2015 NFL Draft: Running Backs That May be Busts

While running backs like Melvin Gordon and Jay Ajayi have been the talk of the 2015 NFL Draft class, other skill position stars have emerged and earned our attention during bowl season. The need for two running backs on an NFL depth chart is at an all-time high, giving the position a spotlight that’s bigger than ever before.

Here’s a breakdown of several backs that popped during the past two weeks — both positively and negatively — and have earned a spot in draft conversations.

More from NFL Mocks

Mike Davis, South Carolina

Here’s a guy that puzzles many draft evaluators on a daily basis. We understand the SEC bias in most “online scouting circles”, but Davis has received praise that would leave you to believe he’s a highly coveted, top-tier prospect in this year’s class.

While he does use his big, stocky frame to make things happen between the tackles, Davis lacks the ability to project well at the next level due to his underwhelming skill-set as a whole. It’s simply hard to find one major trait that is going to pop on film for NFL teams.

At the end of the day, it’s hard to trust a guy that lacks elite speed and power to make a major difference. He’ll use his good lower-body build to his advantage, but the Gamecock hasn’t proven to be anything other than a mid-to-late round prospect that needs to test well at the Scouting Combine.

T.J. Yeldon, Alabama

If you’re searching for the typical “Bama back” in this year’s class, you’ll be excited to find Yeldon as one of the headliners.

The big-bodied back boasts the ability to shed tacklers and run a consistently spirited game.

Unlike his former teammate Eddie Lacy, the 6’2″ tailback has a knack for hitting the edge and utilizing his speed and toughness to shake defenders outside the tackles.

Yeldon is a heck of a college athlete, but the “NFL fit” doesn’t seem to quite pop out on film. Nobody can deny the individual traits possessed — the problem here is finding the all-around ability to be an every-down back in the NFL.

Consistent ability to know where you’re going on every play is a must-have at the next level. For now, it doesn’t appear Yeldon possesses that trait.

Tevin Coleman, Indiana

Coleman just recently declared for the NFL Draft after yet another impressive season with the Hoosiers. His skeptics are few, but they exist — the reason many are campaigning for everyone to watch this guy’s tape and put it on a loop.

With Coleman, you’ll find an incredible ability to hit the hole on a play-by-play basis, a trait that has eluded recent running back prospects. Coleman has the jets to play at the NFL level and a great burst to beat defenders in many situations.

Don’t be shocked to see a team fall in love during individual workouts, propelling the Indiana standout to be taken higher than most project.

Other RB-related NFL Draft Notes

Don’t be surprised to see as many as four backs taken in the first round this year. (Gordon, Gurley, Abdullah, Johnson, Coleman, Ajayi)
Melvin Gordon went over 200 yards yet again in the Outback Bowl. He could sneak into the top-10.
Minnesota’s David Cobb is rising up boards. He could be a surprise Day Two pick.

Next: Check out Minnesota's Maxx Williams' Freaky Athleticism

Home/NFL Draft