, like...CHICAGO, Pittsburgh or the Jets.

COMPARISON:

Nick Chubb

"},{"index":5,"title":"Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/hubbard_c_USATSI_15140098.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1615406088,"caption":"

SIZE:

Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 200 lbs

UPSIDE:

Hubbard was the 2019 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, led the nation in rushing yards (2,094) and tallied seven rushes of 50 yards or longer. Hubbard is a touchdown threat from 99 yards away, incorporating instant acceleration and sustained speed making him an elite weapon in the open field. Hubbard just needs a sliver of space, or slight crease between blocks to quickly get vertical, that's when he's the most dangerous. His speed and athleticism enable him to leverage angles and motor past defenders with ease. He runs with decent patience and a reactive twitch that allows him to side step would-be tacklers and gobble up additional yardage. He isn't a great route runner, but is scary deadly during screen passes because of his world class sprinter's speed.

DOWNSIDE:

Hubbard avoids contact like he doesn't want anything to do with the physicality of getting tackled. He is more of a sprinter playing running back, displaying a penchant for maneuvering out of bounds instead of grinding for additional yards. He is an unenthusiastic blocker and flashes inconsistent receiving ability in the passing game. Unfortunately his hands have shown to be problematic when carrying the ball, having recorded 11 fumbles during his time at Oklahoma State. In order to become the premier back he believes himself to be, Hubbard will have to play tougher in the NFL.

LIKELY SCENARIO:

Hubbard's speed makes him a tantalizing prospect for any team searching for a game altering talent. Strong zone-heavy offensive schemes are geared toward Hubbard's skill set, and teams like...Houston, Atlanta and Arizona might pick him on day two of the draft.

COMPARISON:

Matt Brieda

"},{"index":6,"title":"Rhamondre Stevenson, Oklahoma","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2021-02/app-210203-Rhamondre-Stevenson.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1615406684,"caption":"

SIZE:

Height: 6-foot-0
Weight: 246 lbs

UPSIDE:

Stevenson is a powerful downhill runner with an underrated grace and agility when escaping into the open field. A keen runner in gap and power blocking schemes, he moves more confidently off of blocks as opposed to creatively setting up defenders before navigating upfield. Stevenson is a physical back who employs a stifling stiff arm when challenged by eager tacklers. He is a rugged runner whose momentum in the open field makes defenders think twice about how to engage him. Whether its bouncing off weak tackles, or running over opponents, Stevenson is agile enough to avoid contact and showcase some speed for sizable gains. Although he wasn't used frequently in the passing game, he is a capable receiver with adequate hands.

DOWNSIDE:

Like many featured collegiate running backs, Stevenson struggles somewhat in pass protection. His awareness and technique must improve if he wants to contribute immediately this upcoming season. While his size is currently an advantage, gaining additional weight would make him less effective. Stevenson may be scheme limited with his success depending on the offensive system he's placed in and the coaches use of him. He's a solid player with respectable skills, but limited upside.

LIKELY SCENARIO:

Stevenson is a load to handle and will make many defenders wince when tackling him. Initially, he seems a better fit on a run based, power blocking team such as... Miami, Las Vegas or Baltimore.

COMPARISON:

Gus Edwards

"},{"index":7,"title":"Stevie Scott, Indiana","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/2021-02/app-210203-stevie-scott.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1615406805,"caption":"

SIZE:

Height: 6-foot-2
Weight: 231 lbs

UPSIDE:

Scott is one of only three Hoosiers to tally at least 10 rushing scores in three successive seasons. Scott is a physical presence when carrying the ball and will impose his will emphatically at a moments notice. Uncompromising and unrelenting, Scott can run through, around and by defensive linemen, linebackers and secondary defenders. His stiff arm creates sufficient distance from would-be taclklers and provides adequate room to maneuver upfield. A one-step cut runner, Scott plants and accelerates decisively, wasting little time to head north of the line of scrimmage. He also showcases deceptive speed hitting with an ability to turn the corner and rapidly move upfield. Agile, though not elite athletically, Scott is a good pass receiver who can execute basic routes structured for running backs.

DOWNSIDE:

Scott isn't the most athletically gifted running back in this year's draft, but he is versatile. At times he moves through the line of scrimmage, too upright and makes himself an easy target for defenders. Scott possesses good speed, but isn't explosive, taking time to build toward his maximum running rate. At times, he loses focus as a receiving option and drops easy, catchable passes. A spirited runner, Scott, however needs to be more judicious and less reckless when it comes to simultaneous contact versus several tacklers.

LIKELY SCENARIO:

A sleeper talent at running back, who may prove to be one of the better all around prospects in this draft class. Stevenson is versatile enough to operate in any formation, and teams looking for a physical runner might choose him in the later rounds. Organizations like CHICAGO, Pittsburgh or Jacksonville might show interest.

