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Top 5 Running Backs in the 2017 NFL Draft

By Tyler Dickson

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs 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 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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Sep 5, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; UTEP Miners running back Aaron Jones (29) runs against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The Razorbacks defeat the Miners 48-13. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; UTEP Miners running back Aaron Jones (29) runs against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. The Razorbacks defeat the Miners 48-13. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Aaron Jones – 5’10″ 208 lbs. – UTEP

Who is Aaron Jones? He is a productive running back out of UTEP that has put up ridiculous numbers, starting with the six he started as a freshman.

Jones broke out in his sophomore year, laying waste to Conference USA. He lost his junior year to injury but came back last year as a redshirt junior and rushed for 1,773 yards and 17 rushing touchdown.

Jones was a three-star recruit and the no. 118 ranked athlete coming out of high school, but now, it looks like he has a future in the NFL.

Strengths:

Jones has the deadliest stiff arm in the draft — if he gets that arm out it’s over for the defender. He through contact with ease, and has the mentality of wanting to run through people.

He keeps his legs churning through contact, which helps him fight for extra yards even through contact. He’s physical in pass pro will hang back, keep his head up and make solid contact with pass rusher.

Jones also has good vision and will find his lane, then explode through it. He won’t get stuck going east to west, and rather, gets north quickly. He has great receiving skills and can even go up and get it at the catch point. He has the make-up of an every-down back in the NFL.

Weaknesses:

Like many players not in a power five conference, the level of competition Jones faced is a question. On the field, Jones will need to improve the footwork in his routes to lose some wasted motion.

Hean make moves on guys but doesn’t have elite wiggle and agility. He could be more patient at times, as he will occasionally run into blocks and closed lanes. Jones is a power back runner without power back size and lacks elite speed for home-run plays.

Overall:

I just enjoy watching guys like Aaron Jones run. He reminds me a lot of Jordan Howard last year, who has great success in his rookie season.

Jones produced throughout his career and even though his level of competition is in question, he ran for 100+ yards against every power five team he faced. So that should ease any concerns about that.

If given the chance, I think Jones can be a top ten back in the league.

NFL comparison: Jordan Howard

Film score: 77.5

Athleticism score: 8.1 (elite)

Final score: 77 (Round 1 or 2)

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