The 2013 NFL Draft running back group is pretty stacked from top to bottom. It also is stacked with questions, with many of the top backs coming back from injury most notably senior running back Kniles Davis from Arkansas. Others amongst the top of the list include household name back from Wisconsin, Montee Ball.
This will be a position that gets littered with underclassmen once that time rolls around so be prepared to get used to the name Marcus Lattimore from South Carolina.
| 1. Andre Ellington | Clemson | 5’9, 190 lbs. | |
| Ellington may be the most electrifying running back in the nation right now. While he may not have classical “NFL size” the kid can play. Ellington showcased his impressive speed, explosion, and body control against Auburn and he definitely didn’t disappoint. His fits may be limited in the NFL, but he will get a job somewhere and if he can be as exciting catching the ball then he may have a very good career as a RB-motion-to-fourth-receiver type back, think of a McCluster/Sproles type. |  |
| 2. Montee Ball | Wisconsin | 5’11, 212 lbs. | |
| Ball lands at the #2 spot among senior backs. There is something going on in Wisconsin right now, and with the OL coach being let go I’m not sure the next few weeks will make Ball look very appealing to NFL scouts. Ball has a lot of miles on his legs and may only be seen as a short term investment, but if he can duplicate anything close to his 2011 campaign in the NFL he will be well worth a third round pick. |  |
| 3. Jonathan Franklin | UCLA | 5’11, 195 lbs. | |
| Through two games, he leads the nation in yards per rush (limited to anyone over 20 carries) with 10.5. He has also been productive in the pass game, earning averaging 15.8 yards a carry with 1 receiving TD. I am excited to see how he fares against better defenses, but he right now he is a dark-horse player that is turning heads. |  |
| 4. Kenjon Barner | Oregon | 5’11, 195 lbs. | |
| Barner may be too low on my list at this point, because right now he is one of the best closers in college football. With 5 rushing TDs so far, he has displayed a nice combination on strength, speed, and body control. In the Ducks high tempo offense, Barner has been instrumental in keeping defenses honest, and I could see him making the translation to an every down back in the NFL. |  |
| 5. Mike Gillislee | Florida | 5’11, 209 lbs. | |
| Gillislee is currently dealing with a groin issue, but as the Gators schedule gets tougher, the leading SEC rusher will start have to fight to keep his place ahead of the likes of Eddie Lacy, Marcus Lattimore, and T.J. Yeldon. Gillislee will need to show that he can become a factor in the passing game. With the impressive group of RBs in the junior class, Gillislee may be relegated to a day 3 pick, but a few good plays against talented SEC defenses can go a long way so he still has a chance to push his stock in to a late day two selection. |  |
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