"},{"index":8,"title":"Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/gainwell_k_USATSI_13612859.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1615406931,"caption":"

SIZE:

Height: 5-foot-11
Weight: 191 lbs

UPSIDE:

Gainwell was the American Athletic Conference Rookie of the Year in 2019 and found his way onto the 2020 Doak Walker Award (Top running back in college football) watch list. Gainwell is exactly the type of versatile running/receiving threat many NFL offenses covet. He is extremely elusive and incorporates excellent vision, footwork and balance to become an unpredictable threat in the open field. Gainwell is a multifaceted weapon whose toolbox appears limited only by a coaching staff's creativity when utilizing his varied skills. Elite lateral quickness, a receiver's spatial awareness and instinctual running acumen make him appear to be heated mercury on a marble table. Gainwell's upside at the next level is tremendous, as long as the right team utilizes him correctly.

DOWNSIDE:

Gainwell is scary good, but he needs to add more weight to his frame in order to endure the rigors of the NFL. Although he has great field vision and awareness, at times, he gets ahead of himself and blockers running needlessly into tackles. Patience is something he needs to master at the next level for sustained success. He plays bigger than his current size would indicate, and because of that he may encounter nagging injuries if he's not more careful. Gainwell is a work in progress when it comes to pass protection, so improving his technique is a must.

LIKELY SCENARIO:

Gainwell could easily be a top three running back in two to three years if he develops at a motivated pace. Any team would appreciate his skills, but organizations like Jacksonville, Houston and Seattle could make him a star.

COMPARISON:

Alvin Kamara

"},{"index":9,"title":"Trey Sermon, Ohio State","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/TreySermon.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1615407029,"caption":"

SIZE:

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 215 lbs

UPSIDE:

Sermon came on late during the 2020 campaign, gaining 636 yards and four rushing scores in three successive games (Michigan State, Northwestern, and Clemson). A thickly built runner who moves languidly through defenses, Sermon is adept at moving forward while avoiding congested running lanes and big hits. He can be physical when there is occasion to finish strongly in short yardage situations and near the goal line. For a man his size, he maneuvers with quiet, nimble feet as he navigates the best area to exploit for optimal gain. Sermon is a decent pass catcher and can be used with confidence on screen plays. A solid running back with some versatility to his game, Sermon is an excellent complimentary back to a change of pace, backfield teammmate.

DOWNSIDE:

There are times when Sermon disappears for stretches of games and that undermines him as a potential feature back. When he's good, he's very good; and when he's invisible, he's just a whispered rumor. Unfortunately, he's had to deal with nagging injuries which may play a significant part in his lack of consistent on-field contributions. Compared to several of his peers, Sermon is not exceptionally athletic, but is far from being a stiff athlete. He is a good back who should be much better than "great" for a few games a year.

LIKELY SCENARIO:

Sermon is a bit of an enigma and that may inadvertently affect his draft status. Probably a day three selection, Sermon may land on teams looking for quality depth like...Houston, Washington or Seattle.

COMPARISON:

Chris Carson

"},{"index":10,"title":"Khalil Herbert, Virginia Tech","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/slide/image/herbert_k_USATSI_15490307.jpg","credit":"USA Today","published":1615407134,"caption":"

SIZE:

Height: 5-foot-9
Weight: 205 lbs

UPSIDE:

Herbert is an "under the radar" running back that played in a conference with top tier national talent at his position (Etienne, Carter and Williams). He plays with an infectious enthusiasm which lends itself to leadership by example and quality on-field production. Herbert runs with easy acceleration and moves fluidly between potential tacklers. However, when he needs to deliver a blow to advance the yard sticks, or cross a crowded goal line, Herbert is effective more than not. He has good vision and runs with effective power and balance. He catches passes without struggles and is able to turn upfield and gain significant yards per reception. Herbert is an underrated player with potential to shine at the next level.

DOWNSIDE:

Although he runs aggressively, Herbert tends to bounce off of defenders more than running through their tackles. He has decent size for a NFL back, but may skew towards being seen as a complimentary player instead of a featured element in offenses. There are too many instances when a lone defender impedes his progress, resulting in a minimal gain instead of a bigger play. Herbert tends to struggle when forced to move laterally and that weakness could be exploited by professional defense. Herbert isn't a "risky" pick, but he is a work in progress.

LIKELY SCENARIO:

Herbert is a quality back, who's a team player and positive locker room influence. An adaptable player, Herbert is scheme friendly and may find playing time on squads like...Carolina, Houston and CHICAGO.

COMPARISON:

Mark Ingram

"}]}

2021 NFL Draft: Top 10 running back prospects