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NFL Draft 2017: Ranking the top 10 running backs

By Jordan Luth

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs for a large gain after a reception during the first quarter of the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs past Mississippi Rebels linebacker DeMarquis Gates (3) during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 38-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs past Mississippi Rebels linebacker DeMarquis Gates (3) during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 38-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2017 NFL Draft running back class is loaded with a lot of great players. There is a lot of talent at the top, and some possible gems that could be found in later rounds.

In recent years, teams have been able to find their franchise running backs, not so much in the early rounds, but in the later rounds of the draft. With that being said, Ezekiel Elliot who was picked No. 4 by Dallas and was a huge hit.

Yes, first round running backs have been good if not great, but look at teams Like Atlanta, Chicago, and Miami. Devonta Freeman (Atlanta), Jordan Howard (Chicago) and Jay Ajayi (Miami) were all taken in the fourth round or later. All three of these running backs had over 1,000 yards rushing yards in 2016.

This running back class may look top heavy with Fournette, Cook, and McCaffrey but there could be some sleeper running backs that fall in the draft. I think that there are a ton of running backs with great chances to be great NFL players that could be taken between the second and fourth rounds.

What a lot of the running backs in this class bring to the table is versatility. A lot of them are good pass catchers and are very good in space. Guys like Christian McCaffrey are also great returns. Some of these running backs will be able to make impact on their new team even if it isn’t in the run game.

With that being said, here are the top 10 running backs for the 2017 NFL draft.

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