Top 10 Running Backs in the NFL Draft

SI Staff | Apr 14, 2010

Top 10 Running Backs in the NFL Draft

C.J. Spiller

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Spiller ran a blazing sub-4.3 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, putting him at the top of the running back class of 2010. The Clemson tailback's explosiveness and great hands mean he can contribute out of the backfield, as a slot receiver, and in the return game, though there are concerns that he's not ready to be an every down back in the pros.

Ryan Mathews

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Mathews carried the load for the Bulldogs in 2009, rushing for over 1,800 yards (2nd in the nation) and 19 touchdowns. Mathews proved in his pro day workout that he can be an effective pass-catcher out of the backfield, and is known as a fierce competitor. He's projected as a late first-round pick.

Jonathan Dwyer

Damian Strohmeyer/SI

At Georgia Tech's pro day, Dwyer improved his 40-time to 4.52 after a disappointing time at the combine. Dwyer rushed for nearly 1,400 yards in '09 as Tech's "B-back," but questions about his hands and his size have threatened his draft stock.

Jahvid Best

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Best was poised for a Heisman campaign in 2009, but suffered a scary injury against Oregon State that knocked him out for the final four games of the season. At full strength, Best is a versatile speedster who racked up over 4,000 all-purpose yards in just 18 starts at Cal. But is he fully recovered and ready for the NFL?

Anthony Dixon

Shelby Daniel/Icon SMI

Dixon is big, strong, and has good hands -- he caught 56 passes and scored 4 touchdowns out of the air in his career at Mississippi State. But he possesses only average speed, doesn't block well despite his size, and his character has been questioned.

Dexter McCluster

Al Tielemans/SI

Ole Miss' McCluster is a ball of fury in a tiny package. A potential pro running back, wide receiver or return man, McCluster is a hair under 5-9, but is lightning quick with the ball, evidenced by his career average of more than 6 yards per carry at Mississippi. Expect him to go in the second or third round of the draft.

Toby Gerhart

Peter Read Miller/SI

Gerhart led the nation in rushing his senior season at Stanford, propelling him into the Heisman race. Some experts think he'll wind up as an NFL fullback, while others maintain Gerhart has the power, shiftiness, and pass-catching ability to make it as a featured running back.

Joe McKnight

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Athletic, fast, and creative, McKnight is a dynamic runner. But the Trojan tailback is undersized, doesn't have great strength, and has trouble breaking tackles. Still, his moves and quickness will likely be enough to land him on a team by day two of the draft.

Ben Tate

Gary Bogdon/SI

Though he's projected to go no earlier than the third round, Tate had a fantastic showing at the NFL Combine, where he displayed strength, leaping ability and a 4.43-second 40-yard dash. Tate is a power back with deceptive speed and good enough hands to be a threat catching passes out of the backfield in the pros.

Charles Scott

John Biever/SI

Scott limped his way through the end of his college career, finishing with just over 540 rushing yards and only 4 TDs in his injury-plagued senior season. But Scott has the size and strength to run people over in the open field, and the body to be a solid blocker.