2020 NFL Draft
Running Backs
By: Alex Khvatov and Ed Hunt
Which 2020 RB prospect has the best traits?
Vision
Ed Hunt: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (LSU)
Alex Khvatov: Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)
Balance
Ed Hunt: Javon Leake (Maryland)
Alex Khvatov: Clyde Edwards-Helaire (LSU)
Speed
Ed Hunt: LeVante Bellamy (Western Michigan)
Alex Khvatov: LeVante Bellamy (Western Michigan)
Pass Catching
Ed Hunt: D’Andre Swift (Georgia)
Alex Khvatov: Eno Benjamin (Arizona State)
Pass Blocking
Ed Hunt: J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State)
Alex Khvatov: J.K. Dobbins (Ohio State)
Yards After Contact
Ed Hunt: Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)
Alex Khvatov: Michael Warren II (Cincinnati)
Elusive Ability
Ed Hunt: Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)
Alex Khvatov: Cam Akers (Florida State)
Burst Through the Hole
Ed Hunt: D’Andre Swift (Georgia)
Alex Khvatov: D’Andre Swift (Georgia)
Inside Runner
Ed Hunt: Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)
Alex Khvatov: Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)
Outside Runner
Ed Hunt: D’Andre Swift (Georgia)
Alex Khvatov: Anthony McFarland Jr. (Maryland)
5 Burning Questions
What do you think of Wisconsin RB Jonathan Taylor as a prospect?
Alex Khvatov: Taylor is the best pure runner in this class. He is a workhorse at the running back position. He has proven it during his three years at Wisconsin. He has the size, speed, vision and balance. He is an athletic back who shows patience and nifty feet. He is a powerful, downhill runner who is tough to bring down. He got more involved as a pass catcher during his junior season. However, there are legitimate concerns about him as a prospect. In 41 career games, he has fumbled the ball 18 times. You won’t see the field if you put the ball on the ground as often as he does. He has a lot of wear and tear on those tires (926 carries over three years). He will also have to improve significantly as a pass blocker. He is a day two pick.
Ed Hunt: I still think he is the best running back prospect in this draft. I’m not a fan of taking running backs with a lot of tread, but he is an instant impact starter in the league. He is the best runner in this draft with his combination of speed and power. The only reason he won’t be drafted in the top 10 is the position he plays and the amount of tread on his tires.
Will a RB get drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft?
Alex Khvatov: This RB class has a lot of depth. Therefore, I don’t think that we will see a RB being drafted in the first round this year. Teams will address other positions on day one. You can always grab a good RB prospect on day two of the draft. Look at the situation with the two running backs (Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon) that were drafted in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Injuries have taken their toll on them. Both the Rams and the Chargers have moved on from their talented ball carriers.
Ed Hunt: Yes, I think three will get drafted in the first round. I think Taylor, Swift and Dobbins are all capable of being instant lead backs in the NFL. Although this pick will not have a great return in the long-term, these three are all going to be highly sought after.
Which day three RB would you pound the table for?
Alex Khvatov: Arizona State RB Eno Benjamin is the guy that I would go with. He displays good cutback ability. He runs with power. He is a patient runner who waits for his blocks to develop. He can make defenders miss in a phone booth. He is an athletic back who displays a deadly spin move. He is a terrific receiver out of the backfield. He needs to improve as a pass blocker and needs to cut down on those fumbles. Ball security issues plagued him during his final season at ASU.
Ed Hunt: I really like Javon Leake from Maryland. He is a great runner with vision, balance and the ability to break tackles. I also think he is explosive and capable of being a home run threat. This would be the guy I would target if I was a GM because I could get him in round five and he could run the ball for me when called upon.
If were a GM, would you take a special RB in the first round or wait until the later rounds to grab one?
Alex Khvatov: An average shelf life for a running back is a very short one. You might get 5-6 good years out of a RB. If you draft another position, you could get 10-12 good years out of him. I am against taking running backs in the first round. I can get talented backs on day two or day three in the draft. We have seen plenty of undrafted free agents at the RB position have success in this league.
Ed Hunt: There is plenty of depth at running back in this draft. I’m generally not a fan of taking running backs early because I think they are only good for a rookie contract. They are not the type of guys you want to extend.
What is the number one trait that you look for when you are scouting running backs?
Alex Khvatov: Vision is the number one trait for me. You don’t have to be the fastest or the biggest back on the football field, but you have to find the open crease. Be decisive, show patience, read your keys and set up your blocks well. The best running backs in the NFL all have great vision.
Ed Hunt: I like to see that they have the ability to make the first tackler miss. The best running backs can all do this. There are plenty of running backs with speed in the NFL and there are plenty of running backs with power, but do they have the vision and body control to make the first tackler miss when they have the ball. It is the offensive line’s job to create running lanes and the running back really should just make the first tackler miss.
