Top Running Backs in 2014 NFL Draft

The 2013 NFL draft marked the first time in 50 years that a running back was not selected in the first round. One year later, and it looks likely that the NFL is ready to set a new trend, with consecutive years with backs not hearing their name called on day one.




There does not appear to be a marquee runner in this class, and each prospect has noticeable flaws. Even though no backs found a home in the first round last year, Eddie Lacy was still considered a first round talent by many, and Leveon Bell and Montee Ball were considered solid, high floor prospects. Instead, this year each big prospective has at least a slight bust factor, which was not the case last year.

Of course, the good news for all these prospects is that none of them will likely be asked to be a "featured back" from day one of training camp. Each will likely be in a timeshare in the backfield as very few teams tend to utilize a one-back system anymore. Each of these players has the potential to be very productive in the right system, it just depends on what NFL teams consider them a fit.

To be completely honest, I have not studied this position like I have most in the NFL draft. Due to the Vikings glaring lack of need at the running back position (at least high in the draft, for sure), I simply have not paid much attention to the running backs in college this year. Thus, I'm not going to present a short scouting report like I normally do in my rankings, just because I don't believe I'll be able to offer any special insight into these prospects. I still have my thoughts, but feel free to take them with a grain of salt.

1. Carlos Hyde, Ohio State (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'0, 230, 4.66
Draft Projection: 2nd Round

2. Tre Mason, Auburn (Jr.)
Measurements: 5'8, 207, 4.50
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round

3. Ka'Deem Carey, Arizona (Jr.)
Measurements: 5'9, 209, 4.70
Draft Projection: 2nd-3rd Round

4. Bishop Sankey, Washington (Jr.)
Measurements: 5'9, 209, 4.49
Draft Projection: 2nd-4th Round

5. Jeremy Hill, LSU (So.)
Measurements: 6'1, 233, 4.66
Draft Projection: 2nd-4th Round

6. Lache Seastrunk, Baylor (Jr.)
Measurements: 5'9, 201, 4.51
Draft Projection: 2nd-4th Round

7. Devonta Freeman, FSU (Jr.)
Measurements: 5'8, 206, 4.58
Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round

8. Charlie Sims, West Virginia (Sr.)
Measurements: 6'0, 214, 4.48
Draft Projection: 3rd-4th Round

9. Andre Williams, Boston College (Sr.)
Measurements: 5'11, 230, 4.56
Draft Projection: 4th Round

10. James White, Wisconsin (Sr.)
Measurements: 5'9, 204, 4.57
Draft Projection: 4th-5th Round

That wraps up the breakdown of the top running backs in the draft, stay tuned as we continue to break the draft down position by position before free agency!