By: Robert Craft

TheSouthernSportsEdition.com news services

As your teams prepare for the 2021 NFL Draft, I will take a look at the top running backs in this year’s draft class.

This year’s running back class isn’t as top heavy as last year’s, which had seven running backs drafted in the top 70 picks.

I think there will be three or four running backs drafted in the top 60, followed by a handful of backs who will be targeted in the top 200 picks.

Which backs will have a chance to make an immediate impact?

1.Travis Etienne, Clemson, 5’10, 200lbs: Etienne ran really well in 2020, showing a dynamic burst, improved strength and the ability to pick up yards after contact. He is also a dangerous receiving weapon out of the backfield.

Etienne could be a three down starter and inject speed and explosiveness into a team’s ground game. On top of being very fast, Etienne demonstrates very good running fundamentals; like the patience to let the hole develop, the vision to see lanes and the posture to run behind his pads.

Etienne is not the biggest back, but he runs hard and will be the first running back selected.

2. Najee Harris, Alabama, 6’2, 230lbs: Harris has the quick, graceful feet of a much smaller back to elude pursuit, showing improved decision making and on field maturity as a senior in Tuscaloosa.

There is no doubt Harris has the ability and skill to be an impactful NFL three down running back.

Aside from his size and speed, Harris is a natural runner with good instincts. He shows excellent vision, patience and anticipation to follow his line before busting downhill.

Harris is not a proven threat in the pros yet, but his reliable skills set as a rusher, receiver and blocker makes him the second back off the board.

3. Javonte Williams, North Carolina, 5’10, 220lbs: Williams was a load for the Tar Heels in 2020, showing both power and quickness as a runner.  He may have three down starting potential for the NFL. Some NFL experts think Williams could end up being the first running back drafted in April.

Williams is a physical bell cow back who can be the engine of a tough rushing attack.  He is a downhill runner who can impose his will through sheer strength.

Williams’ strong build, knee bend and ability to run behind his pads let him break a lot of tackles and pick up yards after contact. However, Williams will need some work as a blocker and identifying blitzing defenders.

4. Kenny Gainwell, Memphis, 5’11, 191lbs: Gainwell decided to sit out in 2020 due to losing four family members to COVID-19.

Gainwell is a fast and explosive back, as well as a threat to rip off chunk plays on any touch. He also is a superb receiver out of the backfield with 51 receptions for 610 yards and three touchdowns in 2019.

Gainwell lacks ideal size and power, which leads to durability and usage concerns.

He is a versatile rushing and receiving threat with instinctive playmaking ability, projecting as a scheme-specific offensive weapon.

5. Kylin Hill, Mississippi State, 5’11, 215lbs: Hill was phenomenal in the 2020 season opener, showing serious receiving ability to help lead a crucial upset over LSU. On top of making some huge catches, Hill did well as a pocket protector.

Hill was suspended over a locker room incident, and decided to sit out the rest of the season. He has a good skill set and could become a starter in the NFL.

NFL teams have said that Hill jumped out to them and became impossible to ignore.