2020 NFL Draft Sleepers: Running backs
2020 NFL Draft Sleepers-Running back
The NFL Draft is set to take place from April 23-25, with the first round starting on Thursday. We know the big names that have been circulating for weeks. Chase Young, Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa and Isaiah Simmons. But what about the players the public isn't hearing about? What about guys that could be steals in the early, mid and late-rounds? Let's take a look at five sleepers at running back.
Running backs
1)Clyde Edwards-Helaire, LSU. Draft projection: 2-3
Comments: Powerfully built at 5-7, 207. Very strong lower body. Not great in pass protection and not a burner. But also can return kicks and can make people miss. Also very good receiver. Just two career fumbles. Rushed for 1,414 yards and 16 TDs. Should be very good right away.
2)Anthony McFarland Jr., Maryland. Draft projection: 4-5
Comments: Electric runner who had a great freshman season with 1,022 yards on 8.2 yards per carry. Had an injury-plagued season in 2019 and only rushed for 614 yards. Is 5-8, 208 and can make people miss. Very explosive. Sometimes tries to dance around too much. Played for a very poor team with no effective quarterback play to make his job tougher and still was productive.
3)Darryton Evans, Appalachian State. Draft projection: 4-5
Comments: Low-D1 back who is a former track star. Came on with 1,480 yards in 2019 and 5.8ypc with 18 TDs in the Sun Belt. About 5-10, 205 so could use a little more size. Has good patience and explosion. Did not fumble the last two seasons. Talented back no matter where he played.
4)James Robinson, Illinois State. Draft projection: 4-5
Comments: Pretty good size at 5-9, 220. A workhorse of a back who had 1,899 yards and 18 TDs as a senior. FCS star who played just two FBS teams in his career. All he does is pick u positive yards. Not a burner and that will make him a lower pick. But is quick to hit the hole and doesn't go down easily. Nothing wrong with a productive back without great speed.
5)Raymond Calais, Louisiana. Draft projection: 6-7.
Comments: If you want speed, Calais is the guy. Just 5-7, 188 who ran a 4.42 at the Combine. Had 886 yards and 7.6 yards per carry at Louisiana. Will help on kick returns right away and if you8 are looking for a change-of-pace back, he's the guy. Needs to add some more bulk. Didn't return punts either.
