Running Back Rankings 2021 NFL Draft

RUNNING BACK PROSPECT RANKING 2021 NFL DRAFT

Back in the days where a 4000 yd passing season was a rarity running backs went No. 1 overall in four of five seasons from 77 to 1981 (Ricky Bell, Earl Campbell, Billy Sims, and George Rogers). A running back hasn't gone first overall since 1995 (Ki-Jana Carter), who probably put off more than a few NFL teams as he became one of the all-time NFL draft busts.

The first tailback taken last season was Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who went with the last pick in the first round to the Superbowl-winning Chiefs. This year there could be no running backs taken in round #1, further illustrating the extent they have fallen out of favor in the pro game.

The 2021 running back class doesn't have too many top-tier RB prospects in it, but two stand out: Najee qualifies as one of those. He is a power back that is explosive off the blocks; he has decent hands and is comfortable catching the ball. Seen by many as the top RB prospect in the 2021 draft, Etienne has decent size for a back and is explosive and tough. He is an effective receiver out of the slot, especially after the catch - in short, he is a playmaker. There is quite a drop off after the top two, but still, the group contains a few who could make an impact in the pro game.

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LAST UPDATED: 12/30/2021

Player Rankings - Running Back

# Player Pos H/W/S Team Weight Height 40YD AVG POS RANK AVG OVR RANK Rating Summary
1

RB
Najee
Harris

6-2 230lbs 4.52
RB
PIT   Mascot
PIT Mascot
230lbs 6-2 4.52 2 32.9
90.0
The 2021 draft does not look to have too many top tier RB prospects in it - but Najee qualifies as one of those. He is a power back that is...
2

RB
Travis
Etienne

5-10 205lbs 4.40
RB
JAX   Mascot
JAX Mascot
205lbs 5-10 4.40 1 26.4
89.0
Seen by many as the top RB prospect in the 2021 draft, Etienne has decent size for a back and is explosive and tough. He has good vision...
3

RB
Michael
Carter

5-8 199lbs 4.50
RB
NYJ   Mascot
NYJ Mascot
199lbs 5-8 4.50 3 83.3
80.0
Doesn't possess elite breakaway speed, but is fast enough to gain yardage in chunks when he finds a seam. Quick feet with good...
4

RB
Javonte
Williams

5-10 220lbs 4.55
RB
DEN   Mascot
DEN Mascot
220lbs 5-10 4.55 5 87.9
76.0
Underrated blocker. Cognizant pass defender who is willing to meet a linebacker in the gap. Bowling-ball runner between the tackles....
5

RB
Rhamondre
Stevenson

6-0 246lbs 4.63
RB
NE   Mascot
NE Mascot
246lbs 6-0 4.63 13 165.2
75.0
Not truly explosive, but possesses enough speed to beat linebacker to the edge. Fights for extra yardage and is reliable in...
6

RB
Chuba
Hubbard

6-0 208lbs 4.48
RB
CAR   Mascot
CAR Mascot
208lbs 6-0 4.48 6 98.4
73.0
Doesn't possess elite breakaway speed, but is fast enough to gain yardage in chunks when he finds a seam. Possesses quick feet and...
7

RB
Javian
Hawkins

5-9 196lbs 4.46
RB
ATL   Mascot
ATL Mascot
196lbs 5-9 4.46 14 180.6
72.0
Possesses quick feet and straight-line speed but doesn't have the elite burst to be a constant big-play threat. Improving patience as a...
8

RB
Kenneth
Gainwell

5-11 195lbs 4.42
RB
PHI   Mascot
PHI Mascot
195lbs 5-11 4.42 4 83.8
71.0
Flashes initial burst and good lateral quickness to sidestep defenders or bounce runs outside with very good foot quickness. Displays very...
9

RB
Jermar
Jefferson

5-10 217lbs 4.44
RB
DET   Mascot
DET Mascot
217lbs 5-10 4.44 11 151
70.0
Bowling-ball runner between the tackles. Flashes a burst in and out of the hole. Lowers his pads and delivers a blow into the chest of...
10

RB
Jaret
Patterson

5-8 195lbs 4.52
RB
WSH   Mascot
WSH Mascot
195lbs 5-8 4.52 12 152.7
68.0
Has the feet and feel running between the tackles and in the open field. He has very good vision and patience to pick through...
11

RB
Larry
Rountree III...

5-10 210lbs 4.62
RB
LAC   Mascot
LAC Mascot
210lbs 5-10 4.62 16 187.2
65.0
Bowling-ball runner between the tackles. Flashes a burst in and out of the hole. Lowers his pads and delivers a blow into the chest of...
12

RB
Chris
Evans

5-11 216lbs 4.50
RB
CIN   Mascot
CIN Mascot
216lbs 5-11 4.50 21 219
65.0
A downhill runner who picks up momentum as he goes and does a nice job absorbing contact between the tackles - physical with good pad...

2021 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Running Back

We've compared players post combine 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.

For a much improved viewing experience (with more players) please view on a larger screen.

2021 NFL Draft Athleticism Chart - Running Back

We've compared players 40 times and weight and charted them on the scatter chart below. You'll find the 40 time on the Y-axis and on the X-axis the weight in pounds.
The exceptional athletic freaks (determined by the combination of speed vs weight) will be found at the top right of the chart while the less impressive athletes will be sitting towards the bottom left.