The running backs in the 2016 Draft Class are, for the most part, very impressive. Despite that, after Ezekiel Elliott and Derrick Henry, there seems to be a scattered view on which back would come next. The NFL Combine helped weed out a lot of running backs and really let us now focus on the top five.
1. Ezekiel Elliott (Ohio State).
Elliott is the best running back in the draft, hands down. He is a capable pass blocker, can be a three-down back, and can catch the ball incredibly well. At 6 feet, 225 pounds, Elliott is a machine and hates not having a huge workload, some even may say a DeMarco Murray-sized workload. He ran a 4.47 40-yard dash, recorded a 32.5-inch vertical, and has a 118-inch broad jump. He has tremendous vision, and can break off big runs when needed. He can change directions in an instant, without hesitation, and is constantly moving forward. Elliott has incredible ball security but has received over 600 carries over the last two seasons.
2. Jordan Howard (Indiana).
Howard has rushed for at least 145 yards in every college game he played in. Howard at 6'1", 230 lbs, is seemingly a speed back who has great vision. He recorded 16 bench press reps, a 34-inch vertical, and a 122-inch broad jump at the 2016 NFL Combine. Howard can be a factor in the screen game and should be able to catch the ball fairly well. He may not be a first round back because he is not as flashy skills wise as Elliott, but he would be a solid starter to any NFL franchise.
3. Derrick Henry (Alabama).
There really was never a competition between Derrick Henry or Elliott as the first back to be selected. The 6'3", 242-lbs Henry will be one of the biggest running backs in the league, and recorded a 4.54 40-yard dash time. He also recorded 22 bench press reps, a 37.0-inch vertical, 130.0-inch broad jump, and it took him 7.20 seconds to complete the three-cone drill. He can play in a zone, gap, or power run scheme and has a ridiculously high motor. Henry led the nation in missed tackles forced with 60, which is just a testament to how physical a player he really is.
4. Paul Perkins (UCLA).
The 5'10", 210-lbs Perkins had a pretty decent 40 time as he managed to record a 4.54 at the Combine. He has an incredible jump cut that will make any defender miss in the NFL. Perkins is a one-cut back with no directional tendencies, which will make it very hard for defenders to load the box against him. If he were a bigger player he could be in the discussion for best running back in the 2016 Draft Class, however his small frame will likely push him back to the second or third round.
5. Alex Collins (Arkansas).
Collins runs at an amazingly consistent speed, however that is his only speed. At 5'11", 215 lbs, he is a similar size to Perkins and ran a 4.59 40-yard, recorded 18 bench press reps, a 28.5-inch vertical, and 113.0-inch broad jump. Collins has impressive foot quickness and recorded 32 touchdowns over the last three seasons at Arkansas. He will be a consistent red zone threat.
There are a number of teams who need a quality running back in the NFL this season and this draft is expected to be just as deep as 2015's in terms of talent along the running back position.There are five teams in the top 10 picks who desperately need a playmaking running back, so it is possible we see several first round running backs if they begin to get selected early.