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2017 NFL Draft: Top 10 Running Backs after Bowl Season

By Tyler Brooke

Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Kareem Are (72) after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 30, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles running back Dalvin Cook (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Kareem Are (72) after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Michigan Wolverines at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) runs the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) runs the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports /

Personally, I have no problem with Christian McCaffrey deciding to skip Stanford’s Sun Bowl game against North Carolina after what I saw happen to guys like Jake Butt over the past couple of weeks. Some media members have called him out, but since so many of his teammates were vocally supportive of his decision, I don’t think scouts will be concerned about his decision.

McCaffrey is one of those prospects that some will be quick to dismiss for a number of reasons, but on film he’s one of the most talented guys in this draft. His production can’t be ignored either, with McCaffrey picking up over 2,600 yards of total offense as a sophomore in 2015 while adding 1,913 total yards and 16 total touchdowns this season.

I can’t help but be reminded of players like Reggie Bush when I watch McCaffrey. He’s a dynamic playmaker who can run the ball, catch passes as a slot receiver or even break containment and take off in the return game. He has the patience, vision and burst to wait for an opening and take advantage of it to gain a ton of yards, like on this play below.

At 6-foot-0 and 200 pounds, McCaffrey doesn’t have the frame of an every-down back. However, he’s a pure offensive weapon who can be a tough guy to plan against, which could make him a key contributor for any NFL offense.

If McCaffrey somehow isn’t taken in the first round, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised to see a team try to trade up and get him early in the second.

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