Ranking the top five running backs in the 2021 NFL Draft class
Who are the top five running backs in the 2021 NFL Draft class?
The running back position has certainly been devalued in recent years, as many NFL teams are perfectly happy to put together a group of low-cost backs as opposed to spending a premium on a single featured back. The days of a running back going in the top five is probably over, but the right player can still be taken early.
The 2021 NFL Draft class does not have a single featured running back who is guaranteed to go in the first round, but there is certainly plenty of talent at the position to go around. Who will be the top running backs in the 2021 NFL Draft class? Let’s take a look.
1. Travis Etienne, Clemson
The race for RB1 is close and will likely continue to be until the 2021 NFL Draft in April. Clemson’s Travis Etienne has not had the greatest season, but his skills at the position stand above the rest and also translate extremely well to the next level.
Etienne is a pure speed back who shows rare explosiveness in the open field. He is a quick and decisive one-cut runner who has elite burst through the hole and can take it to the house from anywhere on the field. Etienne also uses his explosive speed to generate some surprising power and strong contact balance.
If Etienne is ever going to reach his ceiling, he must become more of a threat as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. If he can improve that part of his game, the sky is truly the limit.
2021 NFL Draft projection: Late first or early second round
2. Najee Harris, Alabama
Najee Harris is a massive running back prospect who shows incredible natural power at the point of attack. This guy is an absolute load whose size and strength make him difficult to bring down, but his competitive toughness and tenacity as a runner make it nearly impossible.
Harris is unlikely to be much of a big-play threat at the next level. He does show some nice speed when he gets enough of a lane, but his acceleration leaves plenty to be desired. That being said, his combination of size and power cannot be ignored, and Harris has also shown some nice ability as a receiver out of the backfield. For a team looking to beef up their power-rushing attack, Harris will be the number one choice.
2021 NFL Draft projection: Late first or early second round
3. Javonte Williams, North Carolina
Javonte Williams has exploded onto the scene this season and should be taken seriously as one of the premier backs in this class. Williams shows fantastic ball carrier vision and great instincts through traffic. He has a knack for finding space and does a great job of keeping his feet moving and not allowing defenders to square him up.
Williams is another powerful back who is difficult for any single defender to bring down. He is a tough runner who shows tremendous power at the point of attack and impressive contact balance. Williams also displays soft hands and does a great job of turning upfield and creating yardage after the catch. While he is never going to be an explosive big-play running back, Williams is a rock-solid prospect who could quickly become the lead back at the next level.
2021 NFL Draft projection: Second round
4. Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis
Kenneth Gainwell decided to opt-out of the 2020 season and his 2021 NFL Draft stock may suffer from that decision. With guys like Etienne, Harris and Williams putting up big numbers, Gainwell could quickly become a forgotten man. That being said, Gainwell may have a higher ceiling than any other back in the class.
Gainwell is an extremely quick and elusive running back prospect who is slippery and explosive in the open field. He is a tremendous natural playmaker with the ball in his hands and a true weapon as both a runner and a receiver. Gainwell fits the modern NFL extremely well and will be an impact playmaker for whoever brings him into the mix.
2021 NFL Draft projection: Second or third round
5. Chuba Hubbard, Oklahoma State
I feel strongly about the first four guys on this list, but this RB5 spot feels a bit more up in the air. Guys like Kylin Hill, Jaret Patterson, Mohamed Ibrahim, Zamir White and Javian Hawkins are not far behind, but Chuba Hubbard is still slightly ahead of them in my eyes.
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Hubbard has had an incredible college career, picking up chunk play after chunk play at Oklahoma State. He is a quick and explosive back who does a great job of finding the hole and shows strong burst and impressive natural speed. His upside is a bit limited if he cannot become more of a threat in the passing game, but Hubbard is undoubtedly a talented player who has strong upside at the next level.