NFL Draft – Running Back Rankings
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
13.) James White, Wisconsin (5’9, 204): Part of a RB rotation at Wisconsin, so he should have plenty of mileage left. White had a big week at the Senior Bowl showing great receiving skills, a powerful stiff-arm, and good pass blocking. White’s combine workouts were just mediocre, but his tape is solid and he’s one of the most well-rounded running back prospects in the draft. White’s pass blocking and skill as a receiver out of the backfield should allow him to see the field right away. If White slips to the 5th or 6th round, I think the Bears would give him serious consideration at that point in the draft. Both Trestman and Emery have stated that pass protection and the ability to catch out of the backfield are two of the most important factors in a back-up running back and those are two of White’s strengths. Draft Projection: 5th-6th round
14.) Storm Johnson, UCF (6’0, 209): Good size, agility, toughness, vision, and hands. Underrated back whose main flaw is that he’s a little slow (4.6). He also needs work as a pass blocker, but Johnson could be a very productive NFL back if he ends up in the right scheme. Draft Projection: 5th-6th round
15.) James Wilder Jr, Florida St (6’3, 232): His slow 40-time (4.86) might have dropped him to the late rounds of the draft, but he’s one of the best short yardage backs available. Wilder doesn’t have long speed, but he has a good initial burst, fullback size, and he aggressively seeks out contact at the second level. Draft Projection: 6th-7th round
16.) Marion Grice, Arizona St (6’0, 208): A natural receiver out of the backfield, with shifty moves in space, and a nose for the end zone. Grice is a versatile back who can catch, pass block, and even return kicks. He’s not powerful enough to be a short yardage back, but has a similar skill set to Matt Forte and could give him a breather occasionally if the Bears use a late pick on Grice. Draft Projection: 6th-7th round
17.) Alfred Blue, LSU (6’2, 223): Platooned with Jeremy Hill which hurt both of their numbers and keeps them both underrated going into the draft. Blue is a tough inside runner with good size, vision, tackle-breaking ability, and enough burst to break one if he can make it to the second level of the defense. He is a good receiver out of the backfield, but his blocking needs work. Blue was a fan favorite at LSU and had a tendency to make things happen when he got the ball. I think Blue has 4th-5th round talent and is a steal this late. Draft Projection: 7th round – UFA
18.) Raijon Neal, Tennessee (5’11, 211): One-cut runner with good power who would be a good fit in a zone blocking scheme. Neal isn’t flashy and doesn’t have long speed, but was very productive at Tennessee. There is a chance that all 5 of Tennessee’s offensive lineman will get drafted this year, so Neal could be the beneficiary of excellent blocking and nothing special as a back. He had a good pro day and is on the draft bubble. Draft Projection: 7th round – UFA
19.) LaDarius Perkins, Mississippi St (5’7, 195): Diminutive, but well-built and tough. Perkins has the frame of a 3rd down back, but runs with power and isn’t afraid to lower his shoulder. He has a good burst through the hole and is shifty in space, but lacks long speed. Perkins wasn’t utilized much as a receiver but showed soft hands and natural catching ability when given a chance. He’s too small to be a feature back, but Perkins could be effective at the next level with limited carries. Draft Projection: 7th round – UFA