It seems as though every year there is a “generational talent” at running back in the NFL Draft. In 2018, it was Saquon Barkley. In 2017, Leonard Fournette. In 2016, Zeke Elliott, and so on. While the term “generational” has pretty much lost its meaning, there is no denying that there have been some elite running back prospects in recent years. 2019 is different: For the first time in a while, there is no back getting top 10 (or top five, or even first overall) hype, and there is a possibility that no running backs will be selected in the first round. Even without a class headliner, there are still some solid runners this year. Here are the five best running backs in the 2019 draft class.

5. Darrell Henderson, Memphis

Henderson is an explosive back with a great first step and plenty of long speed. At 5-8 and 208 pounds, he is a bit undersized, but is heavy enough to break tackles and avoid going down at first contact. Henderson is the definition of a home-run hitter, but his lack of great vision may prevent him from becoming a feature back. Still, his speed and receiving ability will earn him a role on his new team, and even if they aren't nearly as plentiful as in college, there will be highlights of long Henderson runs.

4. Damien Harris, Alabama

Another member of a long line of solid Alabama backs, Harris is a strong and patient runner who never seems to lose yardage. He may not have a high ceiling due to his lack of great agility or speed, but he gives teams a very low-risk option on Day 2. He is a capable blocker and pass-catcher and excels in short-yardage situations. Harris will be a very interesting case of how much teams value potential in a running back versus what his immediate performance is likely to be.

3. David Montgomery, Iowa State

A patient and decisive runner, Montgomery has a lot of similarities to Harris. He lacks explosiveness, but he has excellent vision and power, and breaks tackles constantly. Also like Harris, he is skilled at catching passes out of the backfield and is a solid pass blocker. Montgomery's lack of ideal athletic traits will push him down the draft board, but he should be a very productive runner in the NFL.

2. Miles Sanders, Penn State

Sanders had the undesirable task of replacing Saquon Barkley, and he did a fine job, rushing for 1,274 yards and nine touchdowns in his only season as a starter. At 5-11, 211 pounds, Sanders has a good build and is an agile and shifty runner. A good combine performance that included a 4.49-second 40-yard-dash and a 36-inch vertical jump boosted his draft stock. Sanders is nowhere near as dynamic as Barkley, but he possesses a good blend of agility, power, and vision. Sanders should be a mid-to-late second round NFL Draft pick and should make a significant impact early on.

1. Josh Jacobs, Alabama

The top back in this class may end up falling out of the first round. Jacobs is a versatile player with a patient yet powerful running style. He is smart in pass protection and is a very good receiver. However, he does have a few problems. He ran a 4.60-second 40-yard dash at Alabama's pro day, which is not a great number at all. However, his long speed isn't his main attribute as a runner, so even though he isn't a burner, his draft stock shouldn't suffer too much as a result of his time.

The bigger issue is his lack of production. In three years at Alabama, he touched the ball only 299 times. This does mean he doesn't have as much wear on his tires as someone like Montgomery, but it would be encouraging to have seen him take over the feature back role from teammates Damien Harris and Najee Harris. Still, Jacobs is a complete back who should find immediate success in the pros, and will likely be drafted in the top 40 if he doesn't go in the first round of the NFL Draft.