The recent 2017 College Preview series covered a series of key 2018 rookie running back prospects. There are several other key prospects to monitor in season.
Chris Warren III – (8 – Capability to be Multi Year Starter)
While D’Onta Foreman won all the accolades in the Texas backfield last season, Warren was the better running back before he was injured. He was a 4-star recruit, with an NFL bloodline. He is a 240+ pound power runner with good feet. Warren recently suffered a concussion and his injury risk is mounting, but he has the talent to take a huge leap in 2017.
Bo Scarborough – (6 – Capability to Fill In Season Role, Uncomfortable in Off Season)
Scarborough fits the mold of an Alabama running back with size and big time pedigree. Scarborough’s injuries are mounting, and he had more than 19 carries in a game. Scarborough’s name is likely to be more valuable than his resume in the dynasty community because he has produced on big stages. He wore out Washington in last season’s National Semi Final before getting rolling in 2017 National Championship game before leaving with an injury. He returns to a crowded Alabama backfield with a history of injuries and suspension. With his pedigree and rushing power, Scarborough has the potential to be a day 2 pick. If he is in the late 1st round in rookie drafts it is likely too rich for is profile and he will extend other more well rounded picks further into the draft. On the other hand if he slide into the later portion of round 2, he is a potential value.
Sony Michel – 8 (Capability to Be Multi Year Starter)
Michel is similar to Alabama RB Damien Harris in a lot of ways. Both were 5-star recruits who play for running back factories, with a lot of competition on the depth chart. Michel has shown the ability to carry a workhorse type workload. In 2015 after Nick Chubb injured his knee, Michel finished the season with 20 or more carries in all but one game. Over the stretch, Michel average 22 carries, 107.5 yards, and 0.5 touchdown per game.
Most importantly for Michel’s future was the 10 pounds he gained since 2016. Listed at 222 pounds, 10 pounds of added muscle will allow him to run with more power on the interior to capitalize on his ability to set up blocks. Sony Michel may ultimately be the type of player with better skills than he is a dynasty asset. Michel could create a value in 2018 because his best statistical season will likely be 2015, 3 years before he is drafted. He could also be clouded out by healthy Chubb in terms of predraft attention.
That combination likely slides Michel into the late day 2 or day 3 portion of the NFL draft. Michel will likely settle into the 2nd round of rookie drafts. While he will be a 23-year-old rookie, his combination of 5-star pedigree, movement skills, and 220+ pound frame could create a solid value in the second round or beyond 2018 rookie drafts.
Jordan Scarlett – (6 – Fill In Season Role, Uncomfortable in Offseason)
Scarlett led a crowded depth chart in Florida in 2016. He is a violent, aggressive and powerful runner between the tackles. Scarlett frequently sheds blocks from linemen and is capable of running through linebackers and defenders. He shows a powerful upper body with stiff arms and shedding off defenders. He also has a powerful leg drive through contact and is constantly churning. Scarlett weighs 213 pounds but runs like a 230 pound back. Scarlett only has 213 career carries at Florida, so a full 2017 workload could boost his stock. He is limited in the passing game to 5 career catches.
Myles Gaskin – 4 (Single Game Fill-In)
Gaskin has averaged 232 carries per season in his first two years at Washington. His tape shows the ability to fill the role of a situational player with his quickness in the NFL. However, his lack of size or difference-making athleticism will prevent him from any long-term workhorse role. Gaskin can help his draft stock by increasing his receiving production. With less than a catch per game at Washington (25 catches in 27 games), Gaskin has plenty of room to grow. To provide viability as a dynasty option in the NFL would need a receiving role to capitalize on his ability to in the open field. He is likely a name to avoid in rookie drafts in the range of round 2.
Ronald Jones II – 4 (Single Game Fill-In)
At 195 pounds, you have four options. The first option, is the Christian McCaffrey-type profile where you possess a trump card in the passing game. The second option, is the Chris Johnson-type profile with dynamic and explosive athleticism as a rusher that makes up for power deficiencies. The third option, is to put on weight while maintaining your athleticism. The fourth option, you are worthless in dynasty.
When viewing Jones tape, he lacks McCaffrey’s pass catching or Johnson’s dynamic athleticism. Jones is only 19 years old and could potentially add weight before entering the NFL. However, he’s yet to add substantial weight, and if he added a difference making 20 pounds, it will likely hurt his raw athleticism. I expect Jones to be a name guy that will be a clear avoid player for UTH owners.
Josh Adams – (5 – Multi Week Fill In)
Adams is a 220 pound back at Notre Dame. He may have more name value than his talent would suggest. He is a get what is blocked type of runner, but is not dynamic. Adams is a ho hum athlete who runs north-south and does not run with great power. His frame and pedigree may make him a popular name over the next 6 to 8 months, but he will be a flip guy with the right landing spot in the NFL. He is in the third round of dynasty rookie draft conversation.
The Rest
Two Auburn backs to keep an eye on are Kamryn Pettway and Kerryon Johnson. Pettway is a bruiser at 235 pounds, while Johnson has better movement skills. Both will likely see increased attention in what projects to be a prolific Auburn offense.
Jarvion Franklin from West Michigan is a 220-pound back with some movement skills and Qadree Ollison is a 230-pound back from Pittsburg who will replace James Conner. Neither are big time athletes, but could fit in day 3 conversation and be flip potential guys outside of top 20 rookie picks.
