2020 NFL Draft running back rankings and analysis-Swift not RB1?

The final group of 2020 NFL Draft running back prospects that I will discuss in this article are guys that have a thing or two going for them, but are far from complete prospects and will need some time and development before they earn much playing time at all.

22. Patrick Taylor Jr., Memphis

Patrick Taylor Jr. is a physical runner with good vision and burst through the hole. He was most productive in 2018 and only played six games this past season.

He has decent speed in the open field and is serviceable as a third-down back. With his size and frame he should be running more physically than he does and could become a versatile back at some point in his career, but will likely not be a main, featured back for any team.

23. Tony Jones Jr., Notre Dame

Tony Jones Jr. is a compact, bruising runner who would benefit from completely adopting that mentality. He doesn’t have NFL level agility or speed but may find a home as one of a dying breed of power backs.

He is just coming into his own as a starter so he is likely to continue to improve and become more well-rounded and is sure-handed, never fumbling in his college career. He will need to make more of an impact in the passing game if he wants to become an every down back, but I think he fits best as an early-down, short yardage depth option at this point.

24. Rico Dowdle, South Carolina

Rico Dowdle is a tough runner who rarely goes down by arm tackles. He is pretty elusive in the open field just by using simple cuts and fakes. He likes to bounce it outside and has good vision and decent burst in the open field.

He doesn’t have elite speed but can finish off runs with enough space. He is good in pass protection and is a reliable receiver out of the backfield. I don’t think he has quite the explosive ceiling to become a feature back in the NFL, but he could be a three-down back-up early in his career as a pro out of the 2020 NFL Draft.

25. Deejay Dallas, Miami

Deejay Dallas is an explosive player who has experience as a quarterback and wide receiver prior to running back. His 40 time (4.58) isn’t indicative of his play speed evident on tape.

Between the tackles Dallas has good feel for run lanes and good burst through the hole. He returned both kicks and punts as a sophomore, providing just another way for him to impact the game early in his career.

Dallas is solid as a blocker and obviously still has good traits from his days as a receiver, so I expect Dallas to latch onto a team and find some sort of role on offense and especially special teams.

26. JaMycal Hasty, Baylor

JaMycal Hasty didn’t have a ton of opportunities as a between-the-tackles runner in Baylor’s spread offense, and likely won’t see much more as a pro.

However, what Hasty does well tailors perfectly to a role as a third down back in the NFL. He is very willing and effective as a pass blocker and is a good route runner out of the backfield. Check and release is his bread and butter, and will do a lot of that if he can lock in a spot in the league.

27. Adrian Killins Jr., UCF

Speed kills. And that is Adrian Killins Jr.’s game. He is BAD fast. Probably the fastest running back in the 2020 NFL Draft, but was not invited to the 2020 NFL Draft Scouting Combine.

But at just 5-foot-8 and under 160 lbs, Killins will need to add some weight to his frame if he wants any shot at a career as a running back in the NFL. Killins is not one to bang between the tackles, but if he sees a hole and has space, he’s gone.

In the NFL he could contribute as a return man right away and maybe as a mismatch against a linebacker in the slot. But he is not effective enough in pass protection to warrant a role as a third down back, so once he adds some weight he may be effective as a change-of-pace back with home run potential.

28. Reggie Corbin, Illinois

Reggie Corbin is an extremely explosive athlete who has great burst and getaway speed in the open field. He is a very small back that gets eaten up inside in the tackles and in pass protection, and doesn’t have much production as a receiver out of the backfield.

He doesn’t have a history of returning kicks at Illinois, but that seems like the perfect place for him to make an impact. He could be a mismatch in the slot against linebackers but would have to add significant playing weight if he wants any run as a running back in the NFL.

He is definitely a touchdown waiting to happen and could earn some carries here and there to show what he’s got, but I don’t see Corbin becoming a starting running back at the next level.

29. Salvon Ahmed, Washington

Salvon Ahmed isn’t overly athletic or powerful as a runner and could improve his vision at the line of scrimmage. But once he is able to get out in space he is elusive and has a nose for the end zone (he seems to score a touchdown every time I watch Washington film).

He is a good receiver out of the backfield and gets the job done as a blocker. With returning experience and potential on special teams Ahmed could fight to make a roster but I’m not sold on his NFL future beyond a depth/change-of-pace option.

30. Sewo Olonilua, TCU

Sewo Olonilua is an effective runner both inside and outside the tackles, with very good burst through the hole. He breaks arm tackles but isn’t a bruiser as a runner.

With kick returning and special teams experience, Olonilua could find a role as a pro but as a runner I don’t see as much upside as his TCU counterpart and may go undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Thank you so much for reading, and be sure to stay tuned for my wide receiver, tight end and all other 2020 NFL Draft position group rankings and analysis coming before the draft!