Top 5 Running Backs in the 2017 NFL Draft

The Oakland Raiders might be in the market for a running back in the 2017 NFL Draft. Here are the top five in the class.

With the departure of Latavius Murray, the Oakland Raiders are in need of a running back. The arrival of Marshawn Lynch seems inevitable, but if McKenzie opts to use the draft to find a back (with or without Marshawn) here are the top five in this draft class.

5. Kareem Hunt – 5’10” 216 lbs. – Toledo

Hunt burst onto the scene in the MAC as a true freshman, averaging 6.3 yards per carry in a shared backfield. Kareem followed up his impressive freshman season with a strong sophomore, leading the conference in rushing with 1,631 yards and a ridiculous 8.0 yards per carry average.

However, he fell back down to earth in his Junior season, posting similar numbers to that of his freshman year, while also dealing with a suspension as well as injuries. But he ended his collegiate year in strong fashion, racking up 1,475 yards and scoring double-digit touchdowns for the third straight season.

Strengths:

The first thing that stands out about Hunt is his outstanding ball security. He has fumbled exactly zero times over 782 carries, which is absurd. He also has a Zeke-like ability of giving defenders little to tackle.

Hunt runs hard, fast and straight ahead, and is certainly a one cut and go type of runner. His ability to pick up yards even after contact is a plus. He has a strong stiff arm, but he can also juke, spin and finesse his way out tackles — he’s truly a balanced back.

Another important trait is that Hunt’s feet don’t stop moving, which is what allows him to pickup those extra yards after contact. And he’s also not afraid of contact, lowering his shoulder and finishing runs with authority.

Going back to the “Zeke-like ability of giving defenders little to tackle” — Hunt can get skinny through creases and gaps to work his way to the second level. He also has soft hands and is capable of making catches away from his body, and he’s a willing pass protector.

Weaknesses:

Hunt doesn’t have the elite speed, agility or overall smoothness to be really devastating. His burst is slow if he has to read his blocks, when works against him. He also drops his head while in pass protection, and will need to work on that in order to be an every down back.

Kareem needs to sell play action better to give his team a chance, as LBs or DBs wouldn’t bite because he wouldn’t sell it as much as he could have. A little thing, yes, but in the NFL little things matter. Hunt also slows up when making his moves, which is a tough fix.

Hunt also handled a full workload for several years at Toledo, so his 782 career carries could be a cause for concern of much tread is left on his tires.

Overall:

He’s just fun to watch, plain and simple. While I do wonder about his ability in the NFL, if a team gets him in the third or fourth rounds, I think they get a lot of value.

Hunt graded out as a second round guy on my board but I’m not sure the NFL values runners like Kareem. So it’ll be interesting to see

NFL comparison: Robert Kelley

Film score: 76.5

Athleticism score: 6.9 (NFL average)

Final score: 75 (Round 2)