It’s that time of year again as we draw near to the pro draft coming up on April 27-29. Today we introduce Collegefootballfan.com’s Top running backs seen in action eligible for selection! Over the last three seasons, we’ve done our scouting having attended 44 NCAA football games. Would’ve been over 20 more if not for Covid-19 restrictions in 2020. Only got to attend three that season, but witnessed pro talent among six squads in action.
We note many of the players we’ve seen rank right up at the top of the mock drafts announced. Based on what we saw for ourselves, we don’t always agree with all the soothsayers have to say. They watch highlight films. We watch entire games in person. Already, we envision some of their top picks as flops. Hopefully, our photo files contain some more glimpses of a few gems we picked out on our own. Take a look for your enjoyment and fantasy league selections.
Durability and toughness sought first at next level
Regarding our stable of running backs scouted, we’ve seen a few that sit atop many a pro teams’ wish lists. In recent years though, it seems RBs have lost the luster they used to have. Other positions such as offensive tackles, EDGE rushers, shutdown DBs, and long WRs take precedence in value over runners. At the collegiate level, we don’t see many who dominate an offense as in the past, especially with read/pass option schemes. However, at the pro level, that offense leaves such QBs more prone to injury.
Pro-style offensive strategies rely more now than ever on those running backs who can pick up the short, tough yards in situations to keep drives alive. There’s still that sudden burst needed when the receivers spread that secondary apart to open up more running room. Don’t want to say that RBs are a dime a dozen, but there are a select few coming into the draft that will be sought to fill those needs make a difference at the next level. Always fun to say, “we remember when…”
Check for updates until 2023 draft for both our top offensive players and defensive prospects entering the draft on our respective pages. Among all our file photos, we may come across more after out initial reviews. Four months and 26 days until our 44th season kicks off on August 26.
Here come our Top Running Backs for the 2023 NFL draft:
