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2020 NFL Draft: Ranking the top 10 running backs

By Jason Truitt

MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 21: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes for a touchdown during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Camp Randall Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WISCONSIN - SEPTEMBER 21: Jonathan Taylor #23 of the Wisconsin Badgers rushes for a touchdown during the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Camp Randall Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 12: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers tries to get away from Cyrus Fagan #24 of the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CLEMSON, SOUTH CAROLINA – OCTOBER 12: Travis Etienne #9 of the Clemson Tigers tries to get away from Cyrus Fagan #24 of the Florida State Seminoles during their game at Memorial Stadium on October 12, 2019 in Clemson, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

879. Scouting Report. player. 3. Pick Analysis. RB. Clemson. Travis Etienne

Likely the fastest player on this list, Clemson running back Travis Etienne possesses out-of-this-world speed and explosion. His quickness will be on display at the Scouting Combine in February.

The Clemson Tiger averaged a magnificent 8.1 yards per carry in 2018. He’s stayed consistent in 2019, as he’s currently averaging about the same in yards per carry so far this season (8.0).

He seems to share a special connection with the end zone, stepping in for 43 touchdowns in his college career, including 26 total touchdowns alone in Clemson’s 2019 championship run. He also has quality ball security for his size with just four fumbles suffered to date during his time on the Tigers. He broke C.J Spiller’s school record of 10 rushing touchdowns in a season with 13 his freshman season.

Etienne shoots the gaps with full acceleration and can pace his vision with his speed. Breakaway speed is an understatement. He’s an impact player with a big-play threat, especially on screen passes. Takes advantage of his small frame at 5-foot-10, and utilizes the perks of the sideline when he reaches open field. Able to make multiple defenders miss.

Rising quarterback Trevor Lawrence will miss his presence when he departs for the 2020 NFL Draft after the conclusion of this college season.

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