2017 NFL running back revolution: Predicting fits for the top RBs

Now for the Draftees

I won’t list them all, just some of the highlights here.

Leonard Fournette

This is a man amongst boys. He is in his own category and I haven’t rated a running back this high since Todd Gurley. Don’t sit there saying Ezekiel Elliott stuff because he has the best offensive line in football and he still had a fumbling problem. You may recall an article I put out last year that pointed out his fumbling problem that hadn’t shown yet. Yes, I knew he would be a fumbler. Anyways, back to Fournette. He has the size, speed, power, agility, and the nose for the endzone that makes him an immediate threat to anyone that tries to stop him.

Carolina Panthers, all day. Unless the Browns trade out of the top spot and take him later on, which would be a mistake so there is a high chance of it happening because let’s face it they are still the Cleveland Browns. The Panthers need to find their answer for when Stewart is done. They need a full time back that will keep defenses honest. Cam needs help. You’re welcome Panthers fans. This opportunity will get dropped right into your lap.

Dalvin Cook

He has been a pure stud for the Seminoles over his tenure there. He has been able to do it all, and do it very consistently. A nice blend of speed, agility, and more power than you would expect. He could be a full time running back, but I would expect a team to bring him with a partner to be safe.

My bet would be Green Bay making an attempt to get him. Possibly the Lions or Vikings as well depending on free agency. There is a dark horse in my opinion as well, and that is the Browns. Crowell is probably leaving, and they have two first round picks. The opportunity may be too big to ignore.

Christian McCaffrey

Stop saying he is going to the Patriots. Yes, he is very talented and multidimensional. He fits what a Patriots running back has turned into. THE PATRIOTS ALREADY HAVE TWO OF THEM! So tired of people telling me this one. His best bet in my opinion with his skill set should be either the Vikings or the 49ers. Yes, I said the 49ers. Carlos Hyde is there and he needs a better running mate to make that offense much more fast pace. With Kyle Shannahan coming in, the offense should get a nice boost and Hyde can’t do it all. McCaffrey can line up outside as a receiver, as we have seen the likes of LeVeon Bell and Tevin Coleman do this season. McCaffrey may be there near the top of round two and if he is, bet your butt that the 49ers will take him.

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The year of the running back is upon us. The day has finally come….in a manner of speaking. I expect to see quite the turnaround this NFL season. The one thing I hope to see most of all is a lot less fumbles. I coach running backs myself and the first thing I teach is ball protection. It’s more than just holding a football. You have to make smart decisions with the football. For example how high or low you run or what hand the ball is in based on your field position. What type of move you make on a defender, or how you change the ball between your hands.

All of those things play a role. As I stated above I could see tendencies of Ezekiel Elliott in college that got overlooked because of his big play ability. There were multiple times I would watch runs of his and say to myself “in the pros, that is a fumble right there. Enjoy college Zeke” and sure enough that was the case as he led the league in fumbles his rookie season. Yes he also led in rushing yards as well, but ball protection is a must.

As we move into the offseason, do your research. Find out some things for yourself. Don’t just rely on people such as myself to teach you everything. The more you learn on your own, the more of an opinion you’ll have at draft time and at the start of the season. I don’t expect every reader to be a football coach. I don’t expect that everyone is a novice who has never watched before. As long as you fall in the middle somewhere, gain an opinion and see how you match up to the experts. That is where the real fun is. Finally, prepare yourselves for a big offseason. It has been a joy coming out of semi-retirement, and you may see me back soon enough.