NFL Draft: Biggest strengths and weaknesses of 2020 class

Strength: Running back

There are many reasons why there was only one running back drafted in the first round in 2019. Firstly, there weren’t many players worth a first-round grade, and teams were prioritizing getting pass rushers. Secondly, they knew they would be getting one in 2020.

You can get just about any type of back in 2020. Jonathan Taylor is your typical bell cow, while Travis Etienne appears to be more prepared to start on Day One. Cam Akers is a project with tons of potential, while D’Andre Swift has done more than enough to show you how good he is. Then you have Najee Harris, a player who has done great when given opportunities, but he hasn’t gotten many just yet. This year, he will see his usage rate explode. Because of this, his legs will be fresh compared to Taylor and others.

As the salaries for top-level running backs continue to rise, expect teams to look for a cheaper option in the first two rounds of the draft. There are anywhere from five to eight players who will earn a Round One grade, and that doesn’t include sleepers who have been waiting for a chance to start. At this rate, teams might be able to find a starter in the third and fourth rounds, when that is usually seen as a risk in most classes.

Although the top tier of players don’t approach Saquon Barkley, you still have plenty of players who will make teams very happy. Once the run on running backs starts to happen, look for teams to trade to snag their favorite top-level player at the position.