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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 Joe Mixon (25) carries the ball against Auburn Tigers linebacker Darrell Williams (49) in the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; New Orleans , LA, USA; Oklahoma Sooners running back Joe Mixon (25) carries the ball against Auburn Tigers linebacker Darrell Williams (49) in the second quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

The second half of Oklahoma’s two headed running attack, Mixon is an interesting prospect coming into the draft. He has had to deal with a lot of attention for his off the field actions, which has already made some NFL teams say they are not interested.

As far as the numbers are concerned, in 2016 he ran for 1,274 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also had 538 receiving yards and five touchdowns. He of course shared the load at Oklahoma with Samaje Perine. Mixon does have the ability to be a good combination back in the NFL.

Mixon is higher on this list then Perine because I believe he has a higher upside. He has great speed and can rip off huge runs every time he touches the ball. That speed makes him a consistent threat and it helps elevate his game coming out of the back field.

Mixon’s biggest issue is of course his off the field problem. This past year, a video was released of Mixon hitting a woman after she had turned him down. A lot of NFL teams took his name off their draft board after this video was released. His character as a person was questioned as well.

He did release an apology for what he did. It is somewhat unknown as to where his draft stock sits. He has first to second round talent, but he won’t be able to escape what he did and because of that his stock may fall hard.

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