The 2021 NFL Draft is quickly approaching, so each franchise is putting together their last-minute scouting reports in preparation. This year's class is stacked with talent throughout, as it seems to be a well-rounded group of prospects entering the league.
One position that has been gaining much attention this offseason is the running back group. Although the NFL is a passing league these days, running backs still play an important role in America's favorite sport. Having a great running back can be what separates the good teams from the bad, as the best offenses in the league typically have a solid running game.
We might not see a running back taken until the second round in this year's draft, but even so, the best available will surely make an impact next season. With that said, here are the top five running backs in the 2021 NFL Draft.
5. Trey Sermon, Ohio State
Having Trey Sermon in the top five might come as a surprise to some, but he is more than deserving of being here. He's an old-school running back who doesn't get involved in the passing game all that much. Sermon spent his first three years of college at Oklahoma, but eventually transferred to Ohio State where he played as the featured back. He finished his collegiate career with 2,946 rushing yards, 26 rushing touchdowns, 486 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns.
Sermon has the potential to be the leading back for a team, but he'll have to work his way into that role. The perfect situation would be for Sermon to join a roster that already has a solid veteran running back in place, but is likely to leave within a year or two. The Denver Broncos come to mind, as Melvin Gordon could be a fantastic mentor for Sermon while they split carries.
4. Kenneth Gainwell, Memphis
Playing two years at Memphis, Kenneth Gainwell eventually proved to be a fantastic running back in the 2019 season. He opted out of 2020, which could have hurt his NFL Draft stock, as he has only one year of solid production in college. However, during his final year with the Tigers, Gainwell ended up with 1,459 rushing yards, 13 rushing touchdowns, 662 receiving yards, and three receiving touchdowns.
His highlight reel is absolutely insane. Not only is he capable of running through and evading defenders, but he also outruns them frequently. Gainwell is the type of running back who might need a year or two to adjust to the professional level, as he has a limited amount of experience. The best fit for him would be to go to a team that operates with a committee, like the San Francisco 49ers, or possibly the New York Jets.
3. Javonte Williams, North Carolina
North Carolina has two solid backs coming into the NFL Draft, but only Javonte Williams makes the cut for this list. Williams and Michael Carter thrived sharing the backfield for the Tar Heels. Williams has been picking up steam recently, though, as he has the demeanor to be a bruising rusher in the NFL. After three years at North Carolina, Williams capped off his career with 2,297 rushing yards, 29 rushing touchdowns, 539 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns.
At 5-foot-10 and 220 pounds, Williams is built like a bowling ball. He's quick on his feet and makes excellent decisions carrying the ball. His only downfall is his lack of speed. He hasn't shown to have that breakaway speed to separate himself from defenders. Even so, Williams is still considered a top-three running back in this year's draft class.
2. Travis Etienne, Clemson
Some will argue that Travis Etienne is deserving of the top spot himself, as he was a monster during his time at Clemson. He was Trevor Lawrence's right-hand man in the backfield, providing relief and excellent pass blocking. Etienne finished his collegiate career with 4,952 rushing yards, 70 rushing touchdowns, 102 receptions, 1,155 receiving yards, and eight receiving touchdowns.
Etienne is a true dual-threat running back who will produce right away. His 5-foot-10, 205-pound frame gives him the build to be an every-down back in the NFL. He has the tools to be an elite running back in the league, as he's the closest thing to Christian McCaffrey we've seen in the NFL Draft in recent years.
1. Najee Harris, Alabama
Of course, Najee Harris tops the list. Who else would it be? Harris was a focal point of the Alabama Crimson Tide's offense since his sophomore season. At 6-foot-2 and 230 pounds, some deem him as a miniature version of Derrick Henry. During Harris' time at Alabama, he racked up 3,843 rushing yards, 46 rushing touchdowns, 80 receptions, 781 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns.
He's a bit better in the passing game than perceived, which bodes well for his future in the NFL. Whichever team selects him, they're bound to have a much-improved run game right away. He's the most NFL-ready prospect amongst his peers in this NFL Draft class has a great chance to become an immediate starter in the league. The man is a beast.
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