NFL
This year’s rookie crop is looking very good for the running back position. There are many running backs in favorable situations. Some of these backs will take over the starting jobs, but others will have to compete with veterans to get carries.
There are some running backs that will not see a notable amount of carries. These players are Sony Michel, Nyheim Hines, and Nick Chubb. They will hope to get a chance in year two.
Saquon Barkley
The cream of the crop this year is Saquon Barkley. He was the second overall pick in this year’s draft and was considered by most to be the best available player. Barkley will take over as the feature back in Pat Shurmur’s offense.
His only competition is the 31-year-old Jonathan Stewart and pass-catching specialist Wayne Gallman. He is considered to be one of the most complete backs to come into the league in recent memory. The only hiccup in Saquon Barkley’s ascent to the upper echelon of running backs is the Giants’ O-line which was one of the worst last year.
The Giants addressed this issue in the offseason by adding left tackle Nate Solder and drafting guard Will Hernandez. These additions should create a perfect storm for a Rookie of the Year type season.
Prediction: 250 carries, 1,200 yards, 65 catches, 600 yards, 10 total touchdowns
Rashaad Penny
The Seattle Seahawks shocked the draft world when they took Rashaad Penny 27th overall. Most considered Penny as a Day 2 pick but Seattle felt that he was worth a first-rounder. Seattle expected him to take over as the starter right away, but that has been put on hold as he suffered a broken finger that will sideline him for multiple weeks.
Chris Carson could hold off Penny for the starting role. Seattle’s offensive line is always an issue as they did not fully address it in the offseason. Penny is an adept pass catcher and should be able to take over in a third-down role if given the opportunity.
Prediction: 120 carries, 500 yards, 30 catches, 250 yards, 3 total touchdowns
Kerryon Johnson
The Detroit Lions took Johnson in the second round and hope that he can break their streak of not having a 100-yard rusher since 2013. Johnson definitely has the talent to take control of Detroit’s backfield.
He is very elusive and one of the better pass-catchers coming out of college. Johnson could take hold of the third-down role but will have to beat out LeGarrette Blount and Ameer Abdullah for early-down carries.
He is also in competition with one of the best pass catchers in the NFL in Theo Riddick. The Lions are a running back away from being one of the scariest offenses in the NFL. If they give Johnson a chance, he will be a dark horse for Rookie of the Year.
Prediction: 180 carries, 800 yards, 45 catches, 350 yards, 6 total touchdowns
Ronald Jones II
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took Jones with the 38th overall pick and expected him to be a workhorse back. Things have not gone according to plan as he is currently behind Peyton Barber on the depth chart.
Many are concerned that he will never be a feature back as he weighs barely over 200 pounds and plays very physical. He ran a slower 40 time than expected at the combine. His 4.65 time has many questioning if he has the tools to be a star in the league.
The Buccaneers lost Jameis Winston to suspension for the first four years of the season so they will need all the offensive help they can get. Jones will run behind a very average offensive line if he can win the job.
Prediction: 100 carries, 350 yards, 20 catches, 150 yards, 2 total touchdowns
Royce Freeman
Freeman was the 7th pick of the third round and comes onto a Denver Broncos team that cut a 1,000-yard rusher in C.J. Anderson. Freeman came into the NFL as one of the most accomplished running backs in Oregon Ducks history amassing 5,621 yards and 60 touchdowns.
He came with many concerns including injury history and how much punishment he endured in his four-year college career. He is an average pass-catcher that has struggled in pass protection throughout training camp.
Freeman is in a battle with incumbent Devontae Booker for the lead back role. If Freeman can win the job, he and Kerryon Johnson can be dark horses for Rookie of the Year.
Prediction: 200 carries, 900 yards, 30 catches, 270 yards, 6 total touchdowns
