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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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Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) carries the ball against Auburn Tigers linebacker Montavious Atkinson (48) in the second quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Samaje Perine (32) carries the ball against Auburn Tigers linebacker Montavious Atkinson (48) in the second quarter of the 2017 Sugar Bowl at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Samaje Perine is the first head of the two headed running attack that Oklahoma has had this past year. Perine being more of a power back then his counterpart Joe Mixon.

2016 wasn’t the best year for Perine. He did still rush for over 1,000 yards, but his stats were all down. Overall at Oklahoma, he rushed for 4,122 yards and 49 touchdowns. He ran for over 1,300 yards in both of his first two years. He was never really used in the pass game either.

Perine is a tough running back that can generate power to create opportunities. He is able to take hits and keep moving. He has good downhill speed as well. All these qualities make him an interesting prospect.

He isn’t the best out of the back field. A decent check down option at best. Overall his speed isn’t the greatest either. Perine has also suffered from ankle injuries in the past that could be a factor in the NFL if he gets hurt again. Being hurt may have been part of the reasons for his lack of speed.

You won’t see Perine going in the early rounds. I see him more as a fourth round pick maybe as late as a fifth round pick.

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