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Oakland Raiders: Top 10 draft running backs

By Austin Gayle

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott celebrates following the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Ezekiel Elliott celebrates following the game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Buckeyes defeated the Fighting Irish 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) after the 2016 CFP National Championship against the Clemson Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) after the 2016 CFP National Championship against the Clemson Tigers at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Derrick Henry, Alabama 

Though he has regularly been projected as the No. 2 running back in this year’s class, former Alabama back and 2015 Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry falls down to No. 4 on this list due to his one-dimensional running style.

At 6’3”, 247 pounds, Henry has above-average size for the position and effectively uses his sheer mass to violently throw his body into defenders in between the tackles. Though he projects as an ideal thumper-type, short yardage back at the next level, Henry has flashed his ability to be a home-run hitter on a few long runs during his time at Alabama.

With the Crimson Tide, Henry carried the ball a whopping 395 times for 2,219 yards and 28 touchdowns in 2015.

Given his tall frame, Henry will fall victim to low tackles often. Also, Henry’s long stride and lack of acceleration doesn’t allow him to reach his top speed prior to the line of scrimmage. Without elite quickness, Henry will struggle against penetration, as he has yet to prove that he can produce in a crowded backfield.

Henry should excel as a two-down back in the NFL given his ability as a downhill runner, but he will struggle to stay on the field if he doesn’t develop as a receiver out of the backfield.

